8 Comments
Nov 23, 2023Liked by Peter Smetanick

It was a powerful piece of writing because it focused on the deeply personal anguish you were (are?) experiencing. Many of us wanted to give you that hug given by Sam. He stands as proxy for all of us.

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Thanks for leaving a comment Andrew and thanks for the hug! It is certainly a struggle at times, but I manage to find my way out. Not sure I could do it without all the people in my life, plus Bella. She's not certified, but certainly is a therapy dog. Once again, thanks for the virtual hug, sending the good vibes right back at you.

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Complicated. Mental health symptoms lead to medications which improve focus and enhance creative output but then become problematic and stopping the medication makes one feel like they can’t create … and eventually they figure out that they can, maybe … this stuff is complicated. And this is the complex interaction between art and mental health that interests me - because the more we can dig into it, the more we might be able to make meaning out of all of it.

Thank you for sharing Sam's story. And yours.

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Hey thanks for leaving a comment Kathryn :) And I agree, it is complicated. My page is simply...inviting readers into my writing journey and my life with mental illness. This piece just sort of popped out after being inspired by Sam and his art. I find it very difficult to separate myself from my mental illness at times. It's a struggle to draw the line between bipolar and life. And it's the same with my writing...if that makes any sense?

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It makes absolute sense.

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Nov 20, 2023Liked by Peter Smetanick

Sounds like Sam walked into your life at the perfect time. You have the gift of pulling your readers into your life experiences. ❤️

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Nov 20, 2023Liked by Peter Smetanick

Your dog purse reminded me of this guy I kept seeing when I was walking around NYC recently. He had a little dog in a pouch that was shaped like a chicken lol I don't think I would have noticed that we crossed paths multiple times if it hadn't been for the little dog in the chicken purse. Funny the impact seemingly random interactions with other humans can have on us (especially in difficult moments). Really enjoyed reading this piece

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Hey Jenny, thanks for reading and happy you enjoyed. My pup Bella definitely steals the show. Although I wear her around like an outfit accessory, in reality I'm the accessory to her. She gets all the looks, I'm just the guy with the dog ;). And yes, it is quite interesting or funny how life seems to throw certain people our way, especially when we need them.

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