That Place You Love: Real People. Real Stories.
Round-Up on Tribute; Next-Up Money. Taking risks in safe places (like TPYL).
I nearly called my therapist…
On Monday, I wrote about the Boston Marathon bombing and me. I’m loathe to turn the tragedy of others into my personal story, but I wanted to write about it on the 10th anniversary. I have a personal, albeit distant, connection to the event.
But… it made me uncomfortable to post what I wrote.
Afterwards, I wanted a drink.
I wanted to call my therapist who I hadn’t seen in 20 years!
I walked the dog instead.
And took deep breaths.
Focused on the sun streaming through the rows of poplar trees.
Tufts of pollen rolling around like snowballs.
It was going to be okay.
The world was fine regardless of my post.
Then I remembered the point of this experiment.
To take risks!
To write what makes us uncomfortable through the lens of truth & love.
I’m grateful for the 6 Contributors who risked it, too.
If you’re reading this for the first time…
And want to know more about the ZINE’s mission, go to ABOUT or FORUM on the Substack platform or read the introductory post I WAS AN EASY LIAR.
Round Up on Tribute & New Prompt - Money - below!
In week 15 of That Place You Love…
Our theme was TRIBUTE through the lens of truth.
It was a bit tricky to propose this prompt. It wasn’t about writing a tribute for someone but rather how you have paid tribute through action.
I wrote about dedicating my marathon to the victims of a tragedy two weeks after it occurred and learning the difference between intention and reality.
(in reverse order of appearance, for fun)
Wynn Tu set the record straight about artistic appropriation, cultural adjacency and the moneyed influence of outsiders stealing from a history that isn’t theirs.
Amelia wrote about inheriting a legacy of artwork and dedicating decades to getting it seen by an audience and acknowledged by the art world.
Lisa H threw down truth about establishing personal boundaries by saying ‘Yes’ to love and ‘No’ to sacrifice of her or anyone’s well-being.
Intact Animal wrote about winning best costume for the Ewok suit his mom made and that giving that little extra effort is worth it when paying tribute to what you do.
Tabitha B recalled the televised tribute for the Queen’s death and realized the memories were looped. Why didn’t she ask her own grandma about that era while she was still alive?
Carole D wrote about paying tribute to the longevity of relationships no matter how late in life… chocolate cake & maple syrup frosting recipe requested, please!
READ & HEART these writers & SHARE your own story in the comments.
Next Up: Money
On Monday, I’ll write about MONEY through the lens of truth and see what I come up with as a prompt.
US Taxes were due April 18. I have a ritual of binge watching Barney Miller while revisiting my expenses of the past year. I’m always surprised by how banal my decision-making looks as numbers on the page.
Money has deep roots in how we navigate our everyday and consider our future.
Consider where MONEY takes you and share on Monday!
Subscriber Housekeeping
If you would like to continue receiving flash (3 mins) true stories & prompts about truth, lies, and the gray area in between, do nothing.
If you know someone who would enjoy being nudged into writing in a comment-free, all-are-welcomed zone, pass this along.
If your inbox is overburdened and you just can’t take one more newsletter, deactivate or unsubscribe below.
I won’t take it personally. Honest.
More to come on Monday….
Have a great weekend.
Sincerely, for real.
Michelle
My mother's recipes for chocolate cake and creamy frosting:
Chocolate Cake
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla
1 2/3 cup flour (sifted)
1/3 cup cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
Grease and flour pan(s). Cream sugar and shortening, add eggs, buttermilk and vanilla. Sift together flour, cocoa, soda and salt and add. Mix well. 350 degree F oven for 25 minutes or so... depending on the size of pan: 2 layer or 1 13"x9"
Creamy Frosting (for 2, 8-9" layers or a 13x9)
2 3/4 cup confectioners sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup shortening
2 tsp vanilla
Beat confectioners sugar, salt and egg, add syrup then shortening and vanilla, mixing until smooth and creamy. If needed, add more sugar to thicken or water to thin until spreading consistency.