Go read my new flipbook. I love it so much.
But first, a little story about editing it.
You can also read it on Instagram as panels.
I had Nino read it when I was doing the final edits. Thirty years ago, when we were dating, I discovered he was a good editor, and he edited most of what I wrote for the first seven years we were together. Then we had kids and things became chaotic. But here we are, with two kids in college, so I thought I'd try having him edit again.
He's still a good editor. But when I gave him this flipbook he said, "You should have given me a trigger warning or something."
I said, "What? You already know the whole story."
He said, "It upsets me more now I guess. I'm really sad for you. You have to find someone else to edit this."
I did find someone else to edit. But I think I found something in Nino as well. After all these years he loves me so much that he can't be impartial with the stories. That made me feel really loved. Like, all these years I've been through with him. So much disappointment. But it doesn't feel disappointing to be cared for.
Wow, Penelope...this is the type of art and writing that I see in galleries, and better than most published poetry books. It's so layered and meaningful. I know that's not how you wrote it (poetry-wise), but it's got the same gut punch as artwork but sprinkled with words.
Reading through it...it feels like you are now seeing this part of your life objectively through the revolving years of clothing that you remember to help tell the truth.
I thoroughly enjoyed the flipbook. You really got it done.