Having read your Sunday serialised chronological memories earlier this year, very eagerly awaited by me each week, which I enthusiastically devoured and which stirred all sorts of feelings and emotions: shock and awe; total admiration for you the writer; empathy (was married to an alcoholic who died in 2000); gratitude for what I learnt from your writing; memories of those freedom days of the 70s etc etc …. I’m also loving this new ‘character focused’ approach providing more insight into the personalities who, in differing ways, touched your life so emphatically.
Frances, you have an amazing skill with the written word!
I think one of the first post I read by you was a memory lane post about Tony’s death. It moved me and I’ve tried to catch a post here and there through the last year. I’ve stayed quiet, just lurking and reading. But your life seems fascinating and there’s truly an admirable quality about you.
It's not just your excellent ability to write and conjure up visions for us readers that is so impressive; it is your honesty! I enjoy reading everything you share with people.
How else do we build trust in each other? I think writing should come from the soul and should show our vulnerabilities as well as our strengths. Anyone can write in critique of others, but writing in critique of oneself takes an authenticity that is capable of breaking down barriers and encouraging openness. I sometimes think, ooh, my life is bared, naked to the alphabettis here... but then realism sets in and my spidey sense says "They already know."
I chose not to read this until today when I knew I would be alone with my dog Stella. Surrounded by peaceful noises of our surroundings, and a snoring blue heeler at my feet while I type, I can’t find words to express how this piece made me feel. Thank you Frances for sharing. Writers like you are the reason the human race still has a chance. That’s how I feel anyway.
Poignant and inspiring as ever Frances. You have conveyed your relationship with him and his character so well. Forged you into the force you are today having already been made of stern stuff. Thank you for sharing Sunday Memories.
All of the above for me as well, Frances. I can relate so much w you. The alcoholic in my family is/was my sister. As they get older and sober the brain damage left behind by years of abuse is a whole new realm to deal with. My late husband was addicted to weed so bad that he might as well have been an alcoholic or a junkie. I believe it had to do w his diabetes as erratic blood sugar makes for erratic mood swings. He turned out to be bi as well. It was only confirmed after he passed so we never discussed it. I was about to file for divorce when he left the planet, good timing!
If you want to read other episodes from my extremely chaotic life you can find links to each chapter of my autobiography here:
https://francesleader.substack.com/p/my-autobiography
I have also written two fiction books:
https://francesleader.substack.com/p/the-nobs - a comedic look at posh people
and
https://francesleader.substack.com/p/how-hard-can-it-be-b74 - the story of Lymp Duhdashian
Having read your Sunday serialised chronological memories earlier this year, very eagerly awaited by me each week, which I enthusiastically devoured and which stirred all sorts of feelings and emotions: shock and awe; total admiration for you the writer; empathy (was married to an alcoholic who died in 2000); gratitude for what I learnt from your writing; memories of those freedom days of the 70s etc etc …. I’m also loving this new ‘character focused’ approach providing more insight into the personalities who, in differing ways, touched your life so emphatically.
Frances, you have an amazing skill with the written word!
Keep On Writing 🖌️❤️
Oh Jane, you set my hairs on end with that fabulous comment! I am so honoured you like my writing! Thank you! xx
I think one of the first post I read by you was a memory lane post about Tony’s death. It moved me and I’ve tried to catch a post here and there through the last year. I’ve stayed quiet, just lurking and reading. But your life seems fascinating and there’s truly an admirable quality about you.
Brave-(Raw)-Heart.
It's not just your excellent ability to write and conjure up visions for us readers that is so impressive; it is your honesty! I enjoy reading everything you share with people.
Thank you Frances, it brings my own painful memories. Love your writing.❤️
My life was negatively affected by a recovered alcoholic; no alcohol, but the alcoholic personality remained.
Your life is incredible, Frances.
Very sad but beautifully written!
Incredible personal honesty bravely told in a public forum.
How else do we build trust in each other? I think writing should come from the soul and should show our vulnerabilities as well as our strengths. Anyone can write in critique of others, but writing in critique of oneself takes an authenticity that is capable of breaking down barriers and encouraging openness. I sometimes think, ooh, my life is bared, naked to the alphabettis here... but then realism sets in and my spidey sense says "They already know."
I chose not to read this until today when I knew I would be alone with my dog Stella. Surrounded by peaceful noises of our surroundings, and a snoring blue heeler at my feet while I type, I can’t find words to express how this piece made me feel. Thank you Frances for sharing. Writers like you are the reason the human race still has a chance. That’s how I feel anyway.
Wow. What a gorgeous comment. Thanks a lot! xx
Thank you.
Poignant and inspiring as ever Frances. You have conveyed your relationship with him and his character so well. Forged you into the force you are today having already been made of stern stuff. Thank you for sharing Sunday Memories.
lorraine married him after you rearranged her face. some people are shameless!
Yep... it was worse than that... she got a bit of plastic surgery and stole my NOSE. I kid you not.
Frances, true to form, not many people can say that! 👃
imitation = the sincerest form of flattery :)
Maybe you already know, but this is a fantastic little piece of writing. A lot communicated in a small number of words!
Why thank you! I am glad you saw the larger picture suggested by the content! xx
All of the above for me as well, Frances. I can relate so much w you. The alcoholic in my family is/was my sister. As they get older and sober the brain damage left behind by years of abuse is a whole new realm to deal with. My late husband was addicted to weed so bad that he might as well have been an alcoholic or a junkie. I believe it had to do w his diabetes as erratic blood sugar makes for erratic mood swings. He turned out to be bi as well. It was only confirmed after he passed so we never discussed it. I was about to file for divorce when he left the planet, good timing!
💛