There is something weird about writing about places you used to know or love because, as it happens with people, there will always be someone who disagrees with what you have to tell about them...
That’s interesting. Yep people remember differently. Sometimes I disagree with myself, not sure if something is real or if it got mixed into a dream. At some point, I don’t think it matters which.
True. I lived for so many years in a place that I enjoyed, and now, whenever I come back, it makes me question myself, seems small, almost claustrophobic… Living as an expat I learned to love the world as a whole but it seems my heart has been distributing little pieces all over, which is both beautiful and sad, I guess.
The full weight of memories. Your experiences are quite different from mine in the obvious sense, because I’ve not done much moving around. Your place can still be a place no matter the size or distance.
That is an amazing thing, living in the same house. I can see the great things and some challenging things as well. As long as you're doing well, that is the main thing. I think place can mean a hometown but doesn't have to. Regardless, I think we need to be proud of being from a place. I really cannot explain it as well as I would like. It seems like turning your back on your raising to totally disavow your origins, even if you hated them. I know exactly what you mean--I always did and still do make fun of that tiny town of my youth. I do not live there, but there are treasures there in the form of people. Regardless of whatever else that town is, it is a place that holds that treasure. So, there are strong feelings... Laugh away....contradictions are fine.
I do construction work occasionally mostly driving dump trucks to and from the work site but I am a retired NYC sanitation worker and believe it or not litter means a lot to me I hate it I'm constantly picking it up and to confirm your idea of loving your place and being invested in it I pick up garbage that is carelessly thrown about in my neighborhood too and I agree with you it probably is the contractors who throw it around most of the guys I see are foreign born a part of the new influx of immigrants but they're willing to work hard and that's what counts. Anyway you look at it people who throw garbage without putting it in a garbage receptacle are garbage too
Thanks for adding your unique pov. I am sure you have seen a bit of everything. What struck me was a combination of things, because seeing litter is not rare. They were so close to their trucks that they could have put the garbage there and thrown it away later. Thanks again for reading and commenting.
I use place to help define characters and set up conflict. Now I want to go back and analyze Tessa’s connection to place and how it affects her identity and mental health. Thanks for the post idea!
There is something weird about writing about places you used to know or love because, as it happens with people, there will always be someone who disagrees with what you have to tell about them...
That’s interesting. Yep people remember differently. Sometimes I disagree with myself, not sure if something is real or if it got mixed into a dream. At some point, I don’t think it matters which.
True. I lived for so many years in a place that I enjoyed, and now, whenever I come back, it makes me question myself, seems small, almost claustrophobic… Living as an expat I learned to love the world as a whole but it seems my heart has been distributing little pieces all over, which is both beautiful and sad, I guess.
I think you have to feel a little sad to feel
The full weight of memories. Your experiences are quite different from mine in the obvious sense, because I’ve not done much moving around. Your place can still be a place no matter the size or distance.
Where I live now is the place I grew up in, same house. My husband, son and I purchased my mom's house in 2010 after she passed away.
So many changes in this area. Our house was once on a dirt road and now a traffic light. Houses and a golf course replaced the fields
My grandparents and dad grew up in this same small town - yes, like a freaking John Cougar Mellencamp song. I know!
I used to laugh at our town and wanted to move as far away as possible; it took me years to admit I have ties here.
Our town isn't so bad. It's very quaint. A town I used to laugh at (husband still does) we now frequent many of the small businesses and restaurants
That is an amazing thing, living in the same house. I can see the great things and some challenging things as well. As long as you're doing well, that is the main thing. I think place can mean a hometown but doesn't have to. Regardless, I think we need to be proud of being from a place. I really cannot explain it as well as I would like. It seems like turning your back on your raising to totally disavow your origins, even if you hated them. I know exactly what you mean--I always did and still do make fun of that tiny town of my youth. I do not live there, but there are treasures there in the form of people. Regardless of whatever else that town is, it is a place that holds that treasure. So, there are strong feelings... Laugh away....contradictions are fine.
Thanks. It's really cool being back here and having roots as much as I've tried to run from it.
I do construction work occasionally mostly driving dump trucks to and from the work site but I am a retired NYC sanitation worker and believe it or not litter means a lot to me I hate it I'm constantly picking it up and to confirm your idea of loving your place and being invested in it I pick up garbage that is carelessly thrown about in my neighborhood too and I agree with you it probably is the contractors who throw it around most of the guys I see are foreign born a part of the new influx of immigrants but they're willing to work hard and that's what counts. Anyway you look at it people who throw garbage without putting it in a garbage receptacle are garbage too
Thanks for adding your unique pov. I am sure you have seen a bit of everything. What struck me was a combination of things, because seeing litter is not rare. They were so close to their trucks that they could have put the garbage there and thrown it away later. Thanks again for reading and commenting.
sure Straw, anytime... I hate litter, it ruins everything
I use place to help define characters and set up conflict. Now I want to go back and analyze Tessa’s connection to place and how it affects her identity and mental health. Thanks for the post idea!
You’re welcome. Place is like a character itself.