Yes, one of the reasons alcoholics need to find all new friends, leaving the toxic ones behind. One of the most difficult parts of getting clean, I imagine...
.. it’s complicated .. Sharron .. trust me .. it’s a full metal spectrum - no ‘Right or Wrong’ .. but ‘peer group’ = paramount .. I’ve told Parents to Move to Australia for a YEAR .. or Lose Their Child Forever .. & ever .. amen & kumbaya eh .. 🦎🏴☠️💋
If my boy were in trouble, I would take him anywhere safe. Whether he wanted to go or not. Have to get totally out of the toxic scene in order to reset.
We were young, Ron, and the 60s / early 70s were wide open. We both experimented but didn't get so far in to have trouble getting out. We have to thank all the gods for that.
That's true, Sharron. My experiments lasted decades. It was a lifestyle. I grew out of it, finally. It wasn't fun anymore. It could have been otherwise. I've been blessed.
Step One: distance one's self. Step Two: sink or swim. It is a choice. I, myself, became a good swimmer, as did my brother. Alas, poor little Merlene didn't make the right choice... She is one of my favorite characters in Bartle Clunes.
.. thinks i read somethin of this earlier .. but it’s fresh delight in so many ways eh ! I Must say ! by stray cat serendipity chance was listening to Nina Simone ‘Live 1965 .. ‘sinnerman .. her miracle rendition of a slave days negro spiritual .. - so i read yer Post atta fast clip .. the ‘growing up.. in a real hurry .. ‼️
Thanks for reading it - probably for the second time. I post several different chapters off and on as a way of encouraging new readers to have a look at Bartle Clunes.
Yes. I lesson I learned from my own mother's trials and tribulations. I have feelings for Merlene -- she did her best. Though I did not let her win in the story, sorry to say....
We are all so influenced by the people we hang out with. I think it is even harder today as the youth seem to be less and less empathetic and are so quick to judge each other... and just be plain mean. As if there was not enough meanness in the world.
Merlene is a familiar character, in many ways…to so many girls and women, down through history. I know a few of them well. The reference to the Sears Catalog, and filling out the order form, even though you know you will never have those pretty clothes. My Gram used to call catalogs “wish books”. So many worries for such a young child! Great story, Sharron!
Thanks, sister. Not all stories have a happy ending. My book, Bartle Clunes had a happy ending, but, alas, Merlene did not. She did the best she could with the cards she was given.
It appears we gravitate toward what we have experienced. Even when leaving it behind, it's hard to break free.
partly also because we are familiar with it. Although damaging, the familiar isn't strange...
Exactly so, Jill
Hello, Jill. Yes, the unknown is so strong the familiar most often wins out. Thank you for commenting!
Yes, one of the reasons alcoholics need to find all new friends, leaving the toxic ones behind. One of the most difficult parts of getting clean, I imagine...
.. it’s complicated .. Sharron .. trust me .. it’s a full metal spectrum - no ‘Right or Wrong’ .. but ‘peer group’ = paramount .. I’ve told Parents to Move to Australia for a YEAR .. or Lose Their Child Forever .. & ever .. amen & kumbaya eh .. 🦎🏴☠️💋
If my boy were in trouble, I would take him anywhere safe. Whether he wanted to go or not. Have to get totally out of the toxic scene in order to reset.
I think the fight is within. For life to go on, you must win the fight. I've been fortunate, so far.
We were young, Ron, and the 60s / early 70s were wide open. We both experimented but didn't get so far in to have trouble getting out. We have to thank all the gods for that.
That's true, Sharron. My experiments lasted decades. It was a lifestyle. I grew out of it, finally. It wasn't fun anymore. It could have been otherwise. I've been blessed.
.. we also ‘break the mold.. i’ve never struck a child .. or threatened one (i got the whole enchilada of bullying & slaps till i was 14 or so..)
Hello, Thomas. Good on ya'! I'm sure it was difficult.
am the luckiest man on Spaceship Earth.. bar none - Ron
AM a mere vassal of Serendipity & Happenstance .. one on each shoulder
.. blew through Nine Live & headin twards 18 .. ‘el gato got nothin on little ol me 🦎🏴☠️💋
I am sorry for it. But it no doubt made you a stronger, more empathetic human being.
“Well, $21 will get you as far as Bakersfield, California.”
Following in the footsteps of Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.
Right you are, David!
The going away part is too familiar. Got where I am. Happier than Merlene.
Step One: distance one's self. Step Two: sink or swim. It is a choice. I, myself, became a good swimmer, as did my brother. Alas, poor little Merlene didn't make the right choice... She is one of my favorite characters in Bartle Clunes.
When you write from your heart, it comes out like the story of womankind as we have come of age. Many thunderous challenges, and yet, here we are!
Thank you, Ms Jill. You know what you're talking about.
.. thinks i read somethin of this earlier .. but it’s fresh delight in so many ways eh ! I Must say ! by stray cat serendipity chance was listening to Nina Simone ‘Live 1965 .. ‘sinnerman .. her miracle rendition of a slave days negro spiritual .. - so i read yer Post atta fast clip .. the ‘growing up.. in a real hurry .. ‼️
Thanks for reading it - probably for the second time. I post several different chapters off and on as a way of encouraging new readers to have a look at Bartle Clunes.
Just the gumption to leave that horrible home showed her courage and strength.
Yes. I lesson I learned from my own mother's trials and tribulations. I have feelings for Merlene -- she did her best. Though I did not let her win in the story, sorry to say....
If you did, it would have been a Disney ending.
Such a sweet little girl. So many are doomed to repeat.
We are all so influenced by the people we hang out with. I think it is even harder today as the youth seem to be less and less empathetic and are so quick to judge each other... and just be plain mean. As if there was not enough meanness in the world.
So sad! Are we doomed to repeat the past?
Sad, yes. But inevitable? Definitely not. It is a conscious decision - either way.
Love your writing
I am so glad, Linda! I appreciate it that you come back every week. It means a lot to me. Thanks for the support.
Merlene is a familiar character, in many ways…to so many girls and women, down through history. I know a few of them well. The reference to the Sears Catalog, and filling out the order form, even though you know you will never have those pretty clothes. My Gram used to call catalogs “wish books”. So many worries for such a young child! Great story, Sharron!
Thanks, sister. Not all stories have a happy ending. My book, Bartle Clunes had a happy ending, but, alas, Merlene did not. She did the best she could with the cards she was given.
Poor Merlene. She needed some caring adult to give her direction. Raising yourself means you have to learn everything the hard way by experience.
And that is a fact, my friend. Thanks for reading over. here on my little isle in the great Substack Sea.