© Jem Sullivan
Relationship advice
My friend Laura said I’d ruined it for her. I felt a little bad about that. It really was beautiful. But the truth is, it’s just not my style. Maybe when I was younger, but not now.
See, there is a seashell that I simply don’t like—and ironically, it is among the prettiest, hardiest, and glossiest on the beach. We ran across a whole slew … Read More
The sky at dawn—so much lovelier with clouds.
Likewise, the beach—so much more interesting after storms.
The metaphors that these observations suggest to me sometimes seem trite, even reductive, on the surface. Clichés, song lyrics and memes abound: Every cloud has a silver lining; what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger; after … Read More
I’m throwing myself a party this weekend, complete with birthday cake, party hats, balloons and presents! I love presents. I love to get them, and I love to give them. I’m really good at both.
But there’s a rule for this birthday party—in bold print right there on the invitation—No gifts please, unless you made it yourself, grew it … Read More
“It doesn’t have to be this way. It doesn’t.” (pg. 218 My Vices Collide; A Celebration of Being a Little Messed Up)
Is it vain to quote myself? Well, maybe so, but no truer words have ever been spoken by me. So I will say them again:
It doesn’t have to be this way.
I am proof.
You think it … Read More
I found a letter in an old keepsake box—a love letter actually. Across the top of the single sheet of notebook paper, in careful cursive, was the salutation: To Sharla with love. My heart fluttered a little to read those words. The letter was dated March 10, 1975. We were sixteen.
It is not hard to … Read More
