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palmisanocj@yahoo.com's avatar

Honestly, as awful as the lockdowns were and as scary as it was, it was a period during which writer me flourished. Largely, I think, it was because writer groups and rooms opened up--at least to me--MOST importantly LWS. It took discovering LWS and its brilliant & supportive souls (particularly you, LD), and other writers. It was then I began to learn how to be and accept myself as a Real Writer. Finally, FINALLY, I started to open up and step out into the world. Thank you, LD, for that and being such a huge source of inspiration! ๐Ÿงก

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lauren deborah | they/she ๐ŸŒˆ๐Ÿ†'s avatar

๐Ÿงก๐Ÿงก๐Ÿงก๐Ÿงก๐Ÿงก

This is such a beautiful and powerful comment and reflection. I am SO glad that writer you was able to flourish in this time because your words are SUCH a gift! ๐Ÿงก And I am very glad to have met you ๐Ÿงก

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Jo Bozarth's avatar

Loved the audio! Made me feel like we were sitting together having a chat. The imperfection made it perfect! โ™ฅ๏ธ

Random question: How long do you stay in each location? Does it vary quite a bit?

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lauren deborah | they/she ๐ŸŒˆ๐Ÿ†'s avatar

This is such a lovely reflection, thank you for listening!

I try my best to get sits that are around 4 weeks or more, just for some stability. It is not always possible and I do get short ones to supplement at times. But sometimes you get 6 weeks like where I am now!

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Jo Bozarth's avatar

Aaahh, that makes sense. Plus time to really get to know a place, I imagine.

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Amie McGraham's avatar

all the moves and wanderlust and time hopping: so relatable, that feeling that we can somehow corral time and space. and then the realization that all we have is now.

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lauren deborah | they/she ๐ŸŒˆ๐Ÿ†'s avatar

๐Ÿงก all we have is now ๐Ÿงก

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Syd's avatar

WOW! Such a powerful, beautiful, interesting piece reflecting on the profound and positive impact of lockdown! I love so much about this: your voice, your style, the pacing, the use of repetition, the forward movement of the piece, outer and inner! โ€œWhen I wake up each day, there I am, and I am so thankful.โ€ Love it!! How did lockdown change me for the better?? Great question! Iโ€™m going to play with this. Thanks so much for sharing this!

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lauren deborah | they/she ๐ŸŒˆ๐Ÿ†'s avatar

Wow, thank you so much for reading and for these lovely words, Syd! I look forward to hearing what comes up for you with the prompt if ever you want to share ๐Ÿงก๐Ÿงก๐Ÿงก

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Louise Coghlan's avatar

A brilliant piece of writing. Deep, honest, vulnerable & right to the core of your being. A reflection of how you have transformed through time, experience, trips, through others but most importantly through your own eyes you have seen the changes you want to make & you have made them. Proud of you L. Keep following the joy & Iโ€™ve no doubt your wings will always be balanced: equally light & strong & they will always bring you to exactly where you want to be - because as you have written here, happiness is an inside job x

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lauren deborah | they/she ๐ŸŒˆ๐Ÿ†'s avatar

Thank you with all of my heart, my friend ๐Ÿงก๐Ÿงก๐Ÿงก

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Susannah Rigg's avatar

Oooh I saw so much of myself in this letter! Eek! And yes the half hour time zone shift- I'm currently 15 and a half hours behind my family...the half hour still throws me sometimes, it's wild!

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lauren deborah | they/she ๐ŸŒˆ๐Ÿ†'s avatar

๐Ÿงก๐Ÿงก๐Ÿงก kindred travelling spirits ๐Ÿงก๐Ÿงก๐Ÿงก

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