Imagine waking up, feeling rested, maybe feeling good, but then the person next to you shifts in their sleep.
You feel that familiar sinking sensation as you slide into your ever-present sense of oppression.
Who will he be today? Will he be charming and funny? Will he be depressed and maudlin, threatening self-harm? Will he be in rage mode, screaming and stomping as if he would shake the very house down around you?
I've been feeling better and stronger as the long nightmare that was life with him begins to fade away, but for months still, I'd wake with a sense of unease, that sensation like you've forgotten something very important.
It took me a while to realize that I was missing the constant sense of dread.
I can finally live in peace and serenity. I don't remember what it was like to wake up without that constant, dull sense of panic, but I am learning to and it's the most remarkable and wonderful feeling.
Reality gets better by the day.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please know that help is available.
Leaving an abusive relationship can be incredibly difficult, but it's important to remember that you are not alone. Here are some steps you can take:
Create a safety plan: This plan should include a safe place to go, a list of trusted contacts, and a plan for how to pack your belongings safely.
Document the abuse: Keep a journal or record any incidents of abuse, including dates, times, and witnesses. This can be helpful if you decide to seek legal help.
Reach out for support: Talk to a friend, family member, or a counselor about what you're going through. There are also many support groups and hotlines available.
Seek professional help: A therapist can provide emotional support and help you develop coping strategies.
Contact a domestic violence hotline: These hotlines can provide information, support, and referrals to local resources.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available.
Over the weekend, I participated in Open Studios BR 2024. My artist friends, Claudine Diamond of Blue Lotus Visions and Christy Barrett of Benchwork Originals, had been talking about their frustration with the art scene here in Baton Rouge.
Many major cities, from Lafayette to Austin to Scranton, all have open studio tours once or even twice a year.
As we talked, we began to realize that the only way to have an Open Studio tour in Baton Rouge, we would need to create it ourselves.
So, in January of this year, Ana Maria Andricain of Jewel of Havana, Claudine Diamond, Christy Barrett, and I started meeting every week or two to start planning Open Studios BR 2024.
It was wonderful. We had about fifteen people sign in at our stop. I sold some art and met some wonderful people.
I even offered public Tarot readings for the first time since Hurricane Ida. It felt good to be shuffling and talking.
I loved the entire experience and can't wait for Open Studios BR 2025!
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