Oh, you must have been at Bay View! They do have Chataquas there. A lovely place, only open in the summer and then all of the cottages in the entire community close for the winter.
I didn't know that story, just looked it up, but I assumed there was some significance. It's the face. It doesn't look like Hemingway at all. And the pose. It still looks like a traveling salesman to me.
I don't disagree, but I thought the suitcase was a brilliant touch. There's a mystery novel titled Hemngway's Suitcase, came out in the 80s I think. A fun read.
The statue is based on a photograph of Hemingway taken in January 1920 in Petoskey. He was preparing to depart the town for a job in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Fisher said the suitcase in the Hemingway statue was based on her father’s suitcase.
“He (her father) is going to be part of this for the rest of his years. Thank you, Ernest,” Fisher said while looking at the statue.
Fisher shared one other thought about the statue.
“If you see the actual picture this sculpture is done through, those who knew Ernest knew he liked to drink,” Fisher said. “I requested a book be put in his pocket, but it’s actually supposed to be a little flask.”
Doesn't matter, really, since fans won't know anything about her father but they will know the famous story of H's suitcase and assume that's a nod to it.
Oh, my. My husband and I have just recently made the decision that you have made - so bravely and (I'm sure) correctly. We have a house in Denver that is too big for just the two of us and my husband (who I believe has OCD - not confirmed) goes out every morning and picks-up by hand everything that fell on the front, back and side lawns overnight. And waters (yes, we have irrigation) because he "does it better". And then comes in after 3 hours bent over and complaining about his back. It's time. I know you're making the right decision because of how thoughtfully you speak about it. Good luck! Congratulations! And have fun.
Sep 20, 2023·edited Sep 20, 2023Liked by Ramona Grigg
Reading stories about downsizing has made me once again glad we bought a ranch 30+ years ago that was a bit tight with two kids but was perfect for the two of us once they went off to college. Over the years, we remodeled inside and out extensively but never added on to change the footprint because we were wary of having too much house to take care of back then. Now, it would be even more burdensome. And after knee surgery, it's a blessing not to have any stairs.
"I know once I leave here I won’t come back. They’ll want me to see what they’ve done to the place, but I hope I can convince them not to send pictures. I want my memories to be mine."
All the very best to you, Ramona! I don't log on to Substack enough, but when I do, I always enjoy catching up on your life's journey. I remember selling my family house and moving my mom to an apartment after my dad died. "Bittersweet" doesn't even begin to describe the experience. But it was time. Enjoy your new home, make it your own, and keep writing! And by the way, I understood the troll reference right away. My dad read "Three Billy Goats Gruff" to my siblings and me when we were young. That troll scared the heck out of me!
Wishing you all the happiness with your move. Pack those memories carefully and unpack them as part of rusticating your new space. Love the idea of your ‘do not disturb’ sign ... I wonder if there is an amusing ‘ Beware of the’ ... Sharp Quilled Writer / Mysterious Neighbour / ... (maybe a competition for your readers!).
Oh, that's so clever! Yes! We should think of the perfect do not disturb sign for writers. I have one that loops over a doorknob that says, "Go away. I'm writing", but that's a bit harsh.
You have chosen the absolute perfect place for the next chapter……cheers to everything going as planned…. Ed is ALWAYS with you . I love trolls but didn’t know it was used like that in Michigan…..I thought I saved my little original small troll doll from the 60’s but I can’t place it
A new adventure, Ramona! Looks like a beautiful place you are settling in, new vistas to explore too. And Ed and your memories go with you too….I know from my own experience.
Offering an idea for something to take with you as you switch locations. Somewhere in your cottage is a light-switch and cover you know to have been touched more often by your husband than any other. Take it with you (because it’s going to be replaced anyway), have it reinstalled, perhaps in your new office or bedroom. If his spirit lingers in the walls, he’ll know what you’re up to and likely hitch a ride. Sometimes it’s the silly little simple to-do things that add just the right touch to new. 😇
I Hope you get a good balance of space and time to yourself for your writing mixed with interaction on cool things. I support thé ‘ leave me alone’ signage, at least until you warm up to being in a populated space again
Best wishes as you make this big move. I understand the dilemma. I had to move just before Dan died - I tried to take him along as best I could - pictures, furniture, etc. It's the best I could do - and it was the right thing to do. You will still be near the water - a plus in my book.
That must have been so hard for you! I hope you're happy where you are now.
I've had about a year and a half to get ready for this, but deciding what of Ed's to take is a toughie. The kids and grandkids are all taking what they want and that makes me so happy. I would rather everything I don't need would go to them.
Sep 21, 2023·edited Sep 21, 2023Liked by Ramona Grigg
Hi Ramona, One of my very special gifts was that Dan had a red Chevy pickup truck. It was his pride and joy. I gave the truck to our son. When we visited him last Spring, it was a pleasant surprise to see the truck in their garage - shiny, bright, and well-taken care of. When will you move?
Oh, you must have been at Bay View! They do have Chataquas there. A lovely place, only open in the summer and then all of the cottages in the entire community close for the winter.
https://www.bayviewassociation.org/about-bay-view/
Wishing you all the best with your move, Ramona. I'm glad you get to stay "up north" and near the water.
Thanks. I hope it happens.
I support the rustifying of that new office, Ramona! And Ed is in your pocket, wherever you go. :)
Thank you!
I think the statue with the suitcase is a nod to that famous suitcase of his that went missing.
I didn't know that story, just looked it up, but I assumed there was some significance. It's the face. It doesn't look like Hemingway at all. And the pose. It still looks like a traveling salesman to me.
I don't disagree, but I thought the suitcase was a brilliant touch. There's a mystery novel titled Hemngway's Suitcase, came out in the 80s I think. A fun read.
Nice, but apparently not:
The statue is based on a photograph of Hemingway taken in January 1920 in Petoskey. He was preparing to depart the town for a job in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Fisher said the suitcase in the Hemingway statue was based on her father’s suitcase.
“He (her father) is going to be part of this for the rest of his years. Thank you, Ernest,” Fisher said while looking at the statue.
Fisher shared one other thought about the statue.
“If you see the actual picture this sculpture is done through, those who knew Ernest knew he liked to drink,” Fisher said. “I requested a book be put in his pocket, but it’s actually supposed to be a little flask.”
https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/2017/07/24/hemingway-statue-unveiled-in-petoskey/44850229/https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/2017/07/24/hemingway-statue-unveiled-in-petoskey/44850229/
Doesn't matter, really, since fans won't know anything about her father but they will know the famous story of H's suitcase and assume that's a nod to it.
I think you're right. And it does make a much better story.
:-)
Oh, my. My husband and I have just recently made the decision that you have made - so bravely and (I'm sure) correctly. We have a house in Denver that is too big for just the two of us and my husband (who I believe has OCD - not confirmed) goes out every morning and picks-up by hand everything that fell on the front, back and side lawns overnight. And waters (yes, we have irrigation) because he "does it better". And then comes in after 3 hours bent over and complaining about his back. It's time. I know you're making the right decision because of how thoughtfully you speak about it. Good luck! Congratulations! And have fun.
Reading stories about downsizing has made me once again glad we bought a ranch 30+ years ago that was a bit tight with two kids but was perfect for the two of us once they went off to college. Over the years, we remodeled inside and out extensively but never added on to change the footprint because we were wary of having too much house to take care of back then. Now, it would be even more burdensome. And after knee surgery, it's a blessing not to have any stairs.
"I know once I leave here I won’t come back. They’ll want me to see what they’ve done to the place, but I hope I can convince them not to send pictures. I want my memories to be mine."
This is beautiful and so true.
All the very best to you, Ramona! I don't log on to Substack enough, but when I do, I always enjoy catching up on your life's journey. I remember selling my family house and moving my mom to an apartment after my dad died. "Bittersweet" doesn't even begin to describe the experience. But it was time. Enjoy your new home, make it your own, and keep writing! And by the way, I understood the troll reference right away. My dad read "Three Billy Goats Gruff" to my siblings and me when we were young. That troll scared the heck out of me!
Thank you, Gwen. That troll scared me, too! I think they should come up with a different name, now that I'm going to be one!
💚💚💚💚💚
Wishing you all the happiness with your move. Pack those memories carefully and unpack them as part of rusticating your new space. Love the idea of your ‘do not disturb’ sign ... I wonder if there is an amusing ‘ Beware of the’ ... Sharp Quilled Writer / Mysterious Neighbour / ... (maybe a competition for your readers!).
Oh, that's so clever! Yes! We should think of the perfect do not disturb sign for writers. I have one that loops over a doorknob that says, "Go away. I'm writing", but that's a bit harsh.
Now I’ve started, it’s hard not to think of sharp edged notices!
‘Writer at Work - Creating Disturbing Characters! Don’t Become One’
Love it! I'm drawing a blank. Still thinking...
These might give you some creative inspiration. The only original is the last one.
Do Not Disturb: I'm disturbed enough already
Please do not disturb. Writer at work. Bystanders will be written into the story in highly unflattering ways.
I'm in here. You're out there. Let's keep it that way a little longer.
Please do not disturb. I'm busy writing, and my pen is prone to biting people who interrupt my work.
LOL. All brilliant! Adding them to the list! (Love the second one best.)
You have chosen the absolute perfect place for the next chapter……cheers to everything going as planned…. Ed is ALWAYS with you . I love trolls but didn’t know it was used like that in Michigan…..I thought I saved my little original small troll doll from the 60’s but I can’t place it
I remember those troll dolls. My kids had them, too. Originally Danish but they became a smash in the U.S.
For some reason... 😄
It sounds like a great place for this next chapter in your life. I hope they respect your wishes to not send photos!
Thanks, Michael. Me too.
Petoskey is beautiful. The other month I had an appointment, and afterwards, hubby and I wandered around and explored.
There's a lot to explore! A bit crowded in summer. It's just now starting to calm down.
I warned my husband that traffic there can be heavy, but he didn't believe me!
Too few roads in and out and there’s no bypass. It can be a real mess!
A new adventure, Ramona! Looks like a beautiful place you are settling in, new vistas to explore too. And Ed and your memories go with you too….I know from my own experience.
Wishing you the best.
Thank you, Bonnie.
Wishing you well in this transition/adventure.
Offering an idea for something to take with you as you switch locations. Somewhere in your cottage is a light-switch and cover you know to have been touched more often by your husband than any other. Take it with you (because it’s going to be replaced anyway), have it reinstalled, perhaps in your new office or bedroom. If his spirit lingers in the walls, he’ll know what you’re up to and likely hitch a ride. Sometimes it’s the silly little simple to-do things that add just the right touch to new. 😇
Brilliant! I’m going to do it! ❤️
I Hope you get a good balance of space and time to yourself for your writing mixed with interaction on cool things. I support thé ‘ leave me alone’ signage, at least until you warm up to being in a populated space again
I think I will once I settle in. Right now I'm completely overwhelmed!
Hi Ramona,
Best wishes as you make this big move. I understand the dilemma. I had to move just before Dan died - I tried to take him along as best I could - pictures, furniture, etc. It's the best I could do - and it was the right thing to do. You will still be near the water - a plus in my book.
That must have been so hard for you! I hope you're happy where you are now.
I've had about a year and a half to get ready for this, but deciding what of Ed's to take is a toughie. The kids and grandkids are all taking what they want and that makes me so happy. I would rather everything I don't need would go to them.
Hi Ramona, One of my very special gifts was that Dan had a red Chevy pickup truck. It was his pride and joy. I gave the truck to our son. When we visited him last Spring, it was a pleasant surprise to see the truck in their garage - shiny, bright, and well-taken care of. When will you move?
What a treasure! And your son, of course, will have to keep that red truck forever. 😊
Very true! and his step-son has already claimed it when the time comes. I was thrilled beyond words.
❤️💕❤️