We wander Paris's tiniest passageways, find the smallest house, the shortest street, and a novel Eiffel Tower souvenir. Also, a palliative care meltdown, the worst crèperie in Paris, and a podcast.
Powerful and moving and funny all at once. I love how you address us readers directly ("Are you tired of me dying?"). I'm sure not tired of you LIVING. The restaurant story is perfect for me and maybe more of us who don't want our time wasted (by toxic food, and everything else that's poison to our souls. PS I hated that movie too. Now I'm more inclined to check out "Ted Lasso" for some lighter, nicer tones). No one says you have to grow in wisdom right now; you're already so self-aware, what more do you want? Re palliative care: remember, they've seen it all. ALSO! I just read this morning that medical marijuana is legal in France if prescribed by a specialist, for certain conditions, including yours and mine. I haven't checked it out but I imagine your docs would know whether it would be helpful to you in lieu of opiates. Much love.
Dear Jennifer, what a wondrous day you had in Paris! I loved the photos of the obscure places you and Tim discovered. I am heading off to our annual County Fair to see musician friends perform on stage. Their band is called "Seagrass" true island folk songs with cello, guitar, ukelele, banjo and mandolin. I am sending you virtual blueberries I was picking at my friend MaryJane's patch! They were dripping off the branches like grapes this morning! LOVE and anti-pain KISSES xoxoxox Alison
Dear Jennifer, you are the most alive person I know, and I am so happy I have met you! You are inspiring me to live more fully. I think of you every day, and will do so for as long as my life lasts. Cannot wait to read your new book. And, of course, to see you next week.
I am so excited about your new book. It sounds like the revolution we need right now. Also, I am mad about that horrible meal. It sounds like they didn’t even try. Why have a restaurant in Paris if you’re not even going to try? Also, I never tire of your stories, adventuress and musings. Every time I am left with something special.
Thank you Lori!!! I am so grateful to you for reading. And for sharing my rage at that stupid crèperie. :-) It’s ruining Paris’s image! Might you come visit any time soon? xo
I know we could be friends ! I felt the same way about “One Battle after Another”. I never “got” it. And you will never be forgotten ! I feel you are so brave and wonderful to send Theo off to the US while you soldier on with Tim. Her memories of that time will be, well, memorable. Love you and your writing !
Thank you! It took me awhile to adjust, but it is clear to me that what matters most to me is that Theo has the chance to be happy, even if it takes her away from me. She is incredibly independent and I don’t want to keep her from growing her wings! This is what we hope to prepare them for, yes? To leave us and thrive on their own?
NO! We are never tired of you dying. Because you are living - so much more fully than so many of us without diagnoses, terminal or otherwise. Thank you for every written word flowing from your pen.
Your thoughts about a different form of revolution make me think about the 1974 carnation revolution here in Portugal. Their unified non-violent overthrow of fascism is a source of immense pride here. Oh, and you should know, you will never be forgotten. No, I'm not tired of your dying. I'm inspired by your living. Keep doing it.
Oh, now I am going to go look up the 1974 carnation revolution in Portugal! It sounds fascinating. Thank you. I love it when flowers exert their power!
Here's a book by someone you and I know (ahemmm ... a pseudonym used to protect the author) put out last year re nonviolent revolutions and Sun Tzu: https://aircraftblue.substack.com/
Thank you, as always, for sharing the intimate steps along your journey. Your honest writing underscores the importance of community, and fellowship, and we are so grateful that you keep discovering it! Your continued explorations even while in such pain are a testament to your incredible mind. I am glad that you are still able to find joy, and hope you continue to do so.
Thank you, Barbara! That is wonderful to hear. Your contribution to the community here is so valuable. I hope you are also finding moments of joy in your life.
As long as I am here, you will not be forgotten. At least as long as I am here and have my faculties. Also, a different thought: memorable as you are, I doubt this is the only plane on which you are known and celebrated.
I am so glad we connected. Are connecting. (Thank you, Janet Fitch!) Thank you Anne for always chiming in here and writing to me. It means a lot to me. Above all thank you for remembering me. I wish you could come visit!
Powerful and moving and funny all at once. I love how you address us readers directly ("Are you tired of me dying?"). I'm sure not tired of you LIVING. The restaurant story is perfect for me and maybe more of us who don't want our time wasted (by toxic food, and everything else that's poison to our souls. PS I hated that movie too. Now I'm more inclined to check out "Ted Lasso" for some lighter, nicer tones). No one says you have to grow in wisdom right now; you're already so self-aware, what more do you want? Re palliative care: remember, they've seen it all. ALSO! I just read this morning that medical marijuana is legal in France if prescribed by a specialist, for certain conditions, including yours and mine. I haven't checked it out but I imagine your docs would know whether it would be helpful to you in lieu of opiates. Much love.
Dear Jennifer, what a wondrous day you had in Paris! I loved the photos of the obscure places you and Tim discovered. I am heading off to our annual County Fair to see musician friends perform on stage. Their band is called "Seagrass" true island folk songs with cello, guitar, ukelele, banjo and mandolin. I am sending you virtual blueberries I was picking at my friend MaryJane's patch! They were dripping off the branches like grapes this morning! LOVE and anti-pain KISSES xoxoxox Alison
❤️ ❤️ ❤️ thanks for your beautiful words and soul.
Dear Jennifer, you are the most alive person I know, and I am so happy I have met you! You are inspiring me to live more fully. I think of you every day, and will do so for as long as my life lasts. Cannot wait to read your new book. And, of course, to see you next week.
YOU inspire ME! You have led an impressive life already! I am very grateful to have you as a friend. A très bientôt!
I am so excited about your new book. It sounds like the revolution we need right now. Also, I am mad about that horrible meal. It sounds like they didn’t even try. Why have a restaurant in Paris if you’re not even going to try? Also, I never tire of your stories, adventuress and musings. Every time I am left with something special.
Thank you Lori!!! I am so grateful to you for reading. And for sharing my rage at that stupid crèperie. :-) It’s ruining Paris’s image! Might you come visit any time soon? xo
I know we could be friends ! I felt the same way about “One Battle after Another”. I never “got” it. And you will never be forgotten ! I feel you are so brave and wonderful to send Theo off to the US while you soldier on with Tim. Her memories of that time will be, well, memorable. Love you and your writing !
Thank you! It took me awhile to adjust, but it is clear to me that what matters most to me is that Theo has the chance to be happy, even if it takes her away from me. She is incredibly independent and I don’t want to keep her from growing her wings! This is what we hope to prepare them for, yes? To leave us and thrive on their own?
NO! We are never tired of you dying. Because you are living - so much more fully than so many of us without diagnoses, terminal or otherwise. Thank you for every written word flowing from your pen.
Yay! Thank you. It makes me immeasurably happy to hear this. Thank you for reading and for remembering and for being so kind.
Your thoughts about a different form of revolution make me think about the 1974 carnation revolution here in Portugal. Their unified non-violent overthrow of fascism is a source of immense pride here. Oh, and you should know, you will never be forgotten. No, I'm not tired of your dying. I'm inspired by your living. Keep doing it.
Oh, now I am going to go look up the 1974 carnation revolution in Portugal! It sounds fascinating. Thank you. I love it when flowers exert their power!
Here's a book by someone you and I know (ahemmm ... a pseudonym used to protect the author) put out last year re nonviolent revolutions and Sun Tzu: https://aircraftblue.substack.com/
I just love your voice. Your perspective. Your honesty. I just love you, my dear friend.
I love you back! Miss you already.
Thrilled you have a novel coming out. I can't wait to read it. You live more while dying than anyone I've known.
Thank you! It would be truly amazing if I am around for the launch.... And thank you for your friendship and support. xo
I love reading about your wanderings with Tim in Paris, your literary plans and news from Theo.
It is all so beautiful, and i send you much love, friend.
Thank you, dearest Elizabeth! I would love to hear about your own ramblings and adventures in New Mexico. Zoom sometime? xo
Thank you, as always, for sharing the intimate steps along your journey. Your honest writing underscores the importance of community, and fellowship, and we are so grateful that you keep discovering it! Your continued explorations even while in such pain are a testament to your incredible mind. I am glad that you are still able to find joy, and hope you continue to do so.
Thank you, Barbara! That is wonderful to hear. Your contribution to the community here is so valuable. I hope you are also finding moments of joy in your life.
Powerful writing as always by Jennifer Steil. She brings readers to the core of things, the essential. Raw, honest, clever and memorable.
Aw, you're making me blush! Thank you. I am glad you are here!
As long as I am here, you will not be forgotten. At least as long as I am here and have my faculties. Also, a different thought: memorable as you are, I doubt this is the only plane on which you are known and celebrated.
I am so glad we connected. Are connecting. (Thank you, Janet Fitch!) Thank you Anne for always chiming in here and writing to me. It means a lot to me. Above all thank you for remembering me. I wish you could come visit!
Me too!
Absolutely!