Living Outside the Window
I’ve waited three years to write this post. I don’t hold much with celebrity stuff, but when I heard Angelina Jolie talk about her window tattoo, years and years ago, I was profoundly moved.
Almost three years ago, I wrote this on my blog when choosing my New Year’s Resolutions:
It reminded me of what was wrong with me this past year. I spent a lot of time, hand on window, staring out with a feeling of desperation. I felt–still feel–locked in a cage. In an interview, Angelina mentioned that she had recently covered up a tattoo of a window on her back.
The reason for getting the window in the first place?
At the time she got it, she was always looking out windows, wishing she were on the outside.
I SO identify with that.
It was 2007 when my New Year’s Resolution was to “Live Outside the Window.” That one resolution has driven me more than any other in the last few years, has itched at me more than any other goal.
It started even before 2007, and it took me a little longer than I’d hoped, but I’m finally outside the window!
Would you mind so much if I just took one moment to pause and say, “I did it! I finally did it! I really and truly did it!!”
Am thinking of celebrating with a tattoo…
I’ve been in self-obsessed moving hell for a few weeks. So what have I missed? What’s going on with you? How are you doing?
27 Comments »
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URL
Natasha Fondren is a writer traveling the U.S. in a camper with her four cats. She is currently enjoying the lizards and desert heat in Arizona.
That sounds great. I admit recently I’ve been inside, with the blinds closed and the shades drawn. I definitely need to get outside.
Oh man, when I was moving, packing and sorting, Eric, I would’ve LOVED to find an inside. First thing I woulda done was close the blinds and draw the shades! And I’m about to get curtains for my Apache, so what does that say, LOL?
I’ve been so busy doing things I can’t remember which side of the window I’m on, Natasha!
Congratulations to you and I am confident you’ll wrap up this year with exuberance and style.
LOL, Rick! If you were trapped, you’d know it.
It’s only been a day, but it rocks so far!
I think you should celebrate with as many tattoos as you desire/deserve! (a’course I wanna see/hear about them, still being trapped behind the window as I am…)
Lainey, I just passed a tattoo place today! I’m going to really scrimp this month and see if I can’t save up for one! I know exactly what I want, too!
Congratulations on being outside that window. It sounds lovely.
We had visitors this weekend, so I’m getting back into writing now. That’s lovely, too.
Edie, the best part of being outside the window is only working one job, and that job being writing. Totally rocks! So yeah, DEFINITELY lovely!
Yay Natasha! I’m so proud of you for DOING it! So many people know what they’d love to do, but few actually follow through.
I think you know all my news (puppy & trip home).
Melanie, I LOVE YOUR PUPPY! I really want to meet him! Does he have a name yet? I just got online. I’ll go find out!
You sound happy, and that’s good. I hope all works out well as you explore the world on the other side of the window.
For me it isn’t so much a window as it is a chasm. The Land of Milk and Honey is on the other side. I’m still walking the edge patiently (forlornly) looking for a bridge.
Been there, Bevie. I do hate that feeling!
I feel so happy, I keep feeling flashes of guilt, LOL!
You’re awesome!
Me? LOL! You too, Janna!
Hope your moving extravaganza worked out well. Are you practicing setting up your trailer like I told you?
I think for me, I spent a long time just looking out the window. Now I think I’m about 50% outside, 50% inside.
LOL, Elizabeth! It’s impossible to set up alone. Absolutely impossible. Maybe after a few hinges and such are fixed, we’ll see!
I like that! 50%/50%! It was great having lunch with you!
Hey, come on–if that 1970′s lady on the instruction sheet can do it, so can you!!
LOL…
Speaking of the great outdoors Bart got into some skunk last night. Joy! Rapture! Baths at 10:30 p.m.! My favorite!
I can barely lift the side-end, LOL! It’s a hundred pounds, at least!
Oooh… skunk! Not fun! Does one still do the tomato sauce bath?
Well said, and I’m happy for you. I never really thought of windows that way I don’t think. But now I will.
Charles, my whole front door was a big window, and I think I stood there for two years!
Yes, girlfriend. You take all of the time you need to jump up and down and celebrate. You did it! I’m so happy for you.
As for me, I’m on promotion lane with my new release and looking for the Get Your Butt in Writing Gear sign.
That’s awesome, Marcia! Congratulations and good luck!
I’ve been putting that sign out front for myself, too. I’ve been moving so much, I need to get back to writing!
I feel like I’ve been banging on the window for a long time, trying to escape.
I’ve always said I would get a tat of a butterfly when I published a book.
Still waiting to see the butterfly.
I know that feeling, Aimless, I really do!
I hope you get a butterfly soon! And I’m so excited for the tat, but a little nervous to spend the money.
You know this, but I’m sooo delighted for you
This post really made me smile!!!
I could never have done it without you!
[...] It took three years, during which piano and writing fought for the primary focus of my life, before writing won. I combined that goal with one that Glenn and I have had for years: to live in an RV and travel full-time. [...]