I walk through that gossamer separation between now and then, time runs parallel rather than linear, to people and places like phantom limbs. Gone, but still they itch.
How you remember this with such clarity, especially through the haze of junk and alcohol is impressive.
Reading this, your ghosts have reawakened my ghosts. I thought I had made peace with them since I cannot change my past. But they are telling me that I have more work to do. 🌹
Oh, I didn't mean to trigger anything in anyone, Bridget. My past is always with me, but I don't have any shame about it. I like who I am now, and that was part of it. I kind of like me ghosts, sometimes it feels like I have a foot in each world, in a safe way. I can almost be a fly on the wall of my old life. Love you. Miss you.
Jodi, you and I both come from a place where “triggers” were an invitation to look inside and examine what’s broken and embrace it as part of the healing process. You don’t ever need to apologize to me about anything. I appreciate that you’re are so adept at articulating your feelings which in turn, helps others feel less alone. Thank you 🌹
This is very excellent writing. I spent a lot of time on West 57th in the late sixties, I was a student at the Art Student's League, that area was quite different but I knew many parts of NYC that were like this. Heroin was the thing back then. I was a straight arrow who did not drink or do drugs. Imaginr that. My father was an alcoholic so I avoided drinking or drugging. I was from the Gulf Coast but so many people stepped in to educate my husband and I about how to survive in the cityl I discovered that New Yorkers could be very kind underneath the gruff exterior.
How could you not? Sooo adorable. That was a sketchy neighborhood then, you need a big ‘ol fireman to feel safe. It’s the closest thing I can thing of as a hero job.
I was living in a Portland, Oregon neighborhood where a Netflix series was being filmed. I could not understand why the house they picked to flim was picked. I passed a chain link fence nearby that had a piece of paper fixed to it. On that paper was the name of the project being filmed. I Googled the name and found the film is based on a local author's book of same name...The Night Always Comes (not his first book made into a movie). I checked ebook from library and then, totally, understood why that house was picked (flim crew put a beat up chain link fence around the front yard, let the grass go wild and put junk in the front yard for starters.)
My point being if that local author somehow (?) Got two books made into something then your story can be too.
Thanks San. I had a producer friend ages ago ask for the rights to my story, but it was on me to put together a proposal to pitch the film to investors. I just want to write. I don't have it in me to business.
SO COOL!!! Check out the reshare I just did about this publication! A very nice coincidence! The sense of the sidewalk ghosts are INDEED in that place 😀
Jodi, your writing is so powerful, paints such vivid pictures and is so incredibly moving as well. IMHO These stories would be incredible as a movie or a series- so much more real-feeling and empathic than other attempts I have seen to picture this world.
Aww, thanks Sarah. I thought so too at one time, but you know, I just don't have the hustle in me that's required to pitch, followup and so on. Even just the submission proposals for books to publishers is such a huge piece of work—at least for me, at least now. The business end of being a creative, I'm just not...ambitious enough? Truth is, I'm happy to have readers because I'd write even if I didn't. And readers, like you, make it worthwhile. I love your art, so, mutual admiration society.❤️
Aw thank you Jodi, that means a lot. and I 100 percent relate to what you are saying. The inspiration and joy is in creating the work, and the business end of it is grueling and feels overwhelming. I am grateful that these days we have ways to share writing and art and music on our own terms, without needing the say-so of a publishing company or record label or gallery. Always look forward to reading your writing!
Jodi,
How you remember this with such clarity, especially through the haze of junk and alcohol is impressive.
Reading this, your ghosts have reawakened my ghosts. I thought I had made peace with them since I cannot change my past. But they are telling me that I have more work to do. 🌹
Oh, I didn't mean to trigger anything in anyone, Bridget. My past is always with me, but I don't have any shame about it. I like who I am now, and that was part of it. I kind of like me ghosts, sometimes it feels like I have a foot in each world, in a safe way. I can almost be a fly on the wall of my old life. Love you. Miss you.
Jodi, you and I both come from a place where “triggers” were an invitation to look inside and examine what’s broken and embrace it as part of the healing process. You don’t ever need to apologize to me about anything. I appreciate that you’re are so adept at articulating your feelings which in turn, helps others feel less alone. Thank you 🌹
Bless you for letting it all be told. I love how real you are. Can't wait to read more.
thanks, darlin!
This is very excellent writing. I spent a lot of time on West 57th in the late sixties, I was a student at the Art Student's League, that area was quite different but I knew many parts of NYC that were like this. Heroin was the thing back then. I was a straight arrow who did not drink or do drugs. Imaginr that. My father was an alcoholic so I avoided drinking or drugging. I was from the Gulf Coast but so many people stepped in to educate my husband and I about how to survive in the cityl I discovered that New Yorkers could be very kind underneath the gruff exterior.
Jodi, I love this- I used to live on 46th in between 9th & 10th and dated a Ladder 4 firefighter for two years ! 😳 in the mid 1980’s.
How could you not? Sooo adorable. That was a sketchy neighborhood then, you need a big ‘ol fireman to feel safe. It’s the closest thing I can thing of as a hero job.
I loved the neighborhood back then - had so much fun - you’re right, a total hero job - the entire shift was killed 9/11
Ouch. They were amazing during all that. Even the ones who survived came out damaged. A fireman friend w a lungful of fiberglass
I was living in a Portland, Oregon neighborhood where a Netflix series was being filmed. I could not understand why the house they picked to flim was picked. I passed a chain link fence nearby that had a piece of paper fixed to it. On that paper was the name of the project being filmed. I Googled the name and found the film is based on a local author's book of same name...The Night Always Comes (not his first book made into a movie). I checked ebook from library and then, totally, understood why that house was picked (flim crew put a beat up chain link fence around the front yard, let the grass go wild and put junk in the front yard for starters.)
My point being if that local author somehow (?) Got two books made into something then your story can be too.
Thanks San. I had a producer friend ages ago ask for the rights to my story, but it was on me to put together a proposal to pitch the film to investors. I just want to write. I don't have it in me to business.
I know nothing about the business but IF you find a way, let us know!
fo’ sho. ❤️
SO COOL!!! Check out the reshare I just did about this publication! A very nice coincidence! The sense of the sidewalk ghosts are INDEED in that place 😀
So sweet! Thank you!
Jodi, your writing is so powerful, paints such vivid pictures and is so incredibly moving as well. IMHO These stories would be incredible as a movie or a series- so much more real-feeling and empathic than other attempts I have seen to picture this world.
I agree.
Aww, thanks Sarah. I thought so too at one time, but you know, I just don't have the hustle in me that's required to pitch, followup and so on. Even just the submission proposals for books to publishers is such a huge piece of work—at least for me, at least now. The business end of being a creative, I'm just not...ambitious enough? Truth is, I'm happy to have readers because I'd write even if I didn't. And readers, like you, make it worthwhile. I love your art, so, mutual admiration society.❤️
Aw thank you Jodi, that means a lot. and I 100 percent relate to what you are saying. The inspiration and joy is in creating the work, and the business end of it is grueling and feels overwhelming. I am grateful that these days we have ways to share writing and art and music on our own terms, without needing the say-so of a publishing company or record label or gallery. Always look forward to reading your writing!