"The French have a saying that to say good-bye is to die a little."If this is true I must be mostly dead.
My life has been a series of goodbyes. I even wrote a post about it last year, The Yellow Wood, in which I put a pretty spin on goodbye.
I understand why old people are ready to go on to the next plane of existence. They're sick and tired of saying goodbye to people one at a time. Better, maybe, to just get it all over with at once and be done with it.
Somebody killed Roland in the Shadowlands. And while I know it's only fiction (and darned good fiction at that) my heart is heavy over what feels like another goodbye. Damn you, Roland.
I want to write emotion like Roland. Like Elliot Grace. Between the two of you I was boo-hooing.
But dang, Roland. Stop killing yourself off. I'm tired of losing friends.
If you want to read "Ghost of a Chance" by Roland D. Yeomans, click Marlene Dietrich's picture. It will take you to Chapter One and you can follow from there.
~Olivia J Herrell
18 comments:
I have been following Roland but had not read that installment yet. It's okay now I won't find myself upset like you. :)
You do write with emotion, what you talking 'bout?
Here's to a face to face soon.
Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
Olivia, thanks for the very kind words. And as with Mark Twain, the accounts of my death are highly exaggerated.
And like Jules said, you do write with emotion and empathy. You're just too close to it to see it.
Like you, I have said Good-Bye to too many close friends and loved ones.
There are times when I feel like the lone turret of a large sand castle, whose other walls and towers have been eroded and washed away by the unrelenting waves of time.
To endure, to persevere, to reach down and take the hand of another who has fallen by the wayside -- that is the human experience and challenge.
Have a great Friday, healing weekend -- and much thanks for the kind, gracious words, Roland
I haven't read Roland's blog yet - I must hurry over.
I love Chandler.
Yes I was saddened too. But I have hope for Roland. It's a great story!
I've also said way too many good-byes, way too young, to the people I have loved the most in the world. It's so hard to climb out of the depths of despair. I try to laugh and make others laugh. That keeps me sane.
And, of course, following fun and interesting blogs:)
I just found your blog and I think it's wonderful!I absolutely love Dahlonega. I lived in Dawsonville for many years, and I never missed a Sunday driving through Dahlonega to place rocks on the grave of the Indian Princess...and of course, we had to go on a quest for the infamous Fountain of Youth!
Guys, I am soooo sorry. It didn't occur to me that you may not have read Roland's blog yet and not know what had happened. Guess I shoulda posted a Spoiler alert.
Jules, you're so sweet. Thank you for those words of encouragement and I so hope we can get together when you come to Atlanta!
Roland, hallelujah, there you are. Live and in...blog. But good God, the lone turret of a sand castle? Waaaahhhh. There I go again. Somebody call the wahhmbulance. You're welcome. Any time. You have a great and healing weekend, too.
Talli, I hope I didn't spoil it for you. :)
Terry, some days it is easier than others to laugh, most days are good. Occasionally, though, I get triggered. And I cry. But you guys are awesome. And fun. It helps me know I'm not alone. And that's always a good thing. Hanging out with other writers is bound to stir up emotion. And that's a good thing, too.
Kimber, welcome and thank you! Oooo, there's an indian princess?? She must be the one I read about somewhere. Point me in that direction and I'll go visit her for you (and me!) I lived in Dawsonville for a few months, too. I love it here. Did you find the Fountain of Youth?
~Olivia
Olivia,
Trahlyta's grave is located at Stonepile Gap just north of Dahlonega on US Route 19/Ga Route 60. It appears to be just a large pile of stones where the two roads meet, but it is actually her grave. It is a local custom to drop stones on her grave for good luck. Legend says the Cherokee people learned the secret of the magic springs of eternal youth from the Witch of Cedar Mountain.
*squee* sorry, I get carried away! I just love these local legends.:)
In all seriousness, I have never stopped and placed a stone on Trahlyta's grave without leaving in tears. You can defintely feel her presence there. Aaand I'll be quiet now before I start scaring people!:)
Clearly, the Georgia contingent is here. :)
Goodbyes have played far too pivotal a role in my life as well, and I refuse to believe the we've heard the last of Roland in Ghost of a Chance.
Olivia, thanks for the point to Rolands blog. His book is something else. Now I've got to catch up.
Thanks again.
I read it too and enjoyed it as well. Roland is lucky to have fans and friends like you! :)
Roland--you're alive!!!
Elizabeth is right. I am very lucky to have you as a friend, Olivia. And yes, Angela, I'm a bit french-fried but alive in the Shadowlands.
Who would have thought they would have internet access in a parallel dimension?
All of you are great. You make getting rejection after rejection much easier to live with and beyond. Roland
Kimber, I drive by Trahlyta's grave every time I go to Walasi-Yi! There's even a subdivision with her name. I'll find it and drop a stone for you, too. You're not that far away in Cedar Town. A couple of hours? As for getting carried away...I left a reeeeally long comment on your blog.
VR, (and Kimber) Zoe talked about having a get-together somewhere in August for us Georgia blogger friends. I think she's entombed with her manuscript though, I haven't seen any posts in a while.
Mary, oh goodie, I'm so glad you found Roland!
Elizabeth, I feel pretty lucky, too. I'm sorry I didn't participate in your blogfest, I've been such a slacker and missed it. I'll definitely be around to read the entries this weekend, though.
Angela, yes! He is alive. After a week of Hemingway's taunts and then Chandler's declaration, and Gypsy's tears it FELT like he wasn't. Seriously.
Roland, me too. Your writing has reopened worlds for me. Thank you! Of course there's internet access in a parallel universe. And telepathic communication. And whatever else we can imagine.
Anyway, french-fried and all, I'm glad you're okay.
~Olivia
...Roland is talent personified. Why his work isn't on a shelf at Barnes & Noble befuddles the mind.
And thanks so much Olivia for including me in your passage. I'm forever humbled and grateful:)
El.
I just read Roland's High Drama Blogfest entry. He is so talented!
Careful on Roland's Blog. After all, you do know Mark Twain's wife's name don't you?
Scarey stuff.
Elliot, my pleasure. Anytime.
Susan, I didn't post anything for the last two fests ;( but am hoping to get around to reading all of them, including yours.
Walter, you're right! How could I have forgotten? Thanks for the heads-up!
~Olivia
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