14 Comments

Gorgeous piece! I am so fascinated by this process of reevaluating childhood assumptions and memories and discovering new truths. Can’t wait to hear more….

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Oh my, this is such a fascinating history @Eliza Anderson, thank you! We hear about the exceptions, the now-famous women who somehow managed to 'make it' in spite of the macho, patriarchal art world around them. (In many cases they just had to outlive all their male peers to be finally taken seriously in their 70s). It is heartbreaking to hear this story of one of those equally talented women who never quite broke through, but kept painting and making in obscurity. Telling your mother's story is so important.

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Thank you. It’s good to hear this story is indeed important, not just to her daughter. I think, also, that finding the ways our parents struggled within their times as a means of unlocking their persons, is valuable. That quest to understand. So “memoir-central”.

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Love your writing. How wonderful (albeit "late") for you to get to know your mom and perhaps understand her.

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… my father passed away last month. I’ve learned more about him during this time, while going thru his sock drawer, than my 60 years as his daughter.

I enjoy, yet saddened, to read about Mimi’s life pre-Brownie. Knowing he was a constant in her life for 50+ years, somehow makes their relationship even more meaningful.

http://tinyurl.com/AllAboutBrownie

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I’m so sorry for your loss, Sandee. That’s one fascinating sock drawer. Thank you for your ongoing love and care for Mimi’s turtle.

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It's quite wonderful , getting to know you and my aunt through the lens of adulthood!

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Fascinating!

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Amazing story. Well told. Looking forward to seeing more!

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Thank you. Welcome

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Amazing story. Well told. Looking forward to seeing more!

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Beautiful, again!!! Young love determines so many decisions, but it does not have to be at the cost of one’s own artistic, professional or other desires. I hope that young or older women now can find a balance between love and their other desires (just as important for love to remain strong).

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Dearest Eliza, she didn't remain in New York, she chose to follow her heart (Love).

It was hard to disentangle one's purposes and one's feelings.

Your writing is beautiful.

Love from Phyllis

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Thank you Phyllis. I think it was a completely logical choice. Who would turn down love AND Rome? Not to mention maid service for three years... xo e

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