Gorgeous writing, Zack. Isn’t it strange as time goes by, that you check in on your memories to reassure yourself that you were there then and that you’re here now? And what must that be like when you can no longer access those memories anymore? Strange how the main players in those memories might not share them anymore, or never did in the first place? I think about this all the time, just never in such an eloquent voice as yours💚💚💚
Immaculate writing, as always! The memory of your grandad at the pier is so affecting. I will see you both there on my mental returns to Dun Laoghaire.
I once sat on a bench by the bandstand, mourning all I had lost following my move to study abroad. I ate takeaway chips (because that was all I could afford), and glared bitterly at the seagulls through fearful tears and drizzle.
I returned after my graduation, wearing a pink sundress and straw wide brimmed hat. I bought a 99 and strolled aimlessly in the rare sunshine. People smiled at me. I sketched the harbour all afternoon.
Life comes full circle. We savour the retracing of steps, wholly changed and aching for all that was.
It meant so much to me to meet both you and Madeline outside the Unicorn Theatre this summer. It made me feel like I was a real person who is part of this world, and not just an anonymous creature, stuck in the past, experiencing life through my phone or vicariously through the lyrics of a billionaire pop star.
“Who were you with your ear pressed against the cold, spackled marble, shivering, feeling the wetness of your shoelaces soaking through to your feet, every inch of you drenched?
Were you better, then?”
Loved this… and as usual I feel a pleasant sort of longing and nostalgia when reading your writing.
As someone also moving into her late 20s (I’m now about to turn 30) there is so much I relate to in this. I could never do the uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous things I did in my early 20s today, and yet those adventures have some of the most vivid memories.
The evolving of the self is something I’m always thinking about. You have captured so many of those feelings in this writing. I agree with another commenter that your notes app must be a treasure trove!
sorry not sorry, i will be shamelessly sincere because i wish i could verbalise exactly what this piece of writing makes me feel. Relief! and reassurance, to recognise in someone else something of myself which causes me untold grief. most people don't touch the sides, not even close. or only for a little while.
not to suggest im special. most well-adjusted people - can't relate - just don't seem willing to admit to (or are somehow incapable of comprehending??) the particular pain of one-sided longing - also, in part, self-inflicted in my case. and so they'd rather leave you thinking you're drunk on your own tears, that's all... 'tis indeed a cruel summer, what can i say.
so thank you for sharing, for holding space for the dreamers/the yearners, and the dreamer in yourself (idk exactly if that's an Olivia ref, nor quite how you were using it, i'm not well-versed in fandoms other than Swiffers).
several gems caught in my throat that i'll be sure to come back to. your notes app must be a treasure trove, Zach. keep mining.
🫶🏻 yeah I figured, just wondered if "the dreamers" was perhaps an alternative name for the rodrigh*es, something olivia herself calls them, or ? I guess maybe not, I overthought it lol
Gorgeous writing, Zack. Isn’t it strange as time goes by, that you check in on your memories to reassure yourself that you were there then and that you’re here now? And what must that be like when you can no longer access those memories anymore? Strange how the main players in those memories might not share them anymore, or never did in the first place? I think about this all the time, just never in such an eloquent voice as yours💚💚💚
you just expressed it so beautifully!!
Immaculate writing, as always! The memory of your grandad at the pier is so affecting. I will see you both there on my mental returns to Dun Laoghaire.
I once sat on a bench by the bandstand, mourning all I had lost following my move to study abroad. I ate takeaway chips (because that was all I could afford), and glared bitterly at the seagulls through fearful tears and drizzle.
I returned after my graduation, wearing a pink sundress and straw wide brimmed hat. I bought a 99 and strolled aimlessly in the rare sunshine. People smiled at me. I sketched the harbour all afternoon.
Life comes full circle. We savour the retracing of steps, wholly changed and aching for all that was.
It meant so much to me to meet both you and Madeline outside the Unicorn Theatre this summer. It made me feel like I was a real person who is part of this world, and not just an anonymous creature, stuck in the past, experiencing life through my phone or vicariously through the lyrics of a billionaire pop star.
It truly was enough.
it was a pleasure to meet you diva!! so lovely that we share a special place x
GORGINA
thank you! x
“Who were you with your ear pressed against the cold, spackled marble, shivering, feeling the wetness of your shoelaces soaking through to your feet, every inch of you drenched?
Were you better, then?”
Loved this… and as usual I feel a pleasant sort of longing and nostalgia when reading your writing.
As someone also moving into her late 20s (I’m now about to turn 30) there is so much I relate to in this. I could never do the uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous things I did in my early 20s today, and yet those adventures have some of the most vivid memories.
The evolving of the self is something I’m always thinking about. You have captured so many of those feelings in this writing. I agree with another commenter that your notes app must be a treasure trove!
This was so pleasing. Thank you Zach.
thank you for reading!
Oh wow this moved me so much. Always an honour to read your excellent writing, to see your more vulnerable side. Thank you ❤️
thanks for reading, as always, fraser!! <3
You write as if time is a central character. It is the main antagonist, stealing dreams and gossip and friendship and health and memory
you summed this up so beautifully!
"the clasp was never right" oof. felt that.
sorry not sorry, i will be shamelessly sincere because i wish i could verbalise exactly what this piece of writing makes me feel. Relief! and reassurance, to recognise in someone else something of myself which causes me untold grief. most people don't touch the sides, not even close. or only for a little while.
not to suggest im special. most well-adjusted people - can't relate - just don't seem willing to admit to (or are somehow incapable of comprehending??) the particular pain of one-sided longing - also, in part, self-inflicted in my case. and so they'd rather leave you thinking you're drunk on your own tears, that's all... 'tis indeed a cruel summer, what can i say.
so thank you for sharing, for holding space for the dreamers/the yearners, and the dreamer in yourself (idk exactly if that's an Olivia ref, nor quite how you were using it, i'm not well-versed in fandoms other than Swiffers).
several gems caught in my throat that i'll be sure to come back to. your notes app must be a treasure trove, Zach. keep mining.
honored to have made you feel seen!! <3 the first recollection is actually a musing from the olivia rodrigo concert, so you're right on the money
🫶🏻 yeah I figured, just wondered if "the dreamers" was perhaps an alternative name for the rodrigh*es, something olivia herself calls them, or ? I guess maybe not, I overthought it lol
btw i don't mean to suggest you're maladaptive! that would be me.
"sand in between the pages like microscopic placeholders" gave me pause in a way I didn't expect. bravoooo