When I set out to learn about my mother's bridge club, the Jewish octogenarians behind the matching outfits and accessories, I never expected to fall in love with them. This is the story of the ladies, their game, their gen, and the ragged path that led me back to my mother.Dear Beloved Readers of this blog:
I have to thank all of you from the bottom of my thick heart. I’ve been working on a new book and it never would have been possible if not for the four years of daily blogging and your wonderful comments and support. The feedback and encouragement fueled me. The freak flag flew and I felt you with me. This post will be my 1000th. I know. Right? Fuck me dead. I love you. Thank you. Betsy
Filed under: Uncategorized |
Betsy Lerner 
After all you’ve done for us, you’re even going to thank us?
Before you, some of us were milling around, shuffling our stinky feet in the dirt and wondering what was wrong with us — then you showed us a mirror, we saw who we were, and you taught us that it was not just okay to be that, but that we should celebrate it.
You helped us to remember to look to the sky, and when we did, there was the Freak Flag Flying.
Thank YOU Betsy, from one mostly badly behaved but loyal soldier.
Well, I got up at 5:00 AM to work, but as usual, Betsy, you have provided a much-appreciated distraction and inspiration.
Thank you for the thousand early morning moments of Betsy, the thousand rejoinders to finish the fucker, and the thousand reminders that I’m not in this alone, even when the house is quiet and it’s dark outside.
The quiet morning time, alone but not really alone … Well said, Jess!
Aw Betsy that you would thank us is so…well…you. This place has been THEE place we all run to. The community you have made here certainly has gotten me through a lot regarding writing and through that other thing we do when we are not writing, living I think they call it. Thanks for putting up with this cranky old lady. I’m not as bad as I seem sometimes, I’m worse. 1000 posts, fucking amazing Betsy. So about your book, do tell.
I’ve met most of my favorite people here, Betsy, and I’m still writing and querying because of them and you.
So thank you right back.
Word.
Word squared.
What they said.
You’ve helped us find our way through the woods and brought us together.There is shelter here, and fire and nourishment.
Eternal thanks to you Betsy, for your words and our tribe.
Can we preorder your book?
On gratitude: I thank all of you here for your wit, wisdom, and angst.I’ve felt that so very often, and it’s time to say it. You are my tribe.
Frank, can I be the matriarch in the funny hat, who sits in the corner talking to herself? I’m good at that.
You are the one, C.
Oh shit, now I have to buy a hat.
Thank you back for flying the freak flag and giving us a home.
Glad to hear you’re writing, too.
That is the title, right: Fuck Me Dead?!
I’ve not “been around” as long as some on this blog, however, this is where it began for me. Truth be told, I’m not sure what came first – sort of like the ancient chicken/egg question…the blog or TFFTT. No matter. I found here, and the book, and between the two, I found friends.
Here’s to never seeing the white flag.
yr wlcm, n tks rt bakatcha.
Ha! At least you didn’t go with pig latin. Ightray?
Holy crap. There is a Santa Claus. I do believe in fairies. Take me to the river and drop me in that water. 1,000 posts & a new book in the works from Betsy Lerner. I am thrilled for you, and by God, I think I’ll blog today. Already a ripple effect. and it’s not even 8AM EST. I do love me some Betsy!!!
1000 moments that made me think. Thank YOU, Ms. Lerner! Freak flag flying high today.
It’s a type of asylum that moves with us during the day. We’re present, but our mind is on the book.
Welcome, patient B. Welcome.
Congrats on 1000.
I’ll be at the bookstore with a crumpled bill in my hand the morning it comes out.
[…] the hell with it. Today the spirit moved me. In part because Betsy Lerner published her 1,000th blog post today and is writing a new book. I’m a shameless fan. Would […]
Awww.
So, are you saying goodbye? If so, Happy trails! And thank you, Betsy. I can’t begin to tell you how much you and the sensitive and talented writers I’ve met here have meant to me and helped me keep on keepin’ on.
“Almost cut my hair. Happened just the other day…”-David Crosby, CSNY
Congrats on the new work, and here’s to thick hearts.
This is some island to inhabit. Sometimes it sheds a verdant beneficence; sometimes there’s drought. But the quirky, hopeful group of primitives living here validate each other. We validate each other. That’s why I keep coming back for more–to nurture our primordial needs. Betsy, keep counting.
Thank you. CJ
Congratulations, and looking forward to reading your new book….
Sent from my iPhone
>
I’m noticing lots of ones and zeroes (10, 1, 1000) – who has the code book? It would be my luck to not understand an important binary clue.
All the love and gratitude back at you, ten-fold.
Oh, but what you’ve given us. Thank YOU.
Non! Arigato, merci, gracias, takk, nandri, obrigado, dhanayavaadaha, spasibo, danke, asante, shukran, grazie, efxaristo, gratias tibi ago, o seun, dekuji to you. And most of all, for being brave and sharing yourself, xie xie nin.
Always smart to remember the freak flag. Still love the blog after all these years.
What’s the goddamn book, Betsy? Enough with the tease!!!!
Congrats on your 1000th blog and great news on the book. Look for forward to lots of hilarious and life affirming bits~~DeborahCT
Just make sure to put me in the acknowledgments section. I know how much you love those.
Wow, incredible blog format!How lengthy hve you ever been blogging for?
you madfe running a blog look easy. The toktal glance of
your website is fantastic, let alone the content!