What an incredible story! I was completely riveted. And I love all the layers. Your class will be such a revelation to so many writers no matter how long they’ve been writing. After reading this I have a strong desire to see what Mark looked like!
Diana, what a crazy story! I'm sorry you had to surrender the East Village to Mark, there's much to love about that neighborhood (Blue and Gold is still there, it's still exactly as you've described it). Loved the Gatsby tie ins, I never thought of him as Daisy's stalker, but I think that means I need to revisit it with my adult brain. Will do that soon.
This is a genius essay. A great piece of can art makes me nostalgic for something I never experienced, but in this case I was a little bit in the mix.
I remember talking about your stalker in that tequila bar, back when there were still a few holes in the internet. If I remember correctly, armed security guard Jack was ready to battle.
I think of Gatsby whenever a stranger asks me for directions: "He had casually conferred on me the freedom of the neighborhood." And on certain late spring days, "that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer."
Maybe because of the urgency of skill of the first person narration, Gatsby works on Audible. Clyde and I listened to it over the course of a few drives. He was really into it, discussing everyone's motivations. Couldn't stand Tom. Wasn't sure about Daisy. Sympathized with Gatsby.
The combo of this story, the Great Gatsby, the NYC backdrop is all so powerful. Thank you for writing this, and I am so sorry you had to experience this.
Thank you, Courtney! Honestly, it was so long ago, I don’t even mind anymore that I experienced it. It was sort of my NYC rite of passage. I learned never to talk to my neighbors, ha!
Even though you were stalked and threatened, I could feel the early days of east village and the exciting feel of New York. I wish I had experienced sitting on the rooftop drinking with anyone:)
I love the great Gatsby so much I will reread it. Fabulous essay. Thx for sharing
Wow, that was enthralling. I really liked this line, "The neighbors hurrying by must have wondered, Who are these crazy people? Why do their lives so disappoint them that they need to create their own theater?"
Wow this is so good! I have a similar past experience that I've been trying to write about for a while, but it always comes out wrong. I hope I'll be able to write about it half this well someday!
Incredible writing and storytelling--so sad those two gifts don't often exist in the same writer. I was mesmerized. It underscored to me how we, as women, are often victims, not of others so much, but of our own innate kindness. Beautiful and compelling.
What an incredible story! I was completely riveted. And I love all the layers. Your class will be such a revelation to so many writers no matter how long they’ve been writing. After reading this I have a strong desire to see what Mark looked like!
Messaging you a photo...
So poignant and beautiful! I love this.
Oh, thank you!
I love this essay but damn it brought me back to that era. I miss you. xox
Do you love it because you're in it?
That's not the only reason! And, anyway, you forgot to describe how stunningly beautiful I was as I told you that.
And the way your breasts heaved.
yes, my gigantic breasts! the largest in all of the East Village.
They could not be contained. They had to pay rent.
They didn't even fit in your apartment.
A terrible experience delivered in excellent prose. Thanks for sharing. I remember Blue and Gold, and Veselka!
Blue and Gold was the best.
Diana, what a crazy story! I'm sorry you had to surrender the East Village to Mark, there's much to love about that neighborhood (Blue and Gold is still there, it's still exactly as you've described it). Loved the Gatsby tie ins, I never thought of him as Daisy's stalker, but I think that means I need to revisit it with my adult brain. Will do that soon.
Shoumi! Thank you! And I’m thrilled that Blue and Gold has survived. ❤️
This is a genius essay. A great piece of can art makes me nostalgic for something I never experienced, but in this case I was a little bit in the mix.
I remember talking about your stalker in that tequila bar, back when there were still a few holes in the internet. If I remember correctly, armed security guard Jack was ready to battle.
I think of Gatsby whenever a stranger asks me for directions: "He had casually conferred on me the freedom of the neighborhood." And on certain late spring days, "that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer."
Maybe because of the urgency of skill of the first person narration, Gatsby works on Audible. Clyde and I listened to it over the course of a few drives. He was really into it, discussing everyone's motivations. Couldn't stand Tom. Wasn't sure about Daisy. Sympathized with Gatsby.
Really enjoyed this piece.
You turned Clyde on to Gatsby! He’s so lucky to have you.
You were absolutely in the mix back then. I don’t remember Jack. So weird what we keep and what we lose.
What a great essay! Thank you for this.
Oh, thank you, Alex!
The combo of this story, the Great Gatsby, the NYC backdrop is all so powerful. Thank you for writing this, and I am so sorry you had to experience this.
Thank you, Courtney! Honestly, it was so long ago, I don’t even mind anymore that I experienced it. It was sort of my NYC rite of passage. I learned never to talk to my neighbors, ha!
Even though you were stalked and threatened, I could feel the early days of east village and the exciting feel of New York. I wish I had experienced sitting on the rooftop drinking with anyone:)
I love the great Gatsby so much I will reread it. Fabulous essay. Thx for sharing
Thank you. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Amazing story.
Thank you.
Wow, that was enthralling. I really liked this line, "The neighbors hurrying by must have wondered, Who are these crazy people? Why do their lives so disappoint them that they need to create their own theater?"
Oh, thank you! Apartment living is so weird. So many neighbors with a front seat to the show.
All these times we’ve marveled over Baby Reindeer and I had no idea how close to home it hit for you.
This is so not okay, but a gorgeous essay.
Wow! Loved the whole essay, but this line is spectacular!
"Death is consistently surprising, even though it's the least surprising thing a person can do."
Wow this is so good! I have a similar past experience that I've been trying to write about for a while, but it always comes out wrong. I hope I'll be able to write about it half this well someday!
Oh, thank you so much, Audrey. I look forward to reading your essay when it's done.
Incredible writing and storytelling--so sad those two gifts don't often exist in the same writer. I was mesmerized. It underscored to me how we, as women, are often victims, not of others so much, but of our own innate kindness. Beautiful and compelling.
Thank you so much, Conni.
WOW! Stunning.