Brother, where art

Manifesto alert!

You've been warned...

As y'all know, my brother has a drinking problem. Accordingly, that means the rest of us have a drinking problem, as well! 

I am no stranger to the pain of watching a loved one struggle with addiction. 

I lived with an alcoholic addict who took all of my inheritance and sold my Pop's photograph of Secretariat (winning the Belmont and thus the Triple Crown, signed by Tony Leonard) and sold it for a bag of baking soda that he thought passed for crack.

I left that egomaniac over 10 years ago, and I am still finding things he did to my finances, from which I will never be able to recover.

 I have to forgive and move on, tho, and I intend to do so! 

Lately, I have had a little more confidence than I usually do, and that's a great thing to feel and be. Thank goodness for vaccines, for scientists, for our good Governor Andy Beshear, and his daddy Steve Beshear, and thank God for my having the vision to move to Cincinnati, where I soon will be near to my son and his children, whether they like it or not. Hehe

It's all good.  I was a Woman of Conner, popular, sociable and well liked in Boone County and at Conner high school, where I had a successful academic career. I have lots of friends "up there. " 

Also I have already been in touch with the Cincinnati version of Radio Eye, and once I am set up in Oakley, I will be able to read the news on the radio for them.  That is how I met my good friend Natalie Cummins here in Lexington, she was just a kid when I first met her in 2002 or so, at the UK office of Radio Eye. She was one of the terrific readers who accompanied me, live, every Saturday or Sunday morning. 

It will be nice to be home in Cincinnati and hear the different names and activities that go on in a much bigger town!

I will be going to the Krohn Conservatory whenever possible, and I will not be living very far from there, so I imagine the bus will get me there pretty easily. 

I really started this post to talk about what my struggle is with my brother. Meanwhile,  he is happily smoking Spice, or Serenity, which is legal in Kentucky, sadly.

My minister has told me the worst problem he encounters with people who come to our church for food through God's pantry is Spice or Serenity. People who smoke it are in a stupor for a few minutes afterwards, like a seizure (!) and you cannot talk to them or deal with them in anyway. It is a pitiful way to see your brother, or your parishioner if you're a minister & if it's someone that you have welcomed into your church! I cannot imagine having to look at them under the influence of Serenity -- a misnomer, because it causes stress and a stupor ... anything but Serenity -- and minister to them. How does Rev. Shirey do it? 

I don't know how,  but praise the Lord that he does!

Pray for peace ✌☮

Kimmy

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In an attempt to load a picture, heres an old blog post lollylamb! ~

This year, I have learned, oh so much.  For instance, I've been silent when I wanted to be loud.  I have learned to be at peace when anger is at the front of my mind.  Further, I learned my grief can bring comfort to those in need.

My experience of grief manifested itself in a multitude of ways this year.  I lost my sister in January when she had a stroke and forbid me to see her.  I lost my good neighbor Phyllis, with whom I tried hot fudge sundaes and olive nut sandwiches all while plotting our next escapade to the Lexington Cemetery. She let me teach her how to TEXT, for God's sake.  Loved her so much!  She was almost 90, and had the best  sense of humor. She trusted me; it was a mutual thang that kept getting better throughout the past year.  She went to be with her beloved Joe in November, and though it was tough to say goodbye, I knew she was ready.  But yeeouch, that really hurt my heart. 

At Christmastime, my baby sister got mad at me, again, which she does every year at Christmas.  Sigh.  Grief.  Oy.


Grief for the passing of so many great musical artists has been abundant this year, starting with Natalie Cole, David Bowie, Glenn Frey, Prince, Leonard Cohen, Merle Haggard, George Michael just to name a fraction of those whose legacy is all that is left for the multitudes to enjoy. albeit forevermore. 


Many of my friends lost their spouses, mothers and fathers, too many to mention.  As my friend Mayme used to say, after the first death, there is no other.  You keep reliving them over and over when others die.  Yipes, this has been a tough year for grief, but hallelujia.  I have survived it, my grandkids love me, and two of them are actually in touch with me, and most importantly I am using art to heal my heart.

I am reading, writing a play about the family, painting, drawing, and having fun exploring just how bad my skills are at doing so. 


After reading GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING by Tracey Chevalier, I started trying to draw said girl with a pearl.  That has been hilarious, and my birthday twin, brother Addison, is attempting to do it as well.  It has been a Joy to fill my time with painting and drawing, even if I am poor at it, the level of Happy is beyond explanation. To share it with Ad has been truly inspirational.


The second book to inspire has been my birthday gift of THE ARRIVAL by Shaun Tan.  It is a totally different piece, a graphic novel!  I still don't understand its meaning, but I am getting there via the artwork which is fantastical and striking ... on a boat ... :)

Happy New Year to all who have stuck in with this blog so far today. It really has no meaning, but to wish y'all a lovely holiday and to let you know I survived 2016.  With God, all things are possible!

Love love love and love,
Kimmy