Hurry, While I’m Tired
Posted on | June 9, 2009 | 17 Comments
So very tired right now, Internet. My birthday is Wednesday, and frankly it’s going to be awesome. So many of my friends are gathering together. I just don’t know what will happen. The universe might open up and swallow us whole because I happen to have the best looking and funniest friends around. We’re going to suck the air out of Portland with our awesomeness.
Back Fence PDX tickets have gone on sale. So buy them, please.
I’m teaching a class on July 11. I don’t know what the class is, but maybe you have a suggestion of what I could teach.
Finally, what I want to say is that having a somewhat popular blog is both freeing and incredibly oppressive. When I started blogging, I put every little bit of myself out there and as I’ve gained readers I’ve scaled personal things back to the point where my blog is nothing but shoes and swimsuits.
A not very nice person said my blog was a “roadside attraction.” Niiiice.
But it is. And it has been for a long time.
So I’m going to take a moment and be a little bit personal. While I’m tired and my better judgment hasn’t taken hold.
It is incredibly difficult being a writer and being a mom full-time. Being a mom is filled with its own brand of dissatisfaction, disconnect, and lack of support. I spent more than three years with not a single babysitter. Being a working writer, too, requires a delicate balance of cash flow, emotional support and dedication.
Of course, there are two ways to tell a story. I’m going to tell it this way, as simply as possible. Steve and I remain dear friends, and committed to co-parenting Archie, but we are no longer in a relationship. We haven’t been in a relationship that was satisfying to either of us for a very long time. While the dissolution of a relationship is a painful process, I’m very proud that we are doing our very best to love each other and Archie and be supportive and kind to one another while we change our lives, for the better for both of us.
As it stands, my bills will double. As it stands, I remain a professional writer, which means I can’t really afford the doubling of my bills. I couldn’t afford what my bills already were. But, as I do most everything in my life, I know that everything will work out.
I rarely ask for serious shit on my blog, mainly because I think it’s sort of douchey. But I hope you’ll all send some good thoughts my way as I embark on a new life as a single mommy. As a professional writer. As a person with a mortgage. If you hear of any writing for money things, do send them my way.
I have two other big projects in the works. Two things I believe in deeply. And I think you’ll like them too.
As for this blog, there are some new characters entering the scene. My best friend from high school just moved up here, and I’m sure he’ll be featured in several posts. Kiala is moving back, and I am over the moon to have her home. And other people you’re sure to meet and like.
So there you are.
Life. It just keeps going, huh?
Comments
17 Responses to “Hurry, While I’m Tired”
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June 9th, 2009 @ 9:09 am
Oh, MelissaLion. I’m sorry to hear of your trials.
You are a FABULOUS gal (although my stalking skills have been lacking lately), and your adult manner of handling difficult times shows what a great person you are.
Your blog is not a roadside attraction. YOUR HAIR is an attraction, and your authorishness is an attraction, but maybe that’s just me……because I’m hot for authors with fabulous hair? Roadside attraction…….pshaw.
I don’t real life know you, but I kind of cyber know you–and I like you. Not that my kudos means much, but you know…….I think your cool, beautiful and witty. I’d come to your birthday, but, well, Missouri to Oregon is a little far for an evening of frivolity, you know?
XXOO, MelissaLion.
June 9th, 2009 @ 9:37 am
MelissaLion, I think you’re an amazing person and I am so very glad that Kiala is moving back. Sometimes having your very best friend around makes the bills and the parenting so much easier to bear. And yes, life does go on, and yes, it does all work out. Strangely, it seems to work out best when we don’t know where we’re going.
June 9th, 2009 @ 11:07 am
It’s all going to be great because you and Dane and I are going to TAKE OVER THE WORLD.
Plus, I can make smoothies now with my new blender.I’m not sure how this will help but it just has to.
June 9th, 2009 @ 11:14 am
Hey Miss M. Shortly and sweetly, I’ve always admired the level of the personal you inject into your blog. I also like reports on good shoes and sock yarn, so I’m keen on your blog either way. Happy pre-birthday!!! I wish I was able to join in on the festivities. I’m heading your way early August and I hope we can get together for a bit. Arch is lucky to have such loving ‘rents. *sending you good juju*
June 9th, 2009 @ 11:44 am
You’ll be fine, I’m sure of it. I highly suggest getting some (or updating what you have) Mary J Blige and blasting it.
June 9th, 2009 @ 2:10 pm
you have INTERNS who will continue to help, too. honestly … i’m just after a pass to the zoo.
June 9th, 2009 @ 2:12 pm
All will be fine and all will be revealed when the time comes.
June 9th, 2009 @ 2:25 pm
I don’t know you (just came via twitter here) and must say, you are uncomfortably and touchingly honest and I wish you all the luck in life. I hope your friends and media people will pitch you writing jobs.
Life can be scary sometimes. But that’s what friends are for.
And have a great party.
June 9th, 2009 @ 2:31 pm
maybe i will move to portland and be your live-in nanny and courtesan and i will make it all better.
June 9th, 2009 @ 2:32 pm
MelissaLion. First, happy birthday! Second, thank you for saying out loud what many of us keep inside. Parenting, making a living, and life in general can be scarry and challenging.
@sharrypdx
June 9th, 2009 @ 3:22 pm
(((Melissa))) So sorry to hear about all this. Glad to see that you already have positive things to look forward to.
June 9th, 2009 @ 4:19 pm
Here are my best wishes:
1. Your next novel will outsell Rowling and King combined and you’ll get at least 5% of the merchandising and you’ll get a tv deal with the WB (not a movie deal, I’m trying to keep this realistic)
2. Those shoes that you’ve been dreaming of, the ones with the brand name that only girls know, you’ll find those on hidden on sale for 90% off.
3. Archie promises not to be embarrassed by you when he becomes a teenager.
4. You will have the best birthday party EVERRR!!!
P.S. – I like reading your blog. All 30 pages of it. Geez, that sounded kind of creepy. Never mind.
June 9th, 2009 @ 5:06 pm
Change is rarely easy, but I second what RSG said. These hardships will all make sense in the end.
In the meantime, you’ve got a rockin’ innertubes support system. And I’ll always be the self-appointed president of your fan club, MelissaLionRulezTheWorld. Hashtag that sh*t.
June 9th, 2009 @ 7:26 pm
Roadside attraction? That’s sort of a compliment, right? If not, then what a fucking dick.
Time for a roommate, Melissa Lion! This wintery economic climate. Do you have a garage?
June 9th, 2009 @ 9:01 pm
Sorry about the problems you’re facing but I think you’re awsome. Everything will be fine. (I’m new to comments but felt compelled).
June 10th, 2009 @ 10:58 am
I read fairly regularly, but don’t often comment. I’m sorry to hear about your relationship woes. I’m very glad to hear Kiala is moving back and will be there every step of the way (no pressure, Kiala). Sometimes just having a good friend to talk to makes life a bit easier.
I’m glad you’re keeping Archie in the center of your life and I wish you the best at this new stage in your life!!
June 15th, 2009 @ 8:16 am
i’m jealous of kiala and dane!
better to split things off before the resentment grows epic; archie is no doubt a smart little fucker and already knows more than anyone thinks he does (as do all kids, nevermind the smart ones). good luck on the high road.
as far as $$$, how good are you with a webcam?