16 Comments
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Caitlin's avatar

This is a really interesting piece, I liked how it gave us the bigger picture!

Amanda Blackwell's avatar

Thank you for reading!

richard mamolen's avatar

You write well. Thank you. I like this line very much. “We are angry with ourselves for not listening to our intuition, for giving the dumpster-fire in the form of a man a chance despite palpable warning signs.”

Amanda Blackwell's avatar

Thank you, Richard!

Christy Davis's avatar

I'm so glad you posted this!

Amanda Blackwell's avatar

It’s so nice to have a refined version of what you heard in writing group out in the world. 😊

Genxurbanhippie's avatar

I’m so jealous of your 8th grade fire that didn’t passively accept being relegated to the outfield because boys decide! It took me years so speak up & become the “take no sh*t” human I am now 😂 My 20-something kid is like that and it inspires me everyday!

Julie Fontes's avatar

8th grade Amanda is serious goals.

Amanda Blackwell's avatar

She’s my inspiration too.

Amanda Blackwell's avatar

I think the take no sh*t version of me in middle school was eventually beaten out of me by all the messaging we receive as women. Sassy pants was my factory setting until the world told me it was unacceptable. I’m just now getting it back. 🙃 I hope your 20-something never loses it!

David Dinner  Elder Insights's avatar

An honest, vulnerable, potent story, Amanda. You just never know what life has in store.

Amanda Blackwell's avatar

I’d be more hesitant to post such a thing if it wasn’t for you and Ed being the voice of male reason, and giving such potent feedback. Thank you always for the kind words! Like me, Pinky is grateful to know you. 😋

David Dinner  Elder Insights's avatar

It is easy to give up on the scattered, uneven earth that is giving life to Pinky, and in the fractured publishing system we all find ourselves immersed in. So, the support and love of fellow writers like you, Amanda, keeps Pinky from life support. ❤️

Amanda Blackwell's avatar

May Pinky find a home in the publishing sphere where he belongs. Readers deserve to fall in love with Pinky the way we all have.

David Dinner  Elder Insights's avatar

If only Pinky were a younger man, I’m sure you and Pinky would be an “item,” Amanda.😂

Amanda Blackwell's avatar

Lol!! At least Pinky is in touch with his feelings 😂😂😂