I attempted a few slices today, but ended up abandoning a few drafts. Perhaps I’ll come back to them in the future. Instead, I’ll be using Old Friend from Far Away by Natalie Goldberg as my inspiration for my slice today. This is a fabulous book on the art of writing memoir. My prompt is “No More- What do you no longer have? Go for ten minutes.”
What do I no longer have? Should I list the tangible or intangible things? How about both!
I no longer have the patience for Covid. While I was more tolerant last year, when I thought it was a temporary inconvenience that would go away soon, I am now over the constant worry, inability to move about the world as I’d like, and the sadness and destruction it has brought to so many.
I no longer have my big house and live-in maid that I had in Indonesia. I’ve swapped those for a smaller place and a cleaner who comes twice a week. While it was certainly an adjustment, I’m used to it now.
I no longer have to teach online. We are fully in-person at my school, and we are blessed to have all of our students on campus every day. It’s certainly much easier this way.
I no longer have to stay at home. In Jeju, we are fortunate to be able to move about the island with limited restrictions. Unlike Jakarta, where I was confined to my home, I am able to shop, eat at restaurants, walk around, and meet up with friends. I’m very lucky.
I no longer have to take GoJeks, walk, or take taxis to get around. I now have a car and drive myself wherever I want to go. It’s such a treat to be able to leave whenever I want, as I have not driven since living abroad.
I no longer have to remember my keys since my door has a keypad to unlock it. I love this feature in Korean homes!
I no longer have new stamps in my passport, due to the inability to travel. I can’t wait until I can make up for lost time and fill my passport back up!
I really like your list of “no longer” turned into positives! Love starting the day with a glass half full. Thanks for sharing this idea for writing. I may try it out soon, too.
This is a great platform for a memoir and there are pro’s to almost everything you have now, compared to what you’ve left behind, except the lack of passport stamps! May that situation change soon!
I like these glimpses into aspects of your life in Jeju. The prompt works well, and I too might give it a try,
I love this structure! It plays nicely on the hopes that you have and all you are grateful for!
I love how much is revealed about your life in telling us what you no longer have. Although you start with the sadness and destruction of COVID, the upsides you describe leave me with a feeling of hope.
Some “no longers” leave us pining for them (such as free to travel the world) and then there are the others we don’t miss so much (confined to home). I no longer spend my time reading professional material, but rather read what ever suits my fancy.
Reading whatever you fancy sounds heavenly!
Thank you for the unique inspiration from Natalie Goldberg! Your list creates an image of your day, and I get the feeling of being there and not having to hold any keys. A simple, happy luxury!
It is a luxury to be keyless! I do wonder if I’ll forget to carry keys with me when I go back home for a visit…haha
Like the form. It reminds me of all the things you wrote about last spring.
🙂
I just found my copy of that book; I need to dive back in. I like how you put a positive spin on what you don’t have anymore. It could have really taken a completely different angle. Can’t wait to hear about you adventures in your car!
I love this book…need to write lots more from it! Yes…I need to write more about my adventures. 🙂
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