I found myself thinking about that too. It's one of the things I like best about travel but also recognize as the most difficult at times. I'm glad you're adding the book to your list!
Wonderful newsletter today. I love Judy Reeves and I think her new memoir is one of the greatest. Glad you're sharing her with the Spark community. Now I'm going to listen to your audio conversation!
From the time I first read books that mentioned other places, I wanted to go see them. I married an Air Force man because I thought we would travel to exotic places. He had been to Saudi Arabia, Italy, Hawaii, Alaska. Together we moved to Texas, then Alaska. To see the world, I needed to go alone. On my own, I've traveled to 48 of the 50 states (missed Delaware and Rhode Island), to Italy, Germany, Austria, France (both Paris and Provence), England, Ireland, Turkey, Egypt, the Philippines, St. John Island; Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, Canada. I've lived in Missouri, Texas, Kansas, Alaska, Arizona, California, and Oregon. Would I take a year to travel the world alone? Not now. Now I would want my daughter along, with frequent visits from my (grown) grandkids. Before I had my daughter? Absolutely. With my daughter? Always. I love traveling alone because I prefer to set my own agenda, see and experience things a companion might not want to, meet new people I wouldn't meet if I were not alone. I like to visit museums, go thrifting, see theater or movies in languages I don't know. I haven't written much about my travels. Maybe I should.
Yes, Sandra, you should write about your travels. All those miles must have yielded some stories. I'd love to see what the memories trigger. Did you keep journals or just photo albums or both?
This was a great interview. I am excited to check out Judy’s books on writing and her memoir. I love the idea that the memoir came to be almost 30 years later- beautiful
I also love the conversations about kick ass older women like Judy and Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin
I have lived in Mexico City which gave me an opportunity to explore that country, but prior to my living there I had visited several countries in South America and all of the countries in Central America. Additionally, I was stationed in Germany when I was in the Army, that allowed me to visit 14 countries in that area. In the past few years I have visited Columbia, Egypt, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Touching the lives of individuals in other countries broadens your perspective of life, and brings into focus the reality of these citizens and how they actually live and carry on in their daily lives. Alas, most recently I lost an opportunity to visit Africa because Vantage Travel cancelled our trip and filed for bankruptcy (we lost $35,000, with no opportunity to recoup our investment). My spouse, Jorge, and I are moving on; we just booked another Safari for the entire month of August 2024; we hope to touch firsthand the individuals in that part of the world and see the Big 5 upfront and in large dimension. Traveling simply "opens yours eyes, and ears, and your mind."
You've traveled widely and well. You've also lived in a few places for enough time to both drink it in and to travel from. I'm glad you are trying again for Africa despite the sad disappointment of the first company's bankruptcy. I'm looking forward to the photos from your Safari in August.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. It's inspired me and it's explained to me why.i love to travel. And the part about selling all your belongings and just going. Love it.
Hi Betsy, I finally! got a chance to listen to the interview. You are a natural in the intro and outtro of your recordings. The interview was fun... I felt like I was all over the place, and that may be because talking with you is so easy. I think I could have just gone on and on. (oh, I did!) Thanks again for this great opportunity to talk about writing and the writing life and my book. I look forward to talking with you about yours. Love Spark!
Judy Reeves was (partly) responsible for me giving up on writing (except for the occassion Letter to the Editor).
Most of my writing, including a memoir called "The Sissy Chronicles" was written outside the doors of San Diego Writer's Ink, and without any hands-on assist from Judy Reeves, but because of the 8 rejections for "A Year In Ink" (can't remember the year), I was convinced I never could be a writer of any stature, even mid to low end.
I don't blame Judy, or SD Writers Ink. I guess I am thin-skinned and had enough with the REJECTIONS; they HURT. Regarding, specifically "A Year In Ink," I had submitted a few short stories, an interview, a satire, and a few memoir excerpts, as best as I recall.
In the past I had been published and/or theatrically performed: as a theatre reviewer, playwright, short story, erotica, and children's book writer. It was all a few feathers in my cap, but nothing earth shattering.
I had convinced myself that the "Year In Ink" submissions were overly plentiful and the acceptances were very limited; I had to hang in there and get better. It was only when I purchased that year's "A Year In Ink" that I thought I had been robbed, because some of MY submissions were much better than what had been accepted (In My Opinion).
I thought if I couldn't even get accepted for "A Year In Ink" that I didn't have what it took to be part of the real world of writers, and so chucked that thought forever.
In retrospect, I don't blame Judy personally, but at the time I thought she favored "her" closest and known nurtured writers, and could identify them by previous exposure. I hope that wasn't the case but that's what "I" thought at the time. Perhaps it was simply my childish sorry excuse for not being selected.
I applaud Judy for her achievements; it obviously wasn't an easy road for her to travel along; great sacrifices were made I hold no lasting grudge, but there is a gnawing irritation I experience from that period of time that resurfaces on very rare occassions. Perhaps writing this out has freed me from this negative feeling; I hope so.
Bless all of you writers who have continued to write, to improve your skills through individuals like Judy. Thick skin, talent, and determination is all you need, and that ain't easy.
I didn't keep a journal or photo album. I have a few photos from the foreign places, and photos from here and there, all online, not in print. I have my memories. None has triggered a story yet.
Oh Betsy, I have just read this and am so delighted, honored, thrilled to have my book featured in Spark today. Thank you! I haven't had a chance to listed to the recording yet, but I just had to stop by as soon as I read this one and say Thank You! You'll be hearing more from me soon. With gratitude.
This may seem a strange analogy, but ten years ago I was asked ‘If you had a Nottingham City Bus for a day, where would I take visitors?’ It was at the city’s local history forum, which I facilitated at the time with the city’s Central Library. It is a city with a rich history and awash with historical landmarks. Those present started giving answers for me ( as people do), but I didn’t have think for a second. ‘On a 35 bus’ I said, pointing out that the bus went through 12 of the 15 ‘Domesday’ parishes recorded by William the Conqueror’s commissioners in 1086, all within the city’s present day boundary. Together they make Nottingham the great city it is (I am a long time critic of the City Council wanting the city centre to get all the attention). I got my 35 bus and did free tours twice a year until Covid struck, and in 2018 one was given my name (better than any other honour); a free booklet published and the buses were painted up in ‘History Bus’ colours inside and out. It was a great moment for me.
Had I travelled more I would not have got to know where I live as intimately as I do, and sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm with visitors and locals alike. Some of my friends have travelled the world to reach me, more than a few arriving as refugees, to work or to study. I am lucky, growing up in London in the 40s and 50s, before work and love took me to Birmingham and Nottingham. I am as glad some people travel and write about it, as I am that some gardeners grow roses for me to look at and smell, whilst I grow runner beans to cook and eat (smothered in butter of course!)
Well you asked. As always Betsy you are a joy, and thank you 🐰
This was a joy to read itself, Robert. You've captured something very important about the flip side of travel and that is the ability to go deep right where you are. Every place is layered with history and its own character. Your experience as a guide for others who have traveled to get to the place you know and love is rich indeed. And I smiled when I read what you said about other people growing gardens (great analogy for enjoying other people's travels from your own vantage point). Long ago, after a disastrous attempt to grow roses, I planted a bunch of drought tolerant natives and walk a route to enjoy the more elaborate gardens of others. I'm grateful to them!
Oh I love what she says about traveling to remove the familiar. Adding this book to my list!
I found myself thinking about that too. It's one of the things I like best about travel but also recognize as the most difficult at times. I'm glad you're adding the book to your list!
Wonderful newsletter today. I love Judy Reeves and I think her new memoir is one of the greatest. Glad you're sharing her with the Spark community. Now I'm going to listen to your audio conversation!
From the time I first read books that mentioned other places, I wanted to go see them. I married an Air Force man because I thought we would travel to exotic places. He had been to Saudi Arabia, Italy, Hawaii, Alaska. Together we moved to Texas, then Alaska. To see the world, I needed to go alone. On my own, I've traveled to 48 of the 50 states (missed Delaware and Rhode Island), to Italy, Germany, Austria, France (both Paris and Provence), England, Ireland, Turkey, Egypt, the Philippines, St. John Island; Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, Canada. I've lived in Missouri, Texas, Kansas, Alaska, Arizona, California, and Oregon. Would I take a year to travel the world alone? Not now. Now I would want my daughter along, with frequent visits from my (grown) grandkids. Before I had my daughter? Absolutely. With my daughter? Always. I love traveling alone because I prefer to set my own agenda, see and experience things a companion might not want to, meet new people I wouldn't meet if I were not alone. I like to visit museums, go thrifting, see theater or movies in languages I don't know. I haven't written much about my travels. Maybe I should.
Yes, Sandra, you should write about your travels. All those miles must have yielded some stories. I'd love to see what the memories trigger. Did you keep journals or just photo albums or both?
This was a great interview. I am excited to check out Judy’s books on writing and her memoir. I love the idea that the memoir came to be almost 30 years later- beautiful
I also love the conversations about kick ass older women like Judy and Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin
Judy, I call it my mid-life catharsis. 🤗
I have lived in Mexico City which gave me an opportunity to explore that country, but prior to my living there I had visited several countries in South America and all of the countries in Central America. Additionally, I was stationed in Germany when I was in the Army, that allowed me to visit 14 countries in that area. In the past few years I have visited Columbia, Egypt, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Touching the lives of individuals in other countries broadens your perspective of life, and brings into focus the reality of these citizens and how they actually live and carry on in their daily lives. Alas, most recently I lost an opportunity to visit Africa because Vantage Travel cancelled our trip and filed for bankruptcy (we lost $35,000, with no opportunity to recoup our investment). My spouse, Jorge, and I are moving on; we just booked another Safari for the entire month of August 2024; we hope to touch firsthand the individuals in that part of the world and see the Big 5 upfront and in large dimension. Traveling simply "opens yours eyes, and ears, and your mind."
You've traveled widely and well. You've also lived in a few places for enough time to both drink it in and to travel from. I'm glad you are trying again for Africa despite the sad disappointment of the first company's bankruptcy. I'm looking forward to the photos from your Safari in August.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. It's inspired me and it's explained to me why.i love to travel. And the part about selling all your belongings and just going. Love it.
I'm so glad,,Judith. I have never come close to doing that but I loved reading Judy Reeves ' memoir about it.
Hi Betsy, I finally! got a chance to listen to the interview. You are a natural in the intro and outtro of your recordings. The interview was fun... I felt like I was all over the place, and that may be because talking with you is so easy. I think I could have just gone on and on. (oh, I did!) Thanks again for this great opportunity to talk about writing and the writing life and my book. I look forward to talking with you about yours. Love Spark!
Judy Reeves was (partly) responsible for me giving up on writing (except for the occassion Letter to the Editor).
Most of my writing, including a memoir called "The Sissy Chronicles" was written outside the doors of San Diego Writer's Ink, and without any hands-on assist from Judy Reeves, but because of the 8 rejections for "A Year In Ink" (can't remember the year), I was convinced I never could be a writer of any stature, even mid to low end.
I don't blame Judy, or SD Writers Ink. I guess I am thin-skinned and had enough with the REJECTIONS; they HURT. Regarding, specifically "A Year In Ink," I had submitted a few short stories, an interview, a satire, and a few memoir excerpts, as best as I recall.
In the past I had been published and/or theatrically performed: as a theatre reviewer, playwright, short story, erotica, and children's book writer. It was all a few feathers in my cap, but nothing earth shattering.
I had convinced myself that the "Year In Ink" submissions were overly plentiful and the acceptances were very limited; I had to hang in there and get better. It was only when I purchased that year's "A Year In Ink" that I thought I had been robbed, because some of MY submissions were much better than what had been accepted (In My Opinion).
I thought if I couldn't even get accepted for "A Year In Ink" that I didn't have what it took to be part of the real world of writers, and so chucked that thought forever.
In retrospect, I don't blame Judy personally, but at the time I thought she favored "her" closest and known nurtured writers, and could identify them by previous exposure. I hope that wasn't the case but that's what "I" thought at the time. Perhaps it was simply my childish sorry excuse for not being selected.
I applaud Judy for her achievements; it obviously wasn't an easy road for her to travel along; great sacrifices were made I hold no lasting grudge, but there is a gnawing irritation I experience from that period of time that resurfaces on very rare occassions. Perhaps writing this out has freed me from this negative feeling; I hope so.
Bless all of you writers who have continued to write, to improve your skills through individuals like Judy. Thick skin, talent, and determination is all you need, and that ain't easy.
I didn't keep a journal or photo album. I have a few photos from the foreign places, and photos from here and there, all online, not in print. I have my memories. None has triggered a story yet.
Oh Betsy, I have just read this and am so delighted, honored, thrilled to have my book featured in Spark today. Thank you! I haven't had a chance to listed to the recording yet, but I just had to stop by as soon as I read this one and say Thank You! You'll be hearing more from me soon. With gratitude.
This may seem a strange analogy, but ten years ago I was asked ‘If you had a Nottingham City Bus for a day, where would I take visitors?’ It was at the city’s local history forum, which I facilitated at the time with the city’s Central Library. It is a city with a rich history and awash with historical landmarks. Those present started giving answers for me ( as people do), but I didn’t have think for a second. ‘On a 35 bus’ I said, pointing out that the bus went through 12 of the 15 ‘Domesday’ parishes recorded by William the Conqueror’s commissioners in 1086, all within the city’s present day boundary. Together they make Nottingham the great city it is (I am a long time critic of the City Council wanting the city centre to get all the attention). I got my 35 bus and did free tours twice a year until Covid struck, and in 2018 one was given my name (better than any other honour); a free booklet published and the buses were painted up in ‘History Bus’ colours inside and out. It was a great moment for me.
Had I travelled more I would not have got to know where I live as intimately as I do, and sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm with visitors and locals alike. Some of my friends have travelled the world to reach me, more than a few arriving as refugees, to work or to study. I am lucky, growing up in London in the 40s and 50s, before work and love took me to Birmingham and Nottingham. I am as glad some people travel and write about it, as I am that some gardeners grow roses for me to look at and smell, whilst I grow runner beans to cook and eat (smothered in butter of course!)
Well you asked. As always Betsy you are a joy, and thank you 🐰
This was a joy to read itself, Robert. You've captured something very important about the flip side of travel and that is the ability to go deep right where you are. Every place is layered with history and its own character. Your experience as a guide for others who have traveled to get to the place you know and love is rich indeed. And I smiled when I read what you said about other people growing gardens (great analogy for enjoying other people's travels from your own vantage point). Long ago, after a disastrous attempt to grow roses, I planted a bunch of drought tolerant natives and walk a route to enjoy the more elaborate gardens of others. I'm grateful to them!
Hear hear and thank you. Susan and I look at other local gardens and enjoy them. Now there’s a theme - novels in which gardens feature. ❤️🐰
Without the. Judy Reeves and the persons who write and read this world would be even a tougher place to live.