Word: Old Sweet Song.
I’m pleased as pie to introduce a new weekly feature to you today called Word!
I’ve sent some of my favorite bloggers each a different photo and asked them to write something about it – a story, an inner monologue, a poem. There are no rules, only creativity.
To kick off the series this week is Old Sweet Song’s Amy…
Dear Mom,
France is unbelievable. I know I said I would only be here for a few weeks but that quickly turned into a few months. And I also know you want me to come back and finish school. But to be honest Mom, the thought of that makes want to break out into hysterics. I can’t go back, not now, maybe not ever.
Have you ever set foot in a city and felt truly at home? Like, a weight has been lifted, like this place is exactly where I am supposed to be. It’s an amazing feeling Mom. I know I am in the exact right place for me right now. Don’t worry, I have a great apartment in a safe neighborhood. It’s small and old but I love it. I got a job at a café just across the street. It has a very homey feel and there are tons of regulars who make it feel like a family. My French had gotten so much better.
I explore this beautiful place, my new home (still a little weird to say), as much as I can. I am almost living at the beach. I guess I’m making up for lost time having grown up about a million miles from the ocean. Oh and I’ve started writing again. Which has been wonderful. The last time I wrote anything was before dad died. I know you think I ran away, deserted you when you needed me most. And maybe I did and that is something I will have to make peace with in my life. But I couldn’t stay Mom, I felt like I was drowning. I needed to leave, to start over, to be somewhere that wasn’t only about death and sadness. I am truly sorry though. I hope someday you can understand that I saved myself by leaving. I’m happy again. Sometimes I’ll catch myself smiling. It’s wonderful. I’m not sure you would even recognize me.
I do hope someday you’ll come visit. I think it would do you some good to get away. You’ve never really traveled anywhere. Maybe now is your chance. It’s so beautiful here.
Oh and I met a boy. His name is Adrien. Mom, I think he loves me.
Jane
Posted In guest post, word
Jane Flanagan
August 4, 2009 at 4:07 pmThis is lovely, very moving.
I'm so excited about this new series!
Kelly
August 4, 2009 at 4:08 pmme too, Jane! when she sent it to me and i read it i totally felt like i was that girl in the letter. i can't even wait to see what the rest of you come up with 🙂
xo
kelly
Jeanette M.
August 4, 2009 at 4:26 pmAs a mother of a 23 year old – I was waiting for that last line the entire time and I'm still laughing about it. LOVE this new feature. It's giving me great ideas. Perhaps sending out a photo with party invites and then read them all at the party and try to guess who wrote what – fun!
wide open spaces
August 4, 2009 at 6:04 pmAmy – you rock my world.
Kelly – I quit.
Kelly
August 4, 2009 at 6:12 pmHA! no way 🙂
xo
Kelly
Amy@OldSweetSong
August 4, 2009 at 7:54 pmThanks everybody! I was so nervous about sending this. Y'all are too sweet.
Kelly
August 4, 2009 at 7:55 pmyou rock, Amy!
xo
Kelly
jenX
August 4, 2009 at 10:14 pmKelly,
You are sooooo creative. I love all your features. I'm sure this will be my favorite of all.
jenX
August 4, 2009 at 10:16 pmoh, and to the writer – great piece. the line about catching herself smiling really resonated with me. *watery eyes*
Sally
August 5, 2009 at 3:08 pmNice idea. A way to stimulate emotions and thoughts. I loved Amy's letter. I cried – a lot. But I am entitled she is my baby.
bilzo
August 5, 2009 at 5:26 pmI am completely blown away and inspired at the same time.
Amy@OldSweetSong
August 5, 2009 at 5:53 pmOMG. My mom is commenting and it is making me cry!
Kelly
August 5, 2009 at 5:55 pmas she said, you're her baby so she's entitled to comment and cry all she wants 😉
xo
kelly
TTAGG
August 5, 2009 at 6:43 pmI am loving this new feature.
Dangit… wish I'd thought of it. 🙂
The Lil Bee
August 18, 2009 at 11:21 pmAmy… I somehow missed this the first time around. You are CRAZY, lady… this was fantastic!! But thanks for your sweet comment. You do make me smile, you know:)
PS: I would like to be Jane for a bit. Or maybe just uproot my family and move to the south of France?!
Roberta Jane
September 9, 2009 at 7:41 pmI just discovered this little series of yours – totally amazing! This one os my favorite, but looking forward to more – Thanks!