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

16 Comments
  • Jane Flanagan

    August 4, 2009 at 4:07 pm Reply

    This is lovely, very moving.

    I'm so excited about this new series!

  • Kelly

    August 4, 2009 at 4:08 pm Reply

    me 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 pm Reply

    As 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 pm Reply

    Amy – you rock my world.

    Kelly – I quit.

  • Kelly

    August 4, 2009 at 6:12 pm Reply

    HA! no way 🙂

    xo
    Kelly

  • Amy@OldSweetSong

    August 4, 2009 at 7:54 pm Reply

    Thanks everybody! I was so nervous about sending this. Y'all are too sweet.

  • Kelly

    August 4, 2009 at 7:55 pm Reply

    you rock, Amy!

    xo
    Kelly

  • jenX

    August 4, 2009 at 10:14 pm Reply

    Kelly,
    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 pm Reply

    oh, 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 pm Reply

    Nice 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 pm Reply

    I am completely blown away and inspired at the same time.

  • Amy@OldSweetSong

    August 5, 2009 at 5:53 pm Reply

    OMG. My mom is commenting and it is making me cry!

  • Kelly

    August 5, 2009 at 5:55 pm Reply

    as 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 pm Reply

    I am loving this new feature.

    Dangit… wish I'd thought of it. 🙂

  • The Lil Bee

    August 18, 2009 at 11:21 pm Reply

    Amy… 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 pm Reply

    I just discovered this little series of yours – totally amazing! This one os my favorite, but looking forward to more – Thanks!

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