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Julie Bancroft's avatar

Brilliant post, I love this. Your analogy about driving into the fog of art-making is so telling, it made me smile with recognition. Also totally agree about the perception of courage. So much of what we do as women and artists is dismissed as 'domestic' or 'small' but how hard is the work of healing and supporting and being, yes, personal. ps Women's Studies sounds a great alternative to medicine in the end?

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Thanks so much, Julie. I'm glad it resonated with you. That's always music to a writer's ears, right, to know your words hit home. And yes, you are right about the path I chose.

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CeCe Sullivan's avatar

Feel the fear and do it anyway...my new mantra!

Thanks Lesley.

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CeCe Sullivan's avatar

Lesley, your beautiful and courageous story, your writing, is such an inspiration to me.

Taking risks, facing fears, is hard. At 71, I’m traveling to Morocco in May. I’m traveling there by myself but meeting a group in Marrakech. It scares and exhilarates me. An art workshop is included!! Perfect! But lots of fears. My mantra is “I can do this.”

Thanks so much for your wisdom.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Thanks so much, CeCe. I was supposed to teach a workshop in Morocco but Covid happened. I didn't reschedule but I still have a desire to go, so I totally understand why you are taking this leap of faith. If not now, when, right? Good for you! What I did a few months ago was sign up for a workshop in Portugal and will travel there alone in March. Knowing that we're both heading to a group of like-minded souls lets us know that we're doing the right thing.

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CeCe Sullivan's avatar

I have several friends who have traveled in Portugal and have loved it. Have the best time.

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Alyce McDonald's avatar

I think we have lived parallel lives. I did not want to be a doctor but spent 6 years as a Medical Receptionist in an OB/GYN office. I loved working for all the women doctors. In fact when they gave me my first raise, they wrote on my record that they never knew anyone who enjoyed their job as much as Alyce.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

But of course. That's why we are the best of friends that have never met! :-)

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Sara Jordan's avatar

Wow, Lesley...I didn't know all this about you... I've ALWAYS admired you, and n ow even more! You are awwwwesommme!

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Thank you, Sara. I'll have to figure out how to tie in another story about me that most ppl don't know!

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Lynne Oakes's avatar

You are such a wonderful writer, Lesley. I could picture myself in that fog, but not confronting a Caesarian or cadaver!

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Thanks, Lynne!

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creativelenna's avatar

Thank you, Lesley. Your writing is insightful and helpful.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Thank you, Lenna.

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