15 Comments
Feb 21Liked by Karen Sommerville

I loved that chapter about the crazymakers. They really do exist. It’s their resistance. I’ve written a piece about it that I’ll share one day soon. Meanwhile, write hard and hang in there. You’ve got a lot going on and need to give yourself some grace.

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Right!? Thank you for your kind words, J.T. Always a thrill and an honor to hear from you 🩶

Can't wait to read your piece on that!

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Huge fan of Julia Cameron and morning pages here. And you do not need any more crazymakers in your life at the moment! I'm so glad that you have the solace of your writing to turn to. We are lucky for that, aren't we?

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SO lucky, Charlotte! I’m grateful every day that I get to express myself, both here on Substack with this wonderful community, and also in my fiction. Thank you for being here 🩶

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Feb 22Liked by Karen Sommerville

Wish I could give you a big hug right now Karen. Sometimes it’s all just too much. Thinking about you guys often.

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Thank you, Erma. Truly, I feel your hand at my back. I’m so grateful for our

Decades long friendship. 🩶🩶🩶

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Feb 22Liked by Karen Sommerville

What a beautiful piece of writing, Karen. Thank you. You have had more than your share of pain. I'm sure a diamond is forming with all the pressure you have faced.

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Haha, I love the diamonds analogy, Sonia. I also love that at our respective ages, we’ve lived through the pain and have come out triumphant. You are such an example of that, my dear friend 🩶🩶🩶

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Mar 1Liked by Karen Sommerville

What a rough time you're having. I'm so sorry. It's time for the tide to turn for you. I wish it to be so, asap!

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TY, Rae 💓

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Mar 5Liked by Karen Sommerville

What a great essay! Thoughtful and sensitive. Also vulnerable, but that’s what makes good writing. It’s that personal connection.

I’m sorry for your pain—both due to your husband’s challenges as well as your family member’s. It’s life. Seems no one goes through it unscathed. The circumstances are different but we all suffer at times with losses and other hurtful experiences in our families. ❤️🤗

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Thank you so much, Diana. My apologies for the late reply. We’re currently on the roller coaster ride in ICU. Your support means the world 🙏 💓

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Mar 10Liked by Karen Sommerville

No problem, Karen. I hope to see you next time I’m in the city. Take care of yourself. ❤️ Diana

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Karen- Thank you for sharing this with openness and honesty. This sentence in particular really stood out: “Between worrying about my husband and the dreadful family dynamics, I couldn’t sleep that night. What one family member said to another still haunts me today and I think it will for some time to come. I don’t know if it’s forgivable, but it’s definitely not mendable.” There’s something very true in what you’re saying. I appreciate it. Hope you’re well this week? Cheers, -Thalia

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Karen- I’ve never heard of the word “crazymaker” before so I enjoyed learning about it in this piece. The pain-to-poetry bit is even more resonant. I appreciate you sharing.🙌🏼

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