The Super Bowl took place last night. I didn’t watch the game. That’s normal for me, unless I’m at someone’s else’s “game day” party. And this year…well, you know.
Instead, I ended up on social media. My American friends sent dispatches from what, I’ve increasingly felt, are two separate worlds.
In one, people’s lives look more or less like mine: Conducted mostly at home. When life requires the people living in this world to go elsewhere, the faces are masked. People stand apart.
In the other world, people’s lives look more or less like mine did a year ago. There are dinners out. Shared plates of food. Smiles with cheeks pressed close.
I am fascinated by these two worlds and by how and why they both exist. I have been for a while. This summer, I wrote a lyric essay about my reflections on loneliness and choice. I even got some great feedback from Jennifer Mattson as part of a Loft Literary Center class I took with her over the summer.
When the essay was done, I wasn’t sure what to do with it. Those of you who’ve been following my work know I’ve been pushing myself to submit my writing to publications. While I’ve had some great progress with publishing service pieces, I have barely started trying to find homes for my lyric essays. Breaking into literary magazines is a whole different beast. That’s why I responded right away to a call for submissions from Dovetail, the art and literary magazine of NYU SPS, where I took a writing class this fall.
Well, I’m proud to announce that they said yes. The latest issue of Dovetail includes my essay Earthworms & Champagne. This is the first time I’ve had a piece in a lit mag, and I hope you’ll read it.
I just read this, Emily; over coffee, breakfast alone at home. Lisa’s at her office today.
I SO enjoy reading your blogs/essays/writings of all kinds. And, nice sketch of yourself, too!!!
What a great title: Earthworms and Champagne…
And, it does come down to our choices. Thanks for choosing to stay in your t-shirt & shorts at home. That’s where I am, too. Maybe the two of us can clink glasses virtually?
Jo
I’m happy to virtually clink glasses with you anytime, Jo! I SO appreciate you, your kind heart, and the way you take time to read my writing.
I wish I could take credit for that lovely sketch. Dovetail’s editor’s paired it with my piece. The artist is Isabella Pezzzulli.
I’m proud to have you in my life, Emily. You are a very grounded human being. And, I thrive on sharing my positive energy with people like you…
Nice sketch by Isabella!!!
What’s the best way for me to virtually toast with you?
Jo