Wednesday 17 January, 2007
I thought I lost my white shirt
Inspired by Darlene, I (sorry about the self-referential pronoun boys. At least I'm working on the links) thought I would also share some of my problems as a woman. Specifically the issue I have with my memory which I am sure relates to my vagina one way or another. Or possibly my genes.
Anyway, the thing is that I bought this
shirt in New York a couple of years ago. I paid too much for it, especially given I go to India quite a bit. Perhaps it's because of the pretty embroidery. 
Anyway, I like it a lot. And when I went to Bermagui and Sydney over Christmas, I packed it. On our last night in Sydney we went to see STC's Another Kind of Alaska, directed by our Cate and performed by the extraordinary Caroline Lee. I wanted to wear the shirt and when I looked for it I couldn't find it. I suddenly remember that a couple of days earlier I had put it in the car to take to Bondi. Then I remembered that I took the shirt, along with a pile of towels, windcheaters etc, out of the boot. At which point, I concluded, it must have been dropped in Chippendale, outside my friend Jane's house, where we were staying. This triggered a bout of tears and despair, about the following: the fact I am too broke to buy another shirt (let alone swan off to New York, or even India and buy one); the fact my second novel is causing me problems; the fact that I can't seem to get started on my third despite the fact I am doing a Masters (
) and have to submit some of it soon; the fact I was stupid enought to lose said item and clearly I am a total disaster area whom no one could love.
I got home on Monday. Last night I opened my cupboard (insert rising, shrill music here. Think Psycho) and
it seems I never took it with me.
I must be going now. I need to cry about the fact my second novel is causing me problems; the fact that I can't seem to get started on my third despite the fact I am doing a Masters () and have to submit some of it soon and the fact I was insane enough to create an entire shirt-losing-scenario and clearly I am a total disaster area whom no one could love. (But at least I don't need to buy a new shirt. Though looking at the photo, I am thinking some napisan would be a good idea).
Views from the Floor
Virginia says:
Well, I still love you. So that's one piece of despair you can check off your list of things to despair about.
sophie says:
*blush*
Darlene says:
That's actually funny and quite girly.
Problems with your second novel? So it has been finished, and they want some re-writing? Aahh, the writer's life must test the patience sometimes.
My housemate loves your first book, Geography.
I hope that's what it is called. She says she can relate to a lot. She's travelled a lot in India (has taught over there as well).
Now that you know where the shirt is, everything will be okay.
skepticlawyer says:
Lost shirts? No worries, Sophie. I've had a (male) boss who - among other things - lost a $3000 pen, his Amex card and an Akubra hat.
Thanks to me, all the items were found.
Great post btw.
sophie says:
Darlene - Well, it's kind of finished, but I am not getting the raptuous responses from some key people that I was hoping for. So yes, I suppose that means a rewrite. My first novel was called Geography and I'm very pleased your housemate likes it.
Skepticlawyer - Why thank you.
Valerie R. says:
Sophie, I'm certain your second novel will be every bit as good as the first. But I beg you to reconsider the title. "Dharma is a girl's best friend" is a truly god-awful pun, not even worthy of a tabloid sub-editor. I'm sure you can do better than this!
sophie says:
There has been alot of to-ing and fro-ing with the title. It was a buddhist nun who made the pun. I thought it was kind of cute. And my character is a dancer in Gentleman Prefer Blondes. But I'll think about what you say. The other title under consideration is 'Bird'.
Valerie R. says:
'Bird' is good. It has the same enigmatic quality as 'Geography'. Using a groan-inducing pun is just going to make people think your novel is mediocre 'chicklit' fare.
Darlene says:
I don't get the pun.
In relation to my previous comment, I want to say that my housemate says that (she just got back from hols and I mentioned your blog) Geography was "life-changing". She went through a similar relationship experience to the main character.
So while you are going through the pressure of re-writing and all that stuff, remember how good it is when people appreciate the finished product.
Geography is sitting in the communal bookshelf so I will give it a read myself.
sophie says:
As in the Marilyn Monroe number, 'Diamonds are a girl's best friend'. In buddhism there is lots of talks of diamonds, such as the Diamond Sutras, which is why the nun made that joke in a teaching I attended.
Thanks for passing on your housemate's kind words about Geography. I do appreciate it.
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