This is so inspirational, Ramona! I am coincidentally doing the same with my essays. I’ve always been an artist for as long as I can remember. I started writing in high school but never allowed myself the “indulgent” title of artist AND writer. This year I said, “f*ck it! So what if I grab both titles!” Anyway, I’m working with a friend who does memoir workshops to act as my editor to help shape all these essays into one book. I’m hoping my thoughts on divorce, motherhood, and someone who is a sibling to a sister with disabilities will be of use to someone. But mostly this is a self-indulgent endeavor, a sense if accomplishment. And whatever happens is okay by me. I’d love to know more about how you will compile your essays, what is motivating you, and are you self publishing. Thank you for your many thoughtful remarks and writing here on Substack!
I especially loved this essay, Ramona! I am a transplant to northern Michigan-Charlevoix County. Hub & I taught in SW Michigan, Berrien County & lived in Niles for many years. So I’m a troll from Under the Bridge and you are a Yooper (?) we are practically neighbors! I’ve not spent any time in SSteM, Ontario, but have often visited the Upper Peninsula. My grandparents were first-generation immigrants from Germany and Denmark. All met & married in the Detroit area, tho some siblings went to other areas in the Midwest. I traded/added Beauchamp to Danish surname Rasmussen-and Kristin was my Great Grandmother’s name. At 71, I think I can almost take credit for being the oldest living *Kristin*
I love reading about immigrants. Best to you on your writing adventures! Looking forward to your new book, Ms. Ramona Gracia Griggs!
Kudos to you for having the gumption to get this done! My first job, age 15, was working in a small weekly newspaper because I wanted to be a writer. Reading is and was my primary guilty pleasure! Plus, I still remember the odor of printers ink - the most beautiful aroma to my nose and brain!! My life is worthy of committing to print; however, “life is what happens when we’re making plans”!!! Good luck, and please keep me in the loop. I will be your biggest fan!
I meant to reply because of your name history. When Betty Friedan published her book, I was already a suburban housewife with a second daughter on the way. My consciousness raising happened with the help of a support group of women. I wanted to reclaim my heritage at the time of the inevitable divorce, so I searched for birth names of female ancestors. My paternal grandmother was from a prominent old English family with a birth name “Head”. My mom’s birth name was “Cone”. I kid you not! It was 1979 and I was full of newly found feminism so proud to have been accepted to Dental School at the University of AL in Birmingham, AL. I wanted to be Dr. Cone Head. Friends and family dissuaded me, but I still wonder how that name would have affected my life.
Well, Madame Mona, it's about $#&@ time! 🖤 And here's to our grandmothers for what they gave to our parents, and us. Mine were Florence and Clara, both fiery in their own ways, but neither came with the food heritage you describe from your paternal grandmother's past. Makes my food-loving heart go pitty-pat. Happy New Year! Good to know we're traveling on the planet together. There's work to be done!
of course when I think of the name Ramona, I think of Ramona Quimby.
This is so inspirational, Ramona! I am coincidentally doing the same with my essays. I’ve always been an artist for as long as I can remember. I started writing in high school but never allowed myself the “indulgent” title of artist AND writer. This year I said, “f*ck it! So what if I grab both titles!” Anyway, I’m working with a friend who does memoir workshops to act as my editor to help shape all these essays into one book. I’m hoping my thoughts on divorce, motherhood, and someone who is a sibling to a sister with disabilities will be of use to someone. But mostly this is a self-indulgent endeavor, a sense if accomplishment. And whatever happens is okay by me. I’d love to know more about how you will compile your essays, what is motivating you, and are you self publishing. Thank you for your many thoughtful remarks and writing here on Substack!
Wonderful story about your name! Happy New Year! Ramona!
You grew up in the Soo!
Okay. There's a Sault Ste. Marie in Ontario near its namesake in Michigan, so I wanted to be sure which one it was...
What a great story about Great Grandma and your name- it's the first time I heard it!
I appreciate the diversity in the family as well- so much has happened in your lifetime.
Writing a book may be far healthier than any focus on this next election......... Happy New Year to you and yours!
I especially loved this essay, Ramona! I am a transplant to northern Michigan-Charlevoix County. Hub & I taught in SW Michigan, Berrien County & lived in Niles for many years. So I’m a troll from Under the Bridge and you are a Yooper (?) we are practically neighbors! I’ve not spent any time in SSteM, Ontario, but have often visited the Upper Peninsula. My grandparents were first-generation immigrants from Germany and Denmark. All met & married in the Detroit area, tho some siblings went to other areas in the Midwest. I traded/added Beauchamp to Danish surname Rasmussen-and Kristin was my Great Grandmother’s name. At 71, I think I can almost take credit for being the oldest living *Kristin*
I love reading about immigrants. Best to you on your writing adventures! Looking forward to your new book, Ms. Ramona Gracia Griggs!
I'll be first in line to buy that book, RGG! (Maybe that will catch on?)
You’re amazing!!! I can’t wait to get it and read it!!!✌🏻❤️📗
I look forwarad to reading that. book.
Count me in, please❗️
Oh Ramona, I'm so excited for you. And for your family. This is tremendous gift to all of us.
Also, my daughter's name is Lydia. I loved that name in high school and my husband didn't have a choice 😂
Kudos to you for having the gumption to get this done! My first job, age 15, was working in a small weekly newspaper because I wanted to be a writer. Reading is and was my primary guilty pleasure! Plus, I still remember the odor of printers ink - the most beautiful aroma to my nose and brain!! My life is worthy of committing to print; however, “life is what happens when we’re making plans”!!! Good luck, and please keep me in the loop. I will be your biggest fan!
I meant to reply because of your name history. When Betty Friedan published her book, I was already a suburban housewife with a second daughter on the way. My consciousness raising happened with the help of a support group of women. I wanted to reclaim my heritage at the time of the inevitable divorce, so I searched for birth names of female ancestors. My paternal grandmother was from a prominent old English family with a birth name “Head”. My mom’s birth name was “Cone”. I kid you not! It was 1979 and I was full of newly found feminism so proud to have been accepted to Dental School at the University of AL in Birmingham, AL. I wanted to be Dr. Cone Head. Friends and family dissuaded me, but I still wonder how that name would have affected my life.
Well, Madame Mona, it's about $#&@ time! 🖤 And here's to our grandmothers for what they gave to our parents, and us. Mine were Florence and Clara, both fiery in their own ways, but neither came with the food heritage you describe from your paternal grandmother's past. Makes my food-loving heart go pitty-pat. Happy New Year! Good to know we're traveling on the planet together. There's work to be done!