I hadn't considered that! It's on the long side, so I'd need to do it in installments, but that's an interesting idea. Thank you. I'll send the essay soon. <3
I see myself more as an alien grasshopper than woman-washed-up-on-the-beach, but I am currently in the process of reading a novel about a girl who washes up on a beach in Cornwall. It's a haunting, poetic novel called All Rivers Run Free by Natasha Carthew. Another synchronicity :) I should pay close attention. There's something to be learned here. And I'm sorry your essay is not online at the moment. You know it means a lot me <3
Oooh, please let me know what you think of the novel when you're done! Sounds like something I'd love. And thank you for the kind words about the essay. <3 I'm hoping to publish an updated version that includes my long COVID experience at some point. Still trying to figure out who might want to run something like that.
I had never heard of Joanna Newsom's music, but I love love LOVE your poem and relate to it so much. The feeling of being a stranger everywhere you go, and even in your own body. That feeling was so strong that when I was little I was convinced I must be a changeling of some kind. Thank you so much for sharing--it's always good to be reminded I'm not the only one. We can be strange together. I'd also love to read your essay on medical misdiagnosis and misogyny.
You are *definitely* not the only one. When I was 3 I learned the tale of Kaguyahime, the bamboo princess born on the moon, and instantly felt like I understood myself. For years I sincerely expected my people to come down from the sky and claim me. When I got a little older I learned about fairies and elves and changelings, and felt that in my core, too. I am so happy to be strange together. <3 If you DM me your email address, I'll send the essay!
What a delicious gift on a cicada-bronzed morning! I feel Colleen, and your poem, so, SO deeply; so much of my childhood and young adulthood was variations on "why are you like this?" from the very people who were supposed to know me best.
Cicada-bronzed!! I'm so glad (and so bummed—this is the weird double-gift of writing about difficult things) that this resonated. I had a feeling that a good number of my people might have some similar history.
I so would love to read your essay. Did you ever think of publishing it on Substack? Thank you for being vulnerable with us. Hugs.
I hadn't considered that! It's on the long side, so I'd need to do it in installments, but that's an interesting idea. Thank you. I'll send the essay soon. <3
I’ve no doubt readers will resonate with it.
This is stunning.
I would love to read your essay!
Thank you so much, Sarah! I'll send it your way.
I see myself more as an alien grasshopper than woman-washed-up-on-the-beach, but I am currently in the process of reading a novel about a girl who washes up on a beach in Cornwall. It's a haunting, poetic novel called All Rivers Run Free by Natasha Carthew. Another synchronicity :) I should pay close attention. There's something to be learned here. And I'm sorry your essay is not online at the moment. You know it means a lot me <3
Oooh, please let me know what you think of the novel when you're done! Sounds like something I'd love. And thank you for the kind words about the essay. <3 I'm hoping to publish an updated version that includes my long COVID experience at some point. Still trying to figure out who might want to run something like that.
I was thinking about Blanket Sea, but they seem to be on hiatus. Perhaps try Kaleidoscope Magazine? They are still going.
https://www.udsakron.org/category/kaleidoscope-magazine/
Thank you!!
I had never heard of Joanna Newsom's music, but I love love LOVE your poem and relate to it so much. The feeling of being a stranger everywhere you go, and even in your own body. That feeling was so strong that when I was little I was convinced I must be a changeling of some kind. Thank you so much for sharing--it's always good to be reminded I'm not the only one. We can be strange together. I'd also love to read your essay on medical misdiagnosis and misogyny.
You are *definitely* not the only one. When I was 3 I learned the tale of Kaguyahime, the bamboo princess born on the moon, and instantly felt like I understood myself. For years I sincerely expected my people to come down from the sky and claim me. When I got a little older I learned about fairies and elves and changelings, and felt that in my core, too. I am so happy to be strange together. <3 If you DM me your email address, I'll send the essay!
Oh my goodness, I feel so seen--I love that we resonated with the same idea! And than you! Just sent you a DM!
What a delicious gift on a cicada-bronzed morning! I feel Colleen, and your poem, so, SO deeply; so much of my childhood and young adulthood was variations on "why are you like this?" from the very people who were supposed to know me best.
Cicada-bronzed!! I'm so glad (and so bummed—this is the weird double-gift of writing about difficult things) that this resonated. I had a feeling that a good number of my people might have some similar history.
I like to follow the moon. New and full. It's nice to celebrate a new beginning each month.
It's so nice! ... when I remember. Is there one phase that feels more special or connected to you?