Congratulations on the birth of your blog! You’ve tantalized me with this introductory issue.
I love your thread metaphor! It brings to mind Judy Chicago's art quilts and the quilt metaphor in the wonderful 2001 book "Composing a Life by Catherine Bateson," the daughter of Margaret Mead and Gregory Bateson.
I look forward to following your fascinating story in future editions of "Unearthing the Past."
Your reflective pondering is beautifully and fluidly written, taking me through varying stages of emotions, intrigue, insight, humor, and curiosity… I need time to reflect on your questions, not because I don’t have an answer but because imposter syndrome is tapping or rather pouncing on my head, telling me I’d make a fool of myself in words that cannot be erased. There are many family secrets I need to unearth and digging up the past is like digging up bones that turn to dust as soon as I touch them (I wrote that in a poem) and it’s ever haunting. I need to get past the family “how dare you dig up the past” comments that lay a heavy load of guilt on my back, but I am old now and I may not have tomorrow. So, I am writing the memoir in silence, conducting research in silence. Am I alone here?
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Julie. That ever present imposter syndrome has been pouncing on me also, but I am trying to ignore it. These stories are important and our voices silenced too long. Having heard some of your powerful story, and the beautiful way you are telling it, I'd encourage you to continue in whatever ways feel right to you--at least for now. But know: we are here to support each other in the process.
Fascinating!
I hope you write her story even if you don’t publish it.
Something will be revealed, something will be healed. Something will be passed on that is beautiful and true.
Thank you for this exquisite piece, I look forward to tomorrow
Congratulations on the birth of your blog! You’ve tantalized me with this introductory issue.
I love your thread metaphor! It brings to mind Judy Chicago's art quilts and the quilt metaphor in the wonderful 2001 book "Composing a Life by Catherine Bateson," the daughter of Margaret Mead and Gregory Bateson.
I look forward to following your fascinating story in future editions of "Unearthing the Past."
Thank you, Patti. Love Judy Chicago (especially her Dinner Party), and thanks for the reference to Catherine Bateson's book--can't wait to read.
Your reflective pondering is beautifully and fluidly written, taking me through varying stages of emotions, intrigue, insight, humor, and curiosity… I need time to reflect on your questions, not because I don’t have an answer but because imposter syndrome is tapping or rather pouncing on my head, telling me I’d make a fool of myself in words that cannot be erased. There are many family secrets I need to unearth and digging up the past is like digging up bones that turn to dust as soon as I touch them (I wrote that in a poem) and it’s ever haunting. I need to get past the family “how dare you dig up the past” comments that lay a heavy load of guilt on my back, but I am old now and I may not have tomorrow. So, I am writing the memoir in silence, conducting research in silence. Am I alone here?
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Julie. That ever present imposter syndrome has been pouncing on me also, but I am trying to ignore it. These stories are important and our voices silenced too long. Having heard some of your powerful story, and the beautiful way you are telling it, I'd encourage you to continue in whatever ways feel right to you--at least for now. But know: we are here to support each other in the process.