Welcome, wanderling.
I’m Penny Sue Denim and I can never see only one side of the story. True, I have opinions, and strong ones at that. But chat with me long enough and I’ll take your side of the story. At least until I’m exposed to more evidence for an opposing viewpoint. And I will be. Because I’m endlessly curious. But I’ll be back, or really, I’ll never have left you. Friendship doesn’t require mimicry.
I’m writing anonymously—if that’s not already obvious: Pen(ny) (P)sue D(onym). Not because I want to. Transparency and authenticity is of utmost importance to me. So how ironic. But I must protect my children and their relationship with their father. So for now, please know my heart, even if you don’t know my name.
Subscribe, please—or pledge, rather—and one of these days, I will uncover exactly what that will buy you. I am confident that it will be something worthwhile. But for now, I’m telling stories. My stories. True stories.
What else can I tell you? I’m a real Debbie Downer. But you already know that and, if not, you will when you browse My Unapologetic Playlist and its publication archives.
“wander with you? seriously? hey, i read your profile. I understand what you’re saying. given that and your truth, anyone would be nuts to wander with you.
your profile is a sad tale of woe. Is this the entirety of who and what you are, or is this a description of a series of traumas that have shaken you? Is everything you do and say centered on these terrible events?”
And two weeks later:
“I’ll join you. I’ll bring the finest box of wine I can find.”
~ The unflinchingly honest reader who called me nuts, traded witty jabs across the gender divide, and eventually settled in, finding common ground in shared grief and laughter
What’s my schtick? I hold space for your grief, both the Capital G kind and the itty bitty g ones. I turn enemies into friends because, honestly, my compassion is that big. I simultaneously hold opposing viewpoints. I believe seemingly irreconcilable things. Big picture, small snapshot. Macro and wide-angle at once.
I suppose I learned this skill in the ‘90s, crossing my eyes to crack the code in those repeating-pattern optical illusions. Y’know, those Magic Eye picture books with the 2D repeating patterns that (choir of angels amid parting cirrus clouds, ahhhh-ah-ahhh) reveal hidden 3D images whenever you shift your focus.
Look, I may never focus long enough to make eye contact. But I got you. What you think and believe about the world is valid, makes sense, and matters to me. It’s not irrefutable, mind you. So I’ll refute it too. But you’ll always (okay, almost always—Mama Ain’t Jesus, Naomi Johnson) have my kindness and respect, even when I leave your side to explore what the devil has to say.
Follow along
Oh, if I could have the privilege of my musings landing in your inbox. What a treat that would be. What an honour.
But also, I get it. Sometimes, it just gets to be a bit much. Unsubscribe for your sanity (unsubscribe from all of it and take a nap?). But, even then, I hope you’ll find me on Substack, hit save, and read my stuff when you wake up.
Subscribe (pledge), maybe? My goal is that your investment pays for itself in peace and emotional validation.
Join in
I trust there will be a community. I don’t know exactly when and how. But I know there will be. It’s what I do. I gather people like my kiddo gathers prized possessions. Sentimentally attached to each one. Stones and stickers and sea shells. Squishies, fidgets, stuffies. She can’t throw anything out (God help us!). Each one contributes something that no other could, no matter how crowded the room gets.
Because of you, this room transforms, becoming what it is because you are here. Please don’t go without leaving your mark. Comment, heart, restack, follow, subscribe. Or just quietly sit with it. A lot of my content may allow for nothing but that.
If you’re here, welcome. If you’re wandering, welcome home.
Nuance is everything.
~ ps denim
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