A short reflection on alcohol, and sobering up.
In the movie Smashed, the main character played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead admits that her recent sobriety has been somewhat anticlimactic, and that after enjoying a life of debauchery, kicking the habit did not transform her life into a fairy tale. If anything, life is now sporting a paler shade of beige.
I quit a job after 8 years, while at my peak, after winning an award for best web marketer of the year. I was a raging alcoholic. At night, I’d enjoy a few beers… usually around 12. The next morning, I would get up on time, clean up, go to work, perform, and impress. I would often call in sick, not because I was hungover—when you drink massive amount of alcohol every day, for over twenty years, you wake up with a pasty mouth, at worst—but because I was dissatisfied with my work, with the industry, with the products I was promoting. When I sobered up, I didn’t magically find happiness in the wonderful world of selling dreams. At night, I now enjoy two bottles of sparkling water. The following morning, I get up after hitting the snooze button at least four times, shave if I have a meeting with an executive scheduled, go to work, and do an OK job.
Around the time I quit my job, I checked out of a loveless marriage. When I was home, I disappeared in my man cave, got smashed, watched TV, and Facebooked the night away. It was blissful. I got out of that relationship while I was still a heavy drinker, and invested myself a year later in a new relationship with a woman who would become the love of my life, armed with a new set of ideas and values, and moving forward even though I was still a drunk. Leaving a miserable relationship and rebuilding my life around what I wanted were steps I was taking towards happiness, my happiness. I wasn’t drinking in my past relationship because I was unhappy with my couple, I was drinking because I had an addiction, and I was unhappy because of who we were as a unit. When I met my future wife, and when my daughter was born, I understood that alcohol had become a burden—I was truly happy with my new life, and wanted to enjoy my family with a clear head.
Today, I am 986 days sober—I do not find parenting easier, I am not sleeping better, and I haven’t found my dream job. But I am engaged and lucid throughout this beautiful, inconvenient, messy life.
Photo by Betty Esperanza, 2013.
I never know, when I show up here, if I am going to get slapped in the face with the pie of silliness or bitch-slapped with the cricket bat of reality. You know I can relate to this on so many levels. All the things I gave up didn’t make me happier. In fact, ceasing my self medication gave me less control over when my mood swings happened. I tried meds to level out and all I ended up with was a low level of beige even-keel. I missed the wave crests.
I think maybe the main lesson in a party life is that no matter how much money you spend and where you go and what you do on a Friday night, you still wake up as you on Monday morning.
I am starting to like you very much, Mr. Clown person.
Posted by pouringmyartout | March 6, 2013, 13:14Arthur,
What a ride… It’s when I read stories like yours that I understand why some relapse (partly). It took time to understand that the person waking up sober (if it did happen back then) was always me. Thanks Arthur, and stoked to have you as a guest blogger this coming Saturday.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 7, 2013, 07:22I am planning evil plans and hatching evil schemes to make you look bad… and funny…
Posted by pouringmyartout | March 7, 2013, 11:31Eric: Congrats. Thanks for sharing your story!
I watched the movie just the other day and it´s really touching.
Posted by storiesbyfrances | March 6, 2013, 13:20Frances,
Thank you for making it here. I’ve discovered your blog through Professor Taboo, so I guess I have one thing to thank him for.
It was an honest movie, an unglamourized look at addiction. It worked for me.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 6, 2013, 13:23Hey there, Eric,
I have to thank Professor Taboo as well, I think
I have never really thought much about alcoholism, but as an aspriring teacher, Smashed really got to me, in a way.
Keep up the good work, Eric. Stay strong and keep blogging!
Posted by storiesbyfrances | March 6, 2013, 13:31Frances,
Thanks, and I will see you fairly soon on your blog.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 7, 2013, 07:17Eric,
Life is messy. But being to enjoy what we can by choice, rather than through addictions, inhibitions, or judgments is a far better way to go. I like that you made this choice to change for you and yours.
Glad you are here. As you.
t
Posted by iRuniBreathe | March 6, 2013, 13:37Victoria,
Life is messy, and it’s a good thing, as I am highly unorganized… Which must be one of the reasons why we get along this much… And thank you for that last sentence…
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 7, 2013, 07:14Eric, congrats. Not everyone can do what you’ve done. It is a wonderful milestone for you and your family. Absolutely beautiful pic of you and your daughter — just wonderful. I hope you have that framed and hanging near you — that has to make you feel very good every time you look at it.
Posted by Brigitte | March 6, 2013, 13:43Brigitte,
It’s a great pic, isn’t it? A friend of ours took it. She is a playful one, our Tiny Geek. Thank you, Brigitte.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 7, 2013, 07:08Rock on with your sober self, Le Clown, and keep the good words coming.
Posted by lynnettedobberpuhl | March 6, 2013, 13:53Lynette,
Thank you. Now I am stuck with that “rock on with that…” saying… Got to be careful where I use it…
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 6, 2013, 15:58Hee! Or not! Spread it around indiscriminately until you get it out of your system. What could possibly go wrong?
Posted by lynnettedobberpuhl | March 6, 2013, 16:08Thanks for sharing. Lovely post and lovely picture of you and your baby. I am surprised you didn’t trademark the Paler Shade of Beige.
Posted by biggreenmeanie | March 6, 2013, 14:34Green Meanie,
How are you? It’s been a while? How’s life treating you?
I don’t need to trademark anything anymore. I am so magnificent™, things become mine instantly. And I am also full of shit.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | March 6, 2013, 15:57Comme ce, comme ca (with that sguigly thing on the bottom of the c’s) A little too much time on my hands right now. Getting ready to go back to teaching with mixed emotions. But as you have said beige is okay for me right now.
Posted by biggreenmeanie | March 6, 2013, 20:24Green Meanie,
Beige is okay… And Spring is almost here, that should add a dash of colour to make life less monochromatic…
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 7, 2013, 07:04I am proud of you Le Clown! That is a huge accomplishment. Love the photo. It says it all.
-And not one f-bomb!
Posted by susielindau | March 6, 2013, 15:12Susie,
Charles Bukowski is crying from his grave, wondering where all the booze and fucks went…
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | March 6, 2013, 15:12Excellent..congrats..you are also a very good writer. DiAnne
Posted by DiAnne Ebejer | March 6, 2013, 15:23DiAnne,
Welcome on A Clown on Fire! And thank you, on all accounts!
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 6, 2013, 15:51Eric,
So glad you made the choice to value you and have that clear vision for your family. You are a gifted and very special person. Congratulations on the nearly three years of sobriety. I, too love sparkling water. What’s your favorite?
Cathy
Posted by Cathy Ulrich | March 6, 2013, 15:42Cathy,
Thank you, you know how much I value your opinion… As for sparkling water, I used to drink Perrier, with a zest of lime. But Perrier is salty, and expensive. I have been drinking Nestlé’s Pure Life, with lime (it’s a flavour I enjoy), almost exclusively. You?
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 6, 2013, 15:45Eric,
I like San Pellegrino – with a lime wedge and I get that when we go out. I agree with you the Perrier is salty. At home, we make our own with a Soda Stream. It injects CO2 into tap water and I think it’s less expensive overall as well as it reduces the waste from the disposal of bottles. We keep three bottles in the refrigerator at all times and just make a new bottle of seltzer as we use it up.
Cathy
Posted by Cathy Ulrich | March 6, 2013, 16:01Cathy,
Oh… So does the Weebles…
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 6, 2013, 16:03Bravo Mon Clown! Sobriety is a gift that you give to everyone you love. Congratulations to all of you. xoxox
Posted by Maggie O'C | March 6, 2013, 16:27Maggie,
Perhaps I will have myself three bags of candies to celebrate… Not that I am a man of extremes…
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 6, 2013, 17:28The alcoholics in my life have switched to coffee and ice cream….though not coffee ice cream.
Posted by Maggie O'C | March 6, 2013, 18:04Eric,
Very inspiring story. I have helped many people get off drugs and alcohol. I’ve moved across Canada to help my friends get sober. I come from a family of alcoholics. My mother is from Finland so enough said. I on the other hand, am tired of being a functioning alcoholic. I have 1 day sober under my belt. I look forward to the day where I can celebrate 986 days. I hope at that point I’ll be better at math to know exactly how many years that is without a calculator. I’m downloading that movie now. Thank you for sharing your story. The picture made my day.
Amber.
Posted by Lady Lovely | March 6, 2013, 16:27Amber,
I’m terrible at math, and bless my ability to google apps which count for me. If not drinking is what you want, then I’m certain we will have this same conversation is 986 days, but just the other way around.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 6, 2013, 17:33I look forward to having this conversation with you, in 985 days. I’ve beat it before so I know I can do it again.
Posted by Lady Lovely | March 6, 2013, 20:27Eric,
Did you quit cold turkey? or did you have aids? Like AA and all that jazz?
Thanks,
Amber.
Posted by Lady Lovely | March 6, 2013, 22:20Amber,
I did quit cold turkey, as it suits my personality: everything I do is often in extremes, even in sobriety. I did stop drinking on my own, but therapy did and does help to define the reasons behind the years of binge drinking…. If you could get a support group, even if it’s from AA, go for it. But try and do it in a way that suits your personality, whichever with it is; there’s no shame in getting better.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 7, 2013, 07:03Eric,
Cold turkey is the only way I know how to do things. I find myself here again so I wonder if I need to change my tactics. The last time this happened and I went to therapy, the therapist told me I was manic depressive and wanted me to take meds. I have an addictive personality so I declined. I have been addicted to meds before and didn’t want to go back there. Therapy sounds like a really good idea. I just need to find one who suits me. Thank you for suggesting this.
Amber.
Posted by Lady Lovely | March 7, 2013, 08:08Very cool spin on the whole business of sobering up. I don’t speak from experience but I have relatives who’ve gone from alcoholic to sober and I definitely agree that it’s a firm foundation and meaningful relationships that can enable sobering up, rather than sobering up to find firm foundations and a happy life.
If drinking makes your life easier there’s the problem, once drinking is making your life harder it’s time for a change.
Great post, very inspiring.
Take care, I expect a post for day 1,000!
Rohan.
Posted by Rohan 7 Things | March 6, 2013, 17:00Rohan,
You’ll get a post on June 24… Cheers my young friend.
I’ve enjoyed reading some of your posts today.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 6, 2013, 17:38Eric,
first: I’m unsure why my “follow” of your blog keeps unfollowing. I’ve had this issue with three other blogs. I suspect iPad is the culprit. It’s rotten to the core.
second: I like your “seriously” category. Not because Seriously is MY TAGLINE, but because your serious(ly) posts are genuine and thought provoking. Your courage, your lovely family, your honesty, that’s why I follow your blog. I tried to join in on the Carnie-ness. I’m not good at it.
third: that’s it really
fourth: yeah, that was it.
Honie
Posted by Honie Briggs | March 6, 2013, 17:04Honie,
This is one of the reasons I keep two voices on this blog… There’s an audience for each, which is fine with me. Thank you for the words, dearest friend.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 6, 2013, 17:40I would say a Perfect shade of beige.
Life is beautiful Dude, fucking beautiful, as is. I truly believe it and you know why.
Congrats!
Posted by lautrecestmoi | March 6, 2013, 17:10Marie,
Beige isn’t bad, unless (as I said earlier) that it’s a pair of Gap khakis, worn by Tom Cruise. Thanks!
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 6, 2013, 17:42Very nice. Congrats to you! And I love that picture.
Posted by michellestodden | March 6, 2013, 19:17Michelle,
Thank you! How are you? And why don’t I see your statuses on my Facebook feed?
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | March 6, 2013, 19:18Because I’m a horrid bore who does nothing worth commenting on. Yet. Mwaahahahahaaa…
Posted by michellestodden | March 6, 2013, 19:26Congratulations on your significant accomplishment, Eric.
I really appreciate the beige, underwhelming angle you chose on this story as it is so very real. Years ago I remember going to AA meetings with my mom as she was trying to get sober and I don’t know if it was the meetings she chose to attend, but the people there were by and large brilliant, hilarious, larger than life characters, all clutching styrofoam cups of bad coffee in a fluorescent light church basement, trying to find ways to coerce their wild souls into relating to slogans and a highly structured program.
Not easy, whatever path you choose to sobriety, and to maintaining it.
But…..it beats the alternative….
Yours,
Katalina
Posted by katalina4 | March 6, 2013, 19:38Katalina,
Thank you. My father in law chose the AA route, and it has been good to him. There’s a method for everyone…
Now that you have commented on my blog, I feel that we can refer to one another as BFF4EVS. That’s right.
Eric
PS: And not even a snark remark about YYZ.
Posted by Le Clown | March 6, 2013, 19:43BFF4EVS it is! But before we begin, I must remind you I AM an American….I can provide documentation, and I do a good imitation of my Kentucky uncle saying, “don’t make me no nevermind”, which in Canadian would translate to, “I don’t know”.
Kat
Posted by katalina4 | March 6, 2013, 20:53Kat,
Here’s the real question: do you own a gun?
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | March 6, 2013, 20:54DANG!
You’ve blown my cover…
Posted by katalina4 | March 6, 2013, 20:57You are such a great writer. And a great person too. Dur.
Posted by The Waiting | March 6, 2013, 20:09Emily,
Well thank you! You just like my blog cause I don’t use the Vertigo theme…
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 7, 2013, 06:59To start I don’t speak French. Ok? Thanks for visiting my blog. I am not sure if I will be sad or happy after. After what you say? No, of course you don’t have time to think about that! Today I learned that an unexamined life is not worth living. I’m, with Plato on that right now. I am interested in, well, surviving.
Posted by Tina | March 6, 2013, 20:20Tina,
I’m usually the one who writes the best cryptic comment… Today, you win.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | March 6, 2013, 20:26Long may it continue, Eric. Be well. You’ve got a great family.
Posted by Val | March 6, 2013, 20:47Val,
Thank you. I have indeed a wonderful family.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 7, 2013, 06:39Well done, Eric; only another 13,322.5 (ish) to go.
Posted by TheSeedSaidSo | March 6, 2013, 21:51The Seed,
Thank you. It sounds about right. Although I should tell you: I’m an immortal.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 7, 2013, 06:38Ah yes of course, I remember where I first saw you now; The Sunday Times Immortal List.
Posted by TheSeedSaidSo | March 7, 2013, 18:35Love this post. Love it. Your honesty speaks. My mother is an alcoholic. She doesn’t know what happiness means. I wish she could see the beige you see.
Posted by Jessica | March 6, 2013, 22:03Jessica,
Thank you… Alcohol puts a veil on perception. It might start as a tool to numb, but easily becomes part of the confusion. My thoughts are with you.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 7, 2013, 06:31People can be so negative about beige. It’s a good colour, it really is. It can be exhausting having to live as a rainbow. (Maybe that’s why I’m now in an Order where the habits are grey – it’s like the Religious equivalent of beige.) My love to you, and prayers are being said for you, L’Eric.
Posted by faithhopechocolate | March 7, 2013, 03:58Faith,
Thank you. Beige isn’t so bad, even though I wouldn’t paint the walls of my living room in said colour…
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 7, 2013, 06:29Eric,
I agree. I once lived in a flat that had magnolia walls, ceiling and skirting boards. That was a bit much – fortunately I was able to do some painting before I moved in. And your life isn’t completely beige anyway. You have wonderful highlights because of your wonderful family.
Faith Xxx
Posted by faithhopechocolate | March 8, 2013, 03:53Eric,
you are right, none of the burdens of everyday life goes away when the drinking stops. I am glad you did stay sober. I am glad to see that there are people who can do it! The first part is so my own story. I don’t know if I should say fortunately or unfortunately…I’m the non-drinking part of the equation.
Hugs,
mmkng
Posted by mmkng | March 7, 2013, 05:28MMKNG,
Thinking of you in this time of uncertainty. What I can tell you is that until one wants to sober up, it won’t really matter until that one commits to these changes for one’s self… Good luck.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 7, 2013, 06:28Eric,
Thank you. I really miss my inner peace. Maybe it’s time for me to let go. Who knows…
mmkng
Posted by mmkng | March 7, 2013, 07:34Eric,
This is so great. Today is 566 for me. It’s so great to be happy!
Posted by Brother Jon | March 7, 2013, 07:19BroJo,
Congrats! We’ve already done this together for a year now. Magnificent™, no?
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 7, 2013, 07:23Magnificently Wonderful
Posted by Brother Jon | March 7, 2013, 07:25Better to be a sober loser – (not that you are, but the word fits my train of thought here, hence its inclusion) than a drunken winner, my friend.
I see many parallels between us, Eric.
I have a personal life I can be proud of: I’ve been married for 18 years and I’ve never drank.
My professional life? Mixed, at best. I feel like a complete and utter failure most days, but I’l never give up the fight.
And neither will you, I’m willing to bet.
Posted by The Hook | March 7, 2013, 08:21The Hook,
Indeed, the parallels are many.
You’re fighting the good fight, Robert.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 7, 2013, 10:31Thank you, but you’re the warrior amongst us, my friend.
Posted by The Hook | March 7, 2013, 10:41What a wonderful personal reflection to greet me as I work my way back into a normal routine. I hope this helps someone out there …. and in 14 days, I look forward to the post celebrating 1000 days. Stay strong!!!
Posted by aFrankAngle | March 7, 2013, 09:47Frank,
I’ll keep the next post on this topic for June 24. It’s good to see you again, you’ve had quite a busy few months. Take your time, settle down.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 7, 2013, 10:33Le Clown knows all.
…. and June 24th it is!
Posted by aFrankAngle | March 7, 2013, 10:43We’ve discussed already how another friend of mine commented on the “beige” nature of sobriety, saying “Where’s my fucking rainbow?” Beige is infinitely better than a kaleidoscope of colors you can’t always make sense of. Besides, it doesn’t always have ot be beige, you can always blast in some shots of wild color in other ways. And you gave yourself, Sara and the kids the greatest gift by getting sober. Congratulations, mon ami.
Posted by Madame Weebles | March 7, 2013, 10:16Well done
Posted by gingerfightback | March 7, 2013, 12:42Ginger,
Thanks!
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 7, 2013, 15:55That photo is delightful. Captures joy and love and glee and a beautiful life.
Posted by robincoyle | March 7, 2013, 14:48Robin,
Thank you… She’s such a lively kid, we’re blessed.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 7, 2013, 15:54Eric, congratulations. I’m going to send this post to my husband because I think he could relate to a lot of it. I admire so much the strength it takes to make such a massive shift in your life. And you hit the nail on the head with this post: sobering up might not have been like leaving Kansas for the technicolor world of Oz, but you’re present now, and just that fact alone makes everything more beautiful.
Posted by Ashley Austrew | March 7, 2013, 15:26Ashley,
By all means, share it, and hopes it helps, of course. Yes, I haven’t won the lottery once I sobered up, but my life got richer. Thanks, Ashley.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 7, 2013, 15:51Dearest Le Clown,
Congratulations on the sobriety milestone.and may you find yourself just as “engaged and lucid throughout this beautiful, inconvenient, messy life” for the next 986 days.
Matticus
Posted by djmatticus | March 7, 2013, 17:09Matticus,
Thanks, man! One day at a time, with the eyes on the prize. One might think I am reading from an AA slogan book…
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 9, 2013, 07:36I know people who were never able to conquer their addictions, either for themselves or their families. Those that have succeeded are grateful that they did but say they have to stay vigilant lest they slip.
And that is a beautiful photo of you and your daughter.
Posted by jmmcdowell | March 7, 2013, 21:12JM,
Addiction is a traitorous thing. If I just take mine, alcohol, it’s everywhere. It’s at the convenient store, in movies, on billboards. It’s difficult to keep away from, and you’re reminded on a daily basis of its existence. But then, if you’re an ex-addict like me, you have to be aware of your extreme personality, and understand that an addiction can easily be replaced by another one, i.e. sugar, dilaudid, comfort food, you name it. Understanding where addiction comes from, in my case, was key. And thank you, I love that pic!
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 9, 2013, 07:34I’m not sure if I am coming from as down a place as you but I long to be as happy as you look in that beautiful picture at the end!
Posted by Monk Monkey | March 7, 2013, 21:32Monk Monkey,
From what I know of you, if you are not there yet, you’re pretty close to it… Keep your head up my friend.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 9, 2013, 07:30You are the nicest clown I have ever met.
Posted by Monk Monkey | March 9, 2013, 20:00If parenting were anything but messy and inconvenient you wouldn’t be doing it well…I like to find myself high on being a mom, and that’s enough for me these days. Thanks for your honesty, glad to have found Le Clown. Love to hear from the daddies.
Posted by drakejamie | March 7, 2013, 22:49Drake Jamie,
Parenting has been a favourite topic. It’s the hardest thing I have done, but also the one that has enriched me the most. Glad you made it here…
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 9, 2013, 07:29I related to your story. I gave up smoking ten years ago. It took only thirty years and one week to get to that point but I’m so glad that I made it. My breath no longer stinks, neither does my hair, nor do my clothes. Surprisingly I wasn’t aware of it till I stopped,. But quitting did not, as the adverts and friends said it would, make me richer. As with any other drug, when you’re an addict you do whatever it takes to find the money to feed your habit. So, when you stop, the money goes where it should have gone in the first place.
Ever day is a victory,may you have many more.
Posted by marymtf | March 8, 2013, 00:36Mary,
Congrats on quitting smoking! It’s not an addiction I ever had, but I’ve seen many loved ones around me struggle with it, and it’s not an easy one to let go of… Thank you for the kind words.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 9, 2013, 07:25Congratulations.
Posted by Change My Body...Change My Life | March 8, 2013, 06:40Change,
Thank you. I’ll head over your way… I hope you’re ok…
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 9, 2013, 07:23Eric, every day I’m a little more OK. And your post made me realize something – in my own way, I am addicted to being abused. So as of today, I am 20 days sober….
Posted by Change My Body...Change My Life | March 11, 2013, 08:49It is quite noticeable how making healthy choices does not clear up anything in your life except your head (and perhaps gives some ease to your heart every now and again). It is a little crazy how anti-climactic it can seem.
Posted by Soul Walker | March 8, 2013, 14:32Soul,
Agreed. And with that new found clarity one can start looking at his/her life, and move forward, toward a peaceful existence…
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 9, 2013, 07:22I love how honest you are about there being no magical turning point that ends in happily ever after – but you still show how the effort is worth it. Congratulations, and thank you for being brave enough to reveal yourself to the world.
Posted by Queen Gen | March 8, 2013, 22:00Queen Gen,
Thank you. It’s good to see you again. There were indeed no pivotal point, just a moment of clarity about my life, and my loved ones. It was enough for me.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 9, 2013, 07:21It’s good to remember that moment. I’m glad you’re on a good path now.
Posted by Queen Gen | March 10, 2013, 06:49Those moments of clarity when we shift that compass are what I refer to as “grace”
onward you go..
Posted by free penny press | March 9, 2013, 10:08Lynne,
I’m behind on answering comments. I’m taking advantage of some free time while my daughter is playing with the blow torch and setting the cat’s hair on fire… Thanks friend.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 25, 2013, 07:06Eric,
Congrats on approaching 1,000 days sober. It’s not easy; that difficulty in sobering up comes from the damage done with the substance that lies to you, saying it is true love. Only family can be.
Here’s a (water) toast to the next 1,000 days.
Adam
Posted by adamjasonp | March 10, 2013, 20:29Adam,
Regards, and thank you.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 25, 2013, 07:07The more I learn about you, the more I like you. Plain and simple.
Posted by littlemisswordy | March 11, 2013, 19:17LMW,
Thank you… It means a great deal…
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 11, 2013, 19:18I sit here tonight, approaching my year-mark of sobriety, and I humbly tip my hat to you sir. I was browsing through your mecca of a blog, having the damnedest time trying to decide which post to read first (it came down to an eenie-meenie-miney-mo game with a browser full of tabs) … and I am glad this one was it. Nice to see the honesty, and the no-bullshit approach toward sobriety that most people paint with rose colored glasses. “With the first link, the chain is forged. The first speech censored, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied, chains us all irrevocably.” So keep on keepin on, Clown, and free us all
Posted by the_lunatic | March 24, 2013, 23:38The Lunatic,
Congrats on approaching your first year of sobriety. I just read your post The Short Love Affair of Smoke and Touch… It’s a courageous one to write. I’ll send you a PM pertaining to a guest post on my other blog Black Box Warnings, if you’re interested.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | March 25, 2013, 07:12Thanks Eric, I would love to read more about guest posting.
Erica
Posted by the_lunatic | March 25, 2013, 13:16