This is so beautiful and moving, Tina - thank you so much. I found your letters via Modern Love. My grandma and I have been navigating grief/loss in the last two years, and I had been thinking of taking her on a trip to Santa Fe/Taos, which would be new for both of us. This inspired me to pursue that! We're looking forward to visiting next month.
Weird now to read you "backward" after discovering you, I think, through the NYT piece. In your most recent post, you shared a gorgeous picture of your daughter, and it's still in my mind. Now, in this one, I see what a talented artist she already was, as well. I love that the two of you had so many "perfect days," and that you did art together.
I found your writing via Modern Love, so I’m one of your new subscribers. Your essay was so touching, raw, and beautiful ❤️ I’m so, so sorry for the loss of your precious daughter.
I don't know how the universe aligned that I should be lucky enough to have found your writing. I pray you know the impact you and your daughter have had on so many hearts. Thank you, too, for sharing your stunning photos that capture a place so beautiful and spiritual. Your courage to be vulnerable is uncommon strength.
I loved reading this first post after Modern Love. At the end of the day, you are a mother, a writer, a human, a traveler. That's why I'll keep reading :)
After I got published in Modern Love, I kept going to work, kept parenting, and kept writing. Just keep going Tina! (and take breaks too).
The beaded skulls are beautiful! I didn't know about them.
I've only driven through the very northeast corner of NM on a two lane highway where we stopped for lunch in a cluster of houses by the road- it was literally someone's ranch house with one of those changeable signs out front. We were the only people there, sitting in someone's dining room and it was the best tex- mex of our lives! We still talk about it. Lol. Now I really want to visit Taos!
In gratitude 🙏🏽 to hear from a sister on this ever flowing river. Loss has capsized my kayak often, yet I’ve become a side holder until I can jump fully back on board once again. An abundance of wiggle room, grace and several sets of dry clothes helps. Gentle care on this river we travel with so many. I appreciate feeling our connected heart strings. 💜
Hi Joanie, thank you for your message. I am so sorry for your loss. Yes we do need to take gentle care. I like what you said about "connected heart strings." Thanks.
I was hoping if you were in Taos you would know about Golden Willow Retreat. I, too, spent time there with Ted and his amazing circle of healer-friends. I read about it in a beautiful book called "Once More We Saw Stars" by Jayson Greene. xo
Hi Christa, yes, Golden Willow was a transformational experience for us. We went to the Bereaved Parents retreat, and I am grateful we were able to do that. Also read Jayson Greene's book, thought it was beautiful and also influenced me to put my writing out into the world. Good to hear from you.
Tina, I wondered as I read your post if you and I may have learned memoir writing from the same gifted teacher. I see that Pam has made a comment here, so I suspect I am right about this!
Oh wow! Yes, I've been in her classes for several years but I guess our paths never crossed there… Pam is wonderful, I would not be writing at all if it wasn't for her.
Same sentiment here, Tina. I was in her class for about 9 months all told, between March 2021 and June 2022. I wrote my memoir (having never done any writing except for some academic journals) during those months. Published it in 2023. Wouldn't have happened without Pam.
I specifically pay my NYT subscription to read Modern Love each week and I loved your piece — and found your Substack because of it. Sending well wishes. 🫶🏻
This piece was equally beautiful with some brilliant lines! Glad you became a writer instead of a rock star’s girlfriend. 🤣 Although maybe all the attention for your writing gives you a taste of what that might have been like. 🙈🤪
This is so beautiful and moving, Tina - thank you so much. I found your letters via Modern Love. My grandma and I have been navigating grief/loss in the last two years, and I had been thinking of taking her on a trip to Santa Fe/Taos, which would be new for both of us. This inspired me to pursue that! We're looking forward to visiting next month.
Weird now to read you "backward" after discovering you, I think, through the NYT piece. In your most recent post, you shared a gorgeous picture of your daughter, and it's still in my mind. Now, in this one, I see what a talented artist she already was, as well. I love that the two of you had so many "perfect days," and that you did art together.
Thank you Kirie!
Thank you for sharing these tender days..
Thank you Teyani
Thank you for sharing your stories. I loved hearing about your adventurers together from Kiki❤️❤️❤️always thinking of you guys
Thank you for reading, Alexis!
I found your writing via Modern Love, so I’m one of your new subscribers. Your essay was so touching, raw, and beautiful ❤️ I’m so, so sorry for the loss of your precious daughter.
Hi Natalie, thank you for your kind words, and thanks for subscribing. I'm glad you're here.
I don't know how the universe aligned that I should be lucky enough to have found your writing. I pray you know the impact you and your daughter have had on so many hearts. Thank you, too, for sharing your stunning photos that capture a place so beautiful and spiritual. Your courage to be vulnerable is uncommon strength.
Hi Catherine, thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. I am the lucky one, to have readers like you! Your words are very gratifying, thanks.
taos is a special place… and those beaded deer skulls are crushingly beautiful.
there’s a sculpture up by the earthship community you might like - if you’re still around, i recommend checking it out at sunset :)
thank you! We've left Taos but will go back next year, I'll check it out. Thanks for reading.
I loved reading this first post after Modern Love. At the end of the day, you are a mother, a writer, a human, a traveler. That's why I'll keep reading :)
After I got published in Modern Love, I kept going to work, kept parenting, and kept writing. Just keep going Tina! (and take breaks too).
Good advice, just keep going! Thanks so much for reading, Istiaq.
That was SOOOOO beautiful Teen...I have tears in my eyes. I'm learning so much about you through these writings...love, brother Mike
Thank you for reading and commenting! We will talk soon. Love you.
Another wonderful post, Tina.
The beaded skulls are beautiful! I didn't know about them.
I've only driven through the very northeast corner of NM on a two lane highway where we stopped for lunch in a cluster of houses by the road- it was literally someone's ranch house with one of those changeable signs out front. We were the only people there, sitting in someone's dining room and it was the best tex- mex of our lives! We still talk about it. Lol. Now I really want to visit Taos!
Thank you Kristen! You will definitely have to see more of NM sometime. Food and scenery are both great.
In gratitude 🙏🏽 to hear from a sister on this ever flowing river. Loss has capsized my kayak often, yet I’ve become a side holder until I can jump fully back on board once again. An abundance of wiggle room, grace and several sets of dry clothes helps. Gentle care on this river we travel with so many. I appreciate feeling our connected heart strings. 💜
Hi Joanie, thank you for your message. I am so sorry for your loss. Yes we do need to take gentle care. I like what you said about "connected heart strings." Thanks.
I was hoping if you were in Taos you would know about Golden Willow Retreat. I, too, spent time there with Ted and his amazing circle of healer-friends. I read about it in a beautiful book called "Once More We Saw Stars" by Jayson Greene. xo
Hi Christa, yes, Golden Willow was a transformational experience for us. We went to the Bereaved Parents retreat, and I am grateful we were able to do that. Also read Jayson Greene's book, thought it was beautiful and also influenced me to put my writing out into the world. Good to hear from you.
Tina, I wondered as I read your post if you and I may have learned memoir writing from the same gifted teacher. I see that Pam has made a comment here, so I suspect I am right about this!
Oh wow! Yes, I've been in her classes for several years but I guess our paths never crossed there… Pam is wonderful, I would not be writing at all if it wasn't for her.
Same sentiment here, Tina. I was in her class for about 9 months all told, between March 2021 and June 2022. I wrote my memoir (having never done any writing except for some academic journals) during those months. Published it in 2023. Wouldn't have happened without Pam.
Congratulations on your memoir! I am impressed with your timeline, you must have worked very hard to get it done, that's inspiring to me.
Great piece
Thank you Sam!
Brava, my gifted friend. Such wisdom here.
Pam, I would not be writing at all if it wasn't for you.
I specifically pay my NYT subscription to read Modern Love each week and I loved your piece — and found your Substack because of it. Sending well wishes. 🫶🏻
Thank you Elaine! So glad to have you as a reader.
This piece was equally beautiful with some brilliant lines! Glad you became a writer instead of a rock star’s girlfriend. 🤣 Although maybe all the attention for your writing gives you a taste of what that might have been like. 🙈🤪
haha! I am finding my few minutes of "fame" to be stressful, so I'm better off out of the spotlight. Thank you!