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Tabby Ivy's avatar

this was such a fascinating piece to read. the stories we tell ourselves, that self-sabotage of doubt. and how it quickly can fade away once we break thru the self -imposed obstacle. then, the stories that others carry, unique but also following the thread begun by you, inviting them to join their story with yours. loved the interweaving of the two. beautiful writing. now I want to go back in the archives to read what you wrote and read that night. thank you Constance. very much.

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Constance's avatar

I wish my disability and fear of my gifts, physical and otherwise, had not been substantial and substantiated in my childhood through abandonment and sexual abuse, but those particulars were dynamic in the end and gave me reason to share in anonymous groups where I got tremendous support and could open up in a way that encouraged and still can others so subjected as children to grow through to the other side, which has happened for me and so many others when they feel properly honored. I appreciate your comments and always your extraordinary artwork that make life worth it when I am able to explore such glory. As is your gift, Tabby. All best, C.

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Tabby Ivy's avatar

oh Constance, there is so much for me to learn about the lives of others and unspeakable things that so often go unsaid. bravo to you to bear all so openly, anonymous or not. and to the opportunity to connect and support each other.

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Paul Vlachos's avatar

This is a phenomenal piece. First, it was wildly evocative. I was with you when you walked into that room in the ice and set up the chairs. Second, the triumph - the becoming a channel - I NEED to hear stuff like that, now more than ever, so thank you. The cosmic rubber band snap when the room filled with people, all of it. I just woke up and read it or I'd write more, but must get some coffee first. So grateful I got to read this to start my day. Thanks so much, Connie. And also - how about (that other story) you mention? I'd love to see that, too. xoxox

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Constance's avatar

Thank you very much Paul. Especially before your coffee. Tonya published the two things I read that day, so maybe in Juke archives? Connie

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Paul Vlachos's avatar

That's right. Clearly, I'm no good AFTER the coffee, either.

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Sue Cauhape's avatar

That was an amazing response to your writers' group advert. Glad it worked out well and people participated deep into the late afternoon.

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Ellen Fagan's avatar

This is stunning, Constance! What a wild, one-off experience on the face of it, made even more of viscerally exciting by the description of your inner workings throughout. Self-awareness I aspire to. Extraordinary piece.

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Constance's avatar

Ellen, I enjoy your work, too. I look forward to everyone's writing and art on Juke. It has become a great way to connect in these upside down times. Healing for me. Tonya has our backs. She's such a great editor and writer, and, as with this piece, the accompanying photographs are especially surprising and beautiful.

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Constance's avatar

Ellen, you are so kind to say so. I enjoy your work, too. Tonya's literary work and her great editorial gifts alway inspire me to put myself out there more than she knows. It feels like she has all our backs. And the photos that acccompany the work are additional magic. Like the one she found for this piece. Everyone's work in Juke has made a huge difference in my life. Something to count on in these upside down times. A reprieve and invitation to hear from such interesting writers, all with so many gifts. All best, Connie

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Ellen Fagan's avatar

All points well taken, Connie. It makes for great & glorious reading! Juke puts me in mind of an old-school gathering of great & kind minds in a 21st Century format. It works! ✌🏼❤️

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Constance's avatar

I agree on your description of Juke's gathering. I am still sorry for reduncancy. Got interrupted and was sure this 1st comment was deleted, or rather couldn't find it when I looked back on the page. So wrote what I remembered again. Thanks for understanding.

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