I hear you, and feel your anxiety, rage, and despair. And I'm going to say this, because I was surprised by your line about calling it our "cuntry." I take issue with that. You know it's a derogatory word used against women. It's a hard insult, disparaging and cruel. And yes, all of those words define our country right now. But the majority of the cruelty is generated by men, not women, etc., etc., etc. I think you know what I'm saying. And yes to reclaiming words to diffuse their charge, but that's not what's happening with the way you choose to use it. Older gay people felt uncomfortable with us reclaiming the word queer, but that's different than the context with which you're using the word cunt. I guess I have strong feelings about this. And fuck people who abuse animals. I hope you'll take my comments in the spirit with which I intend them, which is as a dialogue, not a criticism, and I'm offering it because I'm crazy about you and your writing. I can't wait to read your memoir, I'm overjoyed for you that this is happening. You'll get great blurbs. It's all good, Katrina. xo
I hear you, Nan. It's definitely a word I don't throw around lightly. In fact, I'm not sure I've ever written/used it before. It made me a little glitchy to type it. But the word, indeed, felt cruel and disparaging, and those are the strong feelings I have about this country right now. If I could have called it a dick-try or an asshole-try and made it work linguistically, I would have. ;) There were certain words my mom could not abide, including fuck and piss. (I still can't say piss, although fuck is a standard in my daily vocabulary.) Cunt probably made her roll over in her grave. Interestingly enough, it's a word my kids' generation uses much more readily. It's one of my daughters' favorites (for context, she's 25), so I'm probably a little more desensitized to it. I thought this op-ed was really interesting: https://www.michigandaily.com/statement/cunt-a-powerful-name-for-a-beautiful-thing/. Anyway, thanks for your kind words about my writing and my memoir. The blurbs are coming in--I need to focus on the the amazing things that ARE happening versus the ones that aren't. XO
I'll read the op-ed, thanks. I understand the choice you made linguistically. Still have a problem with it, but that's my issue, not yours. Playing with words is a wonderful thing. I love the word "fuck," too. Yes, focus on the amazing things...there are a lot of amazing things. And it doesn't mean turning a blind eye to the horrors that abound. But not making myself sick is my next right thing, each and every day! xo
So much sorrow in the world…and my own futility in the face of huge evil also weighs heavily on me. The puppy situation sounds horrible because it’s so close. Um, and apart from all of that, I’m looking forward to your book.
Hearing your heart dearest Katrina. In terms of asking those to write a blurb and they choose not to. So many feelings indeed and what comes forth is those who do are the ‘ones.’ Also, trusting that your book will find itself into the hands 🙌🏼 of those needing it. I’m not sure how it happens, yet it does. Part of the magic and alchemy. Gentle and loving care. 💜🪶
Happy puppies make the best sounds in the world--I could listen to that all day. I wish these pups were happy. They break my heart over and over again. I'm inspired by you, too, my friend. XO
I'm feeling you, Katrina! It really is too much; my heart breaks daily for this world. 🩵
It's just too much, isn't it? Our hearts weren't meant to carry all of this.
I hear you, and feel your anxiety, rage, and despair. And I'm going to say this, because I was surprised by your line about calling it our "cuntry." I take issue with that. You know it's a derogatory word used against women. It's a hard insult, disparaging and cruel. And yes, all of those words define our country right now. But the majority of the cruelty is generated by men, not women, etc., etc., etc. I think you know what I'm saying. And yes to reclaiming words to diffuse their charge, but that's not what's happening with the way you choose to use it. Older gay people felt uncomfortable with us reclaiming the word queer, but that's different than the context with which you're using the word cunt. I guess I have strong feelings about this. And fuck people who abuse animals. I hope you'll take my comments in the spirit with which I intend them, which is as a dialogue, not a criticism, and I'm offering it because I'm crazy about you and your writing. I can't wait to read your memoir, I'm overjoyed for you that this is happening. You'll get great blurbs. It's all good, Katrina. xo
I hear you, Nan. It's definitely a word I don't throw around lightly. In fact, I'm not sure I've ever written/used it before. It made me a little glitchy to type it. But the word, indeed, felt cruel and disparaging, and those are the strong feelings I have about this country right now. If I could have called it a dick-try or an asshole-try and made it work linguistically, I would have. ;) There were certain words my mom could not abide, including fuck and piss. (I still can't say piss, although fuck is a standard in my daily vocabulary.) Cunt probably made her roll over in her grave. Interestingly enough, it's a word my kids' generation uses much more readily. It's one of my daughters' favorites (for context, she's 25), so I'm probably a little more desensitized to it. I thought this op-ed was really interesting: https://www.michigandaily.com/statement/cunt-a-powerful-name-for-a-beautiful-thing/. Anyway, thanks for your kind words about my writing and my memoir. The blurbs are coming in--I need to focus on the the amazing things that ARE happening versus the ones that aren't. XO
I'll read the op-ed, thanks. I understand the choice you made linguistically. Still have a problem with it, but that's my issue, not yours. Playing with words is a wonderful thing. I love the word "fuck," too. Yes, focus on the amazing things...there are a lot of amazing things. And it doesn't mean turning a blind eye to the horrors that abound. But not making myself sick is my next right thing, each and every day! xo
So much sorrow in the world…and my own futility in the face of huge evil also weighs heavily on me. The puppy situation sounds horrible because it’s so close. Um, and apart from all of that, I’m looking forward to your book.
Thank you, Mary! I hope my memoir is one that will resonate with you. <3
Hearing your heart dearest Katrina. In terms of asking those to write a blurb and they choose not to. So many feelings indeed and what comes forth is those who do are the ‘ones.’ Also, trusting that your book will find itself into the hands 🙌🏼 of those needing it. I’m not sure how it happens, yet it does. Part of the magic and alchemy. Gentle and loving care. 💜🪶
I'm all about the magic and alchemy, Joanie. Thank you for reminding me that it will all work out the way it's supposed to. XOXO
Oh, the children. Oh, the puppies. Our hearts are not meant for this.
They weren't. It's too much, my friend. We are all on overload. XO
I feel all of this. It’s exhausting. I can’t imagine hearing the puppy hounds. It should be law. But what good are laws anymore?
Our neighbors just got a new puppy. She is treated very well, and still, it is loud.
Inspired by your creativity and excellent writing life.
🌹💙🌹
Happy puppies make the best sounds in the world--I could listen to that all day. I wish these pups were happy. They break my heart over and over again. I'm inspired by you, too, my friend. XO
Yes, unhappy sounds are overly distressing. I'm glad you care. May life ease up for all of us, including the hounds.