We ARE everywhere! Except in fiction... my goal is to change that.
That's why I wrote "Aphrodite's Pen: The Power of Writing Erotica after Midlife" (North Atlantic Books, 2019). That's why right now I'm editing my next book, "Write & Sell a Well-Seasoned Romance." Let's create new stories that push back on the dominant paradigm!
I’m so happy to have found you today, Leanne. I just turned 52 on the 1st of December and I’m feeling... LOST. But also I feel grateful and fortunate to be able to share in your journey; thank you so much for sharing it! Happy 64th from your new friend in Alaska 😉
My mother passed away this year less than three weeks short of her 99th birthday. There ain’t no way I’m getting close to that. But, Happy 64th, Leanne.
What I think? I think I need this right now. At times I feel like I'm on top of the world, having come through so many painful experiences, surviving and thriving because I had great friends, song lyrics, and writers (you introduced me to Anne Lamott, remember?) to help me through. But so often I feel stuck, my age and my heavy heart more like albatrosses than Athena's owl. I'm still learning how to be a feminist, how to treasure the wrinkles showing up at the edges of my eyes, and how to not be afraid about becoming redundant, unlovable, unneeded because I'm not twenty or thirty anymore. Or even forty.
I know that you, out of all the people in my life, saw me--really saw me--in that most vulnerable stage of new motherhood when my identity felt like it was being eroded away. You always said that I should "Be fiercely on my own side." No one had ever talked to me that way before. You came to my door when my depression kept me from picking up the phone. You taught me how to be a sister.
So, soon-to-be 48-year-old Becca is here to read what you have to say. I don't know if I'd say I'm in that sub-stack, but I am absolutely looking for the iteration of Becca who is.
Leanne, NEVER lie about your age. 71-year old here and despite the scrapes and bruises I have gone through in those years, I celebrate my life and every single year God has so graciously given me. No apologizing, just the sometimes stern cold water of reality. Blessings on your life, Leanne. You are needed! Wendy Williams
Oh how I've missed your writing! Welcome back!
Proud of you, LK, and happy to be here and on this earth 64 years. Keen
Leanne
Just became 90
Still tidy my home
Still drive my mini
Still happy and full of joy
So be the the life of an optimist
Happy 90th, Ruth!
We ARE everywhere! Except in fiction... my goal is to change that.
That's why I wrote "Aphrodite's Pen: The Power of Writing Erotica after Midlife" (North Atlantic Books, 2019). That's why right now I'm editing my next book, "Write & Sell a Well-Seasoned Romance." Let's create new stories that push back on the dominant paradigm!
Hi, Stella. Thanks for subscribing and good luck with changing that paradigm!
I’m so happy to have found you today, Leanne. I just turned 52 on the 1st of December and I’m feeling... LOST. But also I feel grateful and fortunate to be able to share in your journey; thank you so much for sharing it! Happy 64th from your new friend in Alaska 😉
My mother passed away this year less than three weeks short of her 99th birthday. There ain’t no way I’m getting close to that. But, Happy 64th, Leanne.
Thanks, Andrew.
I am in! Cannot wait to join you here and with our feet at Elmwood!
Yes! Sending light.
Shine that light! I’m here for it!
Becca! Thank you SO much -- eager to hear what you think. And missing you, as ever, especially during this singing season. xoxo, L.
What I think? I think I need this right now. At times I feel like I'm on top of the world, having come through so many painful experiences, surviving and thriving because I had great friends, song lyrics, and writers (you introduced me to Anne Lamott, remember?) to help me through. But so often I feel stuck, my age and my heavy heart more like albatrosses than Athena's owl. I'm still learning how to be a feminist, how to treasure the wrinkles showing up at the edges of my eyes, and how to not be afraid about becoming redundant, unlovable, unneeded because I'm not twenty or thirty anymore. Or even forty.
I know that you, out of all the people in my life, saw me--really saw me--in that most vulnerable stage of new motherhood when my identity felt like it was being eroded away. You always said that I should "Be fiercely on my own side." No one had ever talked to me that way before. You came to my door when my depression kept me from picking up the phone. You taught me how to be a sister.
So, soon-to-be 48-year-old Becca is here to read what you have to say. I don't know if I'd say I'm in that sub-stack, but I am absolutely looking for the iteration of Becca who is.
Love you, friend. ❤️
Leanne, NEVER lie about your age. 71-year old here and despite the scrapes and bruises I have gone through in those years, I celebrate my life and every single year God has so graciously given me. No apologizing, just the sometimes stern cold water of reality. Blessings on your life, Leanne. You are needed! Wendy Williams
Thank you, Blunt Oregon Girl, for your comment and support. And I promise never to lie about my age. After all, I just put my birthday on Substack!