I love the experimentation. I love when writers play and change things up. It’s good for all of us, writer and readers.
For me, there is no better place than home except for the sea and the woods. Even when I’m not in my usual home and on vacation, I love getting back to the hotel and splaying out my limbs in a cozy bed. Bed is my happy place.
I would have done the exact same thing. A bath AND a puppy…heaven awaits!
It kind of goes back to the silence vs loudness debate…of being with people, fully invested and appreciative. But then going home (wherever it is at that moment) and soaking in the bliss of the heaven we are capable of creating for ourselves 🤍
I feel you! I dream of my home and a cleansing shower after long office days. especially, when afternoon meetings drag on for too long and social chit chat is expected afterwards. 😇
Yep, this one resonated with my soul. Thank you for indulging my love of the French exit. Oh, and that artwork you shared is the warmest thing I've seen in a minute. <3
Knowing how to exit is a talent. There's advice given about entering a room like you own it; you have to exit a room as if no one can possibly stop you. You walk quickly, purposefully, and directly toward the exit, not looking anyone in the eye but not looking away either.
But this is the fantasy playing out in my head before I negotiate with my wife who hates to leave anything!
Everything lasts approximately 30 minutes more than I want it to, so I’m adept in executing the Irish goodbye (le French exit sounds so much more suave!) I always thank the host (if there is one) and then sneak off to solitude… I truly relish the joy of missing out.
Such a colorful description, Caroline. People you regularly interact with should, however, not read this. You are almost too good at this.
"The niceties have been observed, genuinely — pleasantries exchanged, compliments paid with a deft touch. I've made my rounds, filling the silence with conversation's dance. A few appetizers have provided fortification, their flavors lingering pleasantly. Smiles bestowed liberally, a few laughs sparked amid the civil murmurs."
Someone can wonder, "How often does she do this while with me? What is real and when is she just pretending and polite? Do I bore her to death but can't tell because she's such a good actor?"
Patrick! This made me laugh because it’s probably true…I am a good actor but I promise this really only happens at large social gatherings where I’m feeling insecure and inundated. If we’re grabbing lunch, I promise it’s because I want to be there and I’m enjoying myself.
Leaving, escaping back to creature comforts has only been one if my favorite things.
Now I’ve begun just not going places. It’s because I don’t have the required energy from months of lack of sleep, however, life has become small and shallow in ways I don’t care for.
As I press on, it is my own events that I’m trying desperately to still attend with some sense of gratitude and looking forwardness.
Caroline, I love this so much and I so relate. When I’m ready to leave, I just want to leave, and each second that I remain is agony. I too am skilled at the “French exit,” and I don’t feel the need to make excuses or let anyone know. I just leave. It sounds absolutely torturous having to stay in for three days and being required to focus and make conversation and be engaged. I love this little slice of life piece- thank you for sharing!
P.S. sorry I’m so late to the game reading this one, I’ve been crazy busy this week and have been thinking every day that I’m going to read your piece when I can give it my full attention, and that hasn’t happened until now! Looking forward to your next one! Have a great weekend! Hopefully it will include lots of cozy, homey times!
.. somehow i failed to notice the note re experimenting with different voices .. but caught it upon 2nd read .. Yes re ‘writing & different voices .. or ‘voicing’ as I describe it.. haha .. in which a default setting of mine is ‘go big or don’t go !’ So neow ya gone dunnit & I’ll be sniffing after evidence thereof .. & with a grin too ! 🦎🏴☠️ & hey go full chameleon with ‘voice’ eh !
There is nothing better than coming home after a long day, to a made bed, with washed linen, a cool crisp room right after a shower, and sleeping with nothing on schedule for the next day. Even now I reminisce about the days I felt this, and wish to experience this soon in the future. Thank you for sharing and feeling my thoughts with joy and serenity.
No doubt this is why I love Sunday evenings so much. My home is clean. There’s fresh sheets. A new batch of cut flowers. A clean dog. So many little things that I cherish
That's the dream right there! Everyone lives such different lives but at the end of the day it truly is the little things that grant the biggest smiles.
"the cool night air" captured how it feels like getting away with something. little acts of agency on the edges. sometimes a drawn out head-on formality is not in the cards.
Oh sinking into incognito mode after such a long arduous day is the moment from reflection. You meditate, self-reflect and appreciate every moment of your life. You heal your wounds and accept the love of fate in life. It's a great moment to be spiritual.
Can I just say this is one of my favorite things you’ve written?! This truly captured the poetic beauty of going the heck home wow
Well this has made my entire life!!!!! Thank you my dear 🥰
I love the experimentation. I love when writers play and change things up. It’s good for all of us, writer and readers.
For me, there is no better place than home except for the sea and the woods. Even when I’m not in my usual home and on vacation, I love getting back to the hotel and splaying out my limbs in a cozy bed. Bed is my happy place.
I would have done the exact same thing. A bath AND a puppy…heaven awaits!
As always, your prose fills me with delight!!
Your support fills me to the brim!
It kind of goes back to the silence vs loudness debate…of being with people, fully invested and appreciative. But then going home (wherever it is at that moment) and soaking in the bliss of the heaven we are capable of creating for ourselves 🤍
Precisely this💥
I feel you! I dream of my home and a cleansing shower after long office days. especially, when afternoon meetings drag on for too long and social chit chat is expected afterwards. 😇
There’s just nothing like it!!! Thank you 😊
I wish more people respected endings too... sometimes, it's just time to go!
It’s just time to call it quits!! Thank you 😊
Yep, this one resonated with my soul. Thank you for indulging my love of the French exit. Oh, and that artwork you shared is the warmest thing I've seen in a minute. <3
Aww thank you so much!! If you have instagram you should give her a follow…I adore everything she creates!
Knowing how to exit is a talent. There's advice given about entering a room like you own it; you have to exit a room as if no one can possibly stop you. You walk quickly, purposefully, and directly toward the exit, not looking anyone in the eye but not looking away either.
But this is the fantasy playing out in my head before I negotiate with my wife who hates to leave anything!
Everything lasts approximately 30 minutes more than I want it to, so I’m adept in executing the Irish goodbye (le French exit sounds so much more suave!) I always thank the host (if there is one) and then sneak off to solitude… I truly relish the joy of missing out.
Your way sounds a million times more polite! Maybe that’s what I do starting now…
Lovely writing as always ❤️
Such a colorful description, Caroline. People you regularly interact with should, however, not read this. You are almost too good at this.
"The niceties have been observed, genuinely — pleasantries exchanged, compliments paid with a deft touch. I've made my rounds, filling the silence with conversation's dance. A few appetizers have provided fortification, their flavors lingering pleasantly. Smiles bestowed liberally, a few laughs sparked amid the civil murmurs."
Someone can wonder, "How often does she do this while with me? What is real and when is she just pretending and polite? Do I bore her to death but can't tell because she's such a good actor?"
Patrick! This made me laugh because it’s probably true…I am a good actor but I promise this really only happens at large social gatherings where I’m feeling insecure and inundated. If we’re grabbing lunch, I promise it’s because I want to be there and I’m enjoying myself.
Thanks for being!!
I believe you, but ... I'd still be cautious.
Welcome, always enjoy reading your posts; I look forward to them.
That’s fair 🤣
Leaving, escaping back to creature comforts has only been one if my favorite things.
Now I’ve begun just not going places. It’s because I don’t have the required energy from months of lack of sleep, however, life has become small and shallow in ways I don’t care for.
As I press on, it is my own events that I’m trying desperately to still attend with some sense of gratitude and looking forwardness.
I feel like my life has become smaller to but those doesn’t mean less interesting. I’m just more thoughtful about where I put my energy.
Hope you’re doing well 💕
"rapturous solitude" you did good with this one 😊😉🫠
I really do try
yes you DO! and are a much better sport about than others i know 😅😅😉
I like home too. Good article . And the sketch and words on the steps are my words too. Sweet.
Thank you so much! The artist does wonderful doodles on Instagram and I love them.
Caroline, I love this so much and I so relate. When I’m ready to leave, I just want to leave, and each second that I remain is agony. I too am skilled at the “French exit,” and I don’t feel the need to make excuses or let anyone know. I just leave. It sounds absolutely torturous having to stay in for three days and being required to focus and make conversation and be engaged. I love this little slice of life piece- thank you for sharing!
P.S. sorry I’m so late to the game reading this one, I’ve been crazy busy this week and have been thinking every day that I’m going to read your piece when I can give it my full attention, and that hasn’t happened until now! Looking forward to your next one! Have a great weekend! Hopefully it will include lots of cozy, homey times!
Three days...you are stronger than I!
No apologies are ever needed!! I know you are out there. Big hugs!!!
.. somehow i failed to notice the note re experimenting with different voices .. but caught it upon 2nd read .. Yes re ‘writing & different voices .. or ‘voicing’ as I describe it.. haha .. in which a default setting of mine is ‘go big or don’t go !’ So neow ya gone dunnit & I’ll be sniffing after evidence thereof .. & with a grin too ! 🦎🏴☠️ & hey go full chameleon with ‘voice’ eh !
Haha thank you!! Definitely a more playful voice and I really liked it!
There is nothing better than coming home after a long day, to a made bed, with washed linen, a cool crisp room right after a shower, and sleeping with nothing on schedule for the next day. Even now I reminisce about the days I felt this, and wish to experience this soon in the future. Thank you for sharing and feeling my thoughts with joy and serenity.
Thank you!!
No doubt this is why I love Sunday evenings so much. My home is clean. There’s fresh sheets. A new batch of cut flowers. A clean dog. So many little things that I cherish
That's the dream right there! Everyone lives such different lives but at the end of the day it truly is the little things that grant the biggest smiles.
"the cool night air" captured how it feels like getting away with something. little acts of agency on the edges. sometimes a drawn out head-on formality is not in the cards.
"Little acts of agency," that perfectly describes that feeling. Thank you so much for the support! I'm grateful!!
Oh sinking into incognito mode after such a long arduous day is the moment from reflection. You meditate, self-reflect and appreciate every moment of your life. You heal your wounds and accept the love of fate in life. It's a great moment to be spiritual.
Excellent point! I need the silence to appreciate the loudness and vice versa. Thank you!