10 Comments
User's avatar
Catherine Davis's avatar

I didn’t know your family is from Cuba. One of my favorite trips ever... ❤️

Your writing is really beautiful. It always makes me think. Keep going... I’m rooting for you Dani.

Expand full comment
Dani Cirignano's avatar

i still have never been! top of the list.

thank you, Catherine.

Expand full comment
Ted's avatar

I like the image of your grandmother blessing you and imparting wisdom on your head (so to speak). Now it's your turn to share your wisdom with the world, courageous soul that you are.

We are what will see us through. So true.

Expand full comment
Dani Cirignano's avatar

thanks Ted. I miss her so so much.

Expand full comment
Aaron Kierbel's avatar

Thank you for this beautiful writing! Love that line: "The ache of grief is the most beautiful thing I know."

What is getting me through? Long bike rides, family Zoom interviews, coffee with coconut cream, new hobbies (gardening/stop motion filmmaking), scheduling things to look forward to, meditation and the fact that I'm already an introvert and revel in wide swaths of alone time. Thank you for sharing your gift

Expand full comment
Dani Cirignano's avatar

you remind me that I need to get a bike!

i'm always inspired by your creativity, Aaron. Also I wouldn't have pegged you for an introvert! I didn't realize I was one, too, until I quit drinking....now I too really dig hanging out with myself.

Expand full comment
Angela Lee's avatar

Thank you for this Dani. I love “ I look to my history to map a future where despair and hope can live in some kind of peace.

I am working with notions of spaciousness and consciousness to try cope and allowing time for creativity. ( I have actually been super busy during this time and trying to slow down now and give my self the space to just be.)

SF memory evoked, when I was 6 or 7 years old, I feel into Stowe Lake and my cousins laughed at me mercilessly.

Such a wonderful family picture, thanks for sharing it. And I feel like I was there in your grandma’s apartment.

Expand full comment
Dani Cirignano's avatar

I too have been busy. And having a challenging time letting myself "just be" during down time. All of a sudden this week i'm taking almost daily 30 minute snoozes which helps...I know there's so much being processed just below the level of consciousness so trying to rest more than usual.

One of my favorite things about this newsletter is when you share your memories of SF. Big hug to you sweet friend.

Expand full comment
Claire's avatar

This is beautiful, Dani! Love the opening description of the malaise of all this... you capture it so well. And then the meditation on family and ritual and loss. I love the scene with your grandmother and the blessing. Such beautiful images. Thank you for sharing <3

Expand full comment
Dani Cirignano's avatar

thank you Claire! kinda started to feel like to separate pieces but I just went with it 🤷🏽‍♀️

Expand full comment