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.

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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.

Rural Songs & Silent Runners

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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!

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More to come on Monday….

Have a great weekend.

Sincerely, for real.

Michelle