Every Picture Tells a Story
At the age of fifty, I found myself facing down the dual demons of divorce and midlife. I unexpectedly reawakened the sleeping giant of my crazy-ass creativity and thus rediscovered the healing power of play. (And glue.)
DIARY is a compilation of visual and verbal vignettes that show— and tell— the story of my reluctant journey through the perils, pitfalls, and pratfalls of divorce— and how I emerged whole and healed— with a shitload of whack art— and this book.
Women navigating divorce need lots of support. I offer this book as a means of support and relief to others recovering from a broken marriage and a broken heart.
Because Spanx and wine are not enough.
Interview With The Author
Q: What books are on your nightstand or stacked next to your bed?
A: I’m currently (finally!) reading The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt.
I just finished Martha Beck’s The Way of Integrity.
Also working (well, playing really) my way through Nick Bantock’s The Archeo Personal Archetype Cards.
Q: What was the last great book/play/poem you read?
A: Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy.
Also Lisa Jewell’s The Family Upstairs.
Q: If you could give a piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
A: Do NOT compare yourself to others!!
Find (and use) your own voice.
Accept constructive criticism and use it with discernment.
Keep practicing!
Keep learning!
Keep learning and listening and observing.
Q: What writing resources (in San Diego, if appropriate) have been most helpful to you?
San Diego Writers Ink, UCSD Extension, various writing conferences.
Q: Which of your life experiences have shaped you most as a writer?
A: Being willing to find and share the raw truth and even rawer humor in painful and challenging life events. (Let’s face it, there’s not much funny about divorce… or is there?)
Q: What was the first piece of writing you shared with someone else?
A: I wrote and illustrated a children’s book for a creative writing class in 4th grade. (It was actually pretty cute, if I do say so.)
Q: Where can we find your blog/website or any other online links (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter?)
Instagram: @whybebeige
Facebook: whybebeige
Twitter: (warning: I’m largely political on this platform)
Coming Spring 2022
Thank you to our Event Sponsor: Valerie Sussman
Valerie Sussman is a formerly well-behaved Pediatrician who plays with toys and words to make weird and wacky healing art.
Her prescription is a unique blend of laughter, tears… and the kitschy sink. (Why be beige?)
She hopes to inspire others to live creative, colorful, rich, full-spectrum lives.
Because… Creativity cures, Humor heals, and Play is the way.