Loved this, Nan. Thank you. There's so much more to say, but I worry that if I start, I'll never stop—semicolons, exclamation marks, and all. (Although I am deeply, fervently, passionately committed to the em dash, AI be damned.)
Wouldn't that be great? I did an earlier post about my tats, if you haven't seen it. And if you missed my brief break, I show my semicolon tat there. Here's the link to the tat piece. I did a call to other writers to share tat stories and photos and added them to the end of my story. Here's the link, if you'd like to check it out. And there will definitely be more stories about tattoos as I acquire them. There's a new story brewing about a 2-week old tattoo that's almost completely healed.
If you've written a post about yours, and want to share the link, I'll add it. And if you want to write one, you can let me know once you have, and I'll add that! xo
Thank you, Jennifer. I love them, too. Obviously. I think of the thought after the semicolon as a subset of an idea, if that makes sense. I love being a writer. I can't imagine anything as good. xo
Damn, I hope that young man finds his way to your Substack! What a beautiful story of instant connection. Thanks, Nan! (I have to slip a semi into this comment; I've always loved them, and now I love them more.)
I love a good semicolon, too, especially these days. It was a lot of fun to do a little research on famous writer's opinions of them. And yes, it would be amazing if that guy finds me. Stranger things have happened. I love a good cliché phrase. xo
This is a terrific, well told story. I particularly enjoyed the part where you turned the rental car shuttle bus into an ebullient group therapy session. Only someone with your unique personality could accomplish that.
Oh Nan this is such a beautiful story, I have tears in my eyes!! The tears were already building up but then wow, That hug said so much❤️Thank you so much for sharing this, and really for all your writing. PS I am guilty of over-use of exclamation points 😻🌸!!!!
Love your comment, Sarah. I appreciate you as a reader so much. And shhhh, don't tell, but I love them, too!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm really trying to bring some balance in my life. I'm ebullient by nature...except when I'm not. I'm finding it fun and fulfilling to find other ways to express my excitement about things. Always stay true to you! XO
I hear you. I have to be especially careful in text messages to people. Do I really need an exclamation point at the end of each sentence?! ! And yes, it’s good to find other ways to express the exuberance!!!!😻
Wonderful! (Note the exclamation mark.) That encounter on your journey! A moment to remember. This post reminds me of Galway Kinnell’s poem “Wait,” written for a student considering suicide. https://poets.org/poem/wait
Have been waiting for the rental car parking lot story to appear...you placed it perfectly in this post. I actually love that you didn't exchange info but I imagine that he shared the story and you are sharing it here so it lives on, as do you both. Love the video format, you are a natural. 💕💕
Thanks, lovely! I hear you. He and I created a moment, together. I hope he carries it forward. I can't imagine that he won't. The moment is really the thing that matters most. xo
I have a similar history and had the semi-colon tattooed on my inner forearm as a reminder that I've "made it" this far (and to keep trying). Thank you for this piece, Nan. 🩵
Loved this, Nan. Thank you. There's so much more to say, but I worry that if I start, I'll never stop—semicolons, exclamation marks, and all. (Although I am deeply, fervently, passionately committed to the em dash, AI be damned.)
I LOVE em dashes. And the little brackets both {squiggly} and [stick straight]. I think you should/might want to write a piece about it! xo
Love, love, love, and hot pink is indeed your color!
Thanks, Lynn. LOVE you. xo
Beautiful and powerful piece of writing and truth; thanks for staying, Nan!
Thanks, Paulette, AND thank you for restacking. Love you. xo
Wonderful Piece. I write about mental health (schizophrenia) and I loved how you spread awareness in this work of art 🙌
Thank you, MindStamps. I'll check out your work. xo
We should do a visual “tat talk” in the chat where visuals are allowed.
Wouldn't that be great? I did an earlier post about my tats, if you haven't seen it. And if you missed my brief break, I show my semicolon tat there. Here's the link to the tat piece. I did a call to other writers to share tat stories and photos and added them to the end of my story. Here's the link, if you'd like to check it out. And there will definitely be more stories about tattoos as I acquire them. There's a new story brewing about a 2-week old tattoo that's almost completely healed.
If you've written a post about yours, and want to share the link, I'll add it. And if you want to write one, you can let me know once you have, and I'll add that! xo
https://nantepper.com/p/tattoo-you
We’re most certainly not done; we are just starting over and over and over.
EXACTLY! Absolutely perfect way to describe it. Thank you, Amanda. AND I love the name of your stack. Very smart. xo
Thank you!
Of course. xo
Thanks from this editor. I love and admire well-placed semicolons; now I love them even more.
Thank you, Jennifer. I love them, too. Obviously. I think of the thought after the semicolon as a subset of an idea, if that makes sense. I love being a writer. I can't imagine anything as good. xo
Damn, I hope that young man finds his way to your Substack! What a beautiful story of instant connection. Thanks, Nan! (I have to slip a semi into this comment; I've always loved them, and now I love them more.)
I love a good semicolon, too, especially these days. It was a lot of fun to do a little research on famous writer's opinions of them. And yes, it would be amazing if that guy finds me. Stranger things have happened. I love a good cliché phrase. xo
This is a terrific, well told story. I particularly enjoyed the part where you turned the rental car shuttle bus into an ebullient group therapy session. Only someone with your unique personality could accomplish that.
Thank you, my dear Douglas. No one like you ever. I love that. And your ever-present kindness. Big hugs, my friend. xo
Oh Nan this is such a beautiful story, I have tears in my eyes!! The tears were already building up but then wow, That hug said so much❤️Thank you so much for sharing this, and really for all your writing. PS I am guilty of over-use of exclamation points 😻🌸!!!!
Love your comment, Sarah. I appreciate you as a reader so much. And shhhh, don't tell, but I love them, too!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm really trying to bring some balance in my life. I'm ebullient by nature...except when I'm not. I'm finding it fun and fulfilling to find other ways to express my excitement about things. Always stay true to you! XO
I hear you. I have to be especially careful in text messages to people. Do I really need an exclamation point at the end of each sentence?! ! And yes, it’s good to find other ways to express the exuberance!!!!😻
Exactly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xo.
Wonderful! (Note the exclamation mark.) That encounter on your journey! A moment to remember. This post reminds me of Galway Kinnell’s poem “Wait,” written for a student considering suicide. https://poets.org/poem/wait
Thank you! And thank you for the link to the poem. Will read it right away. xo
Have been waiting for the rental car parking lot story to appear...you placed it perfectly in this post. I actually love that you didn't exchange info but I imagine that he shared the story and you are sharing it here so it lives on, as do you both. Love the video format, you are a natural. 💕💕
Thanks, lovely! I hear you. He and I created a moment, together. I hope he carries it forward. I can't imagine that he won't. The moment is really the thing that matters most. xo
I LOVE this essay and did NOT see that ending coming. Masterful work.
As to semicolons and life sentences, I'm so glad you're here and happy. I love you!
Thanks, Nome. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I love you right back. xo
P.S. The little pink comment button at the bottom is blank. I guessed and clicked it anyway. xo
I don't what you're referring to. It may be a glitch? Can you be more specific? xo
I'll email you a screenshot.
Thank you, Nome! xo
Love you, Nan. 🩵🩵 I’m so glad you’re here. I’m so glad you stay. AND I’m so grateful to know you!!
LOVE you, Mesa. Me to, you. Every single day. xo
I have a similar history and had the semi-colon tattooed on my inner forearm as a reminder that I've "made it" this far (and to keep trying). Thank you for this piece, Nan. 🩵
I'm so glad you're here. In the world, and on the page. Keep staying, please. xo
Love this Nan. So much I never knew. Really love this post.
Thanks, Mary Anne! Love you. xo