24 Comments
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BARBARA L BERGE's avatar

Dear Ann,

I am sorry you are having such troubles, but I love reading about your trails and tribulations. I think of you as a stand up writer. Your charity is to be commended and your compassion.

Barbara Berge

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Ann Landi's avatar

Well, thanks! I always thought there might be a place for stand-up art history, but I haven't quite figured that out yet....

I hope you are well. xxA

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Patte Ormsby's avatar

Writing is one of your superpowers along with perseverance and wit. I suspect it’s good therapy too.

But you’re no dope, you already know this.

I (we) am/are fans of your words so you keep writing and we’ll keep reading and being whatever support we can.

This one’s a whopper and I feel like it’s waiting for a lot of us in one form or another and sooner Han we’re ready for it. May the force be with you. XO

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Ann Landi's avatar

Thanks, Patte. And to think they call these the golden years! Hahahahahaha!

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Patte Ormsby's avatar

Right!? What’s that about?

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Susanne K Arnold's avatar

Come east for a visit, central south east, ie Richmond VA. Lots of artists like me -professional, but invisible now that I am old (83) and still very productive , but not selling much. You might find new senior artists for your gallery ( lots of younger artists too). Susanne K Arnold, susannenld26@gmail.com,

skarnoldarts2.com, skarnoldart4.blogspot.com

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Ann Landi's avatar

That's a nice idea, but I think I'm getting too old to transplant! Maybe one of you would like to take my ex off my hands. I'll pay the airfare. He's still really quite charming, just needs a lot of TLC. :)

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cheryl gross's avatar

Stay strong!!

You're a rock star!

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Ann Landi's avatar

Thanks, Cheryl!

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Susan A Christie's avatar

Sending Big Hugs. Life sure has away of leaving us breathless. After reaching a period of relative calm. I wish it on my friends. Even in the middle of my Uranus return! Leave me your date, time and place and I will take a peek. I just do this for friends now! S

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Ann Landi's avatar

What is a Uranus return?

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Susan A Christie's avatar

When Transiting Uranus returns to its natal position. Early 80's.

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SUZAN SHUTAN's avatar

Ann- I’m always so excited to read your newest story. Your openness and honesty drives me. This one is exceptionally painful yet I’m so glad you’re sharing, as this aging dilemma of dementia hits so many of us with little to no family left or often with limited living funds. Add to that the complications of an ex who you remained intimately emotionally friendly with. Totally understand this awful position of personal decency and needed caretaking. It’s a huge and exhausting undertaking and may get to the point of his requiring full time care in a facility. Use social services and please take care of you. Congrats on this upcoming review which I will look forward to reading and don’t stop writing. I savior every read .

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Ann Landi's avatar

Thanks, Suzan. I hadn't thought about checking into social services, but I will.

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ldevuono's avatar

Ann, You are a wonderful writer— and memoirist—dealing with this has got to be very hard for you. But, as one of your readers, I am just grateful for your ability to describe your emotional landscapes. Like you've done with your past lovers, parents, schooldays, your writing taps into something bigger than yourself.

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Susan's avatar

Dear, dear Ann, truth telling about our lives is the way to go, and I am grateful to be on the receiving end of yours. It totally makes sense that as you parse your way through this latest situation, it's not the time to revisit earlier marital pain. I appreciate hearing how you care for yourself throughout these times, gives me courage to deal with my own dilemmas. I kind of don't care what you write about, as I know it will be smart and to the point. But please, keep writing to us. Sending you love and good cheer. XOXOXO

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Ann Landi's avatar

Thanks, Susan. For sure you will be hearing from me again. xxA

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Leslie Fry's avatar

hang in there Ann, this is tough stuff . . .

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Audrey Rubinstein's avatar

Appreciated this very much!

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Sharon J. Carlisle's avatar

I very much enjoy your writing, even when the story you are telling is not an enjoyable experience for you, and for that, I am sorry. Family on the outs sucks. Ex husbands having difficulties sucks too. Your resilience, framed in the written word, is both remarkable, and just damn good to read. Thank you for sharing it with me.

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Ann Landi's avatar

And thank you for reading!

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Jemison Faust's avatar

There is no really satisfactory solution to this dilemma. At least now there are many more social services to at least talk to you about options. Talk to a lawyer. Talk to a therapist. It's a tough job even when there are family and friends involved, but perhaps more painful when you are not married or have children to take up the slack and the person you once loved is not able to be lovable anymore. I have several friends going through what you are facing. How to remain a decent human being without endangering your own mental wellbeing. It's a tough one. All the best to you, dear Ann.

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Ann Landi's avatar

Thanks, Jemi.

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Linda Stillman's avatar

My sympathy for your dilemma. And admiration for your frankness.

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