Our headline is an ode to the opening track of Billy Joel's "The Stranger," a Boomer masterpiece I once hated and appreciate more every day. It's also what was happening in Spring, 2021.
You almost lost me at that first sentence b/c I absolutely loathe Billy Joel. But the brain stir and reset required to do a move that makes you reflect on the full life you’ve built and inhabited, like I did when we left my beloved NYC for FL (will never not regret it), and again, in a much smaller way, sold the house in St Pete for the Clearwater condo, is so familiar. What to pack, in both cases, for who-knows-what-life-will-bring in-between days from old place to new. The worries about aging kitties. We’d lost Sid by most recent move but Dorothy was already fragile and she didn’t make it thru the 8 mos and 4 air bnbs til the condo. The photo of the 2 qats at the balcony door is everything. We have so many of our two at balcony door and big windows in Brooklyn. And looking out to backyard in St Pete. But it’s the Bklyn ones that do me in the most. So thank you for beautiful but still so sad for me (and Keith) moments of memories. Looking forward to next.
BJ was the soundtrack to our parents’ divorces, which should have been the dek but tant pis. But I swear there are some bangers on that record.
Yes it’s a sentimental thing and it’s true with animals as the witnesses it changes the experience. Losing F and P was even worse because of all the places they accompanied me.
I have come around on Billy Joel, who I also used to dislike. He's no Bruce Springsteen but there are some songs that move me. But I feel you, Maryellen.
i am such a late arriver to springsteen as well. like within the last three years and mainly inspired by the absolute perfection of the cover of born to run, which i somehow just avoided looking at until recently. and that david simon miniseries with oscar isaac.
I wait with bated breath for every chapter and, since we moved at the same time, renovated very old houses at the same time, and were making paint color choices at the same time, I feel a very visceral connection to this process. Also love the cat pic and would love your lentil salad recipe.
cook green lentils 25 mins so they're a wee bit al dente. drain them forever. make a VERY shalloty and very vinegary vinaigrette. throw in anything you want. i often do harissa and canned tuna. cherry tomatoes a win though only if you eat it all in the same serving. cut up hard boiled egg is also good.
The story, thus far, is like the ebb and flow of the tides. The emotion builds and releases upon reflection. Really enjoying your prose and looking forward to the next installment, as always.
Although I have been a witness to this adventure since the start, I still love every turn and twist.
Ladies and gentlemen: the author’s mother! Let’s give her a hand. Xoxo
Betty Ann! Lovely to see you.
Been awhile. Enjoy this over-heated summertime. xo
You almost lost me at that first sentence b/c I absolutely loathe Billy Joel. But the brain stir and reset required to do a move that makes you reflect on the full life you’ve built and inhabited, like I did when we left my beloved NYC for FL (will never not regret it), and again, in a much smaller way, sold the house in St Pete for the Clearwater condo, is so familiar. What to pack, in both cases, for who-knows-what-life-will-bring in-between days from old place to new. The worries about aging kitties. We’d lost Sid by most recent move but Dorothy was already fragile and she didn’t make it thru the 8 mos and 4 air bnbs til the condo. The photo of the 2 qats at the balcony door is everything. We have so many of our two at balcony door and big windows in Brooklyn. And looking out to backyard in St Pete. But it’s the Bklyn ones that do me in the most. So thank you for beautiful but still so sad for me (and Keith) moments of memories. Looking forward to next.
BJ was the soundtrack to our parents’ divorces, which should have been the dek but tant pis. But I swear there are some bangers on that record.
Yes it’s a sentimental thing and it’s true with animals as the witnesses it changes the experience. Losing F and P was even worse because of all the places they accompanied me.
I have come around on Billy Joel, who I also used to dislike. He's no Bruce Springsteen but there are some songs that move me. But I feel you, Maryellen.
i am such a late arriver to springsteen as well. like within the last three years and mainly inspired by the absolute perfection of the cover of born to run, which i somehow just avoided looking at until recently. and that david simon miniseries with oscar isaac.
I wait with bated breath for every chapter and, since we moved at the same time, renovated very old houses at the same time, and were making paint color choices at the same time, I feel a very visceral connection to this process. Also love the cat pic and would love your lentil salad recipe.
cook green lentils 25 mins so they're a wee bit al dente. drain them forever. make a VERY shalloty and very vinegary vinaigrette. throw in anything you want. i often do harissa and canned tuna. cherry tomatoes a win though only if you eat it all in the same serving. cut up hard boiled egg is also good.
The story, thus far, is like the ebb and flow of the tides. The emotion builds and releases upon reflection. Really enjoying your prose and looking forward to the next installment, as always.
Like it, like the pace, the story. But unclear about the move to where? I'll keep reading and see.
Thank you! It’s a serialized adventure so best to start at the beginning and all will be clear…
further to that: https://alexandramarshall.substack.com/p/so-how-did-we-get-here
Thanks. Will take a look.