Gorgeous answers. "[M]any identities were once very important to me. They are now so deeply embedded in who I am I no longer care if others recognize me in any of those ways" really lit something in me -- I feel like I'm partway through this process, but have not heard it expressed so resonantly before now. Off to go seek out more of Judith's writing.
So good to read this interview. Judith Barrington is a wonderful poet and memoirist. I was lucky enough to attend a small workshop she gave via the Poetry School and Mimi Khalvati in London in the early 2000s (or maybe late 1990s?), and it was wonderful. She is a kind, generous, fabulous woman, and I'm looking forward to reading her latest book. I'm very glad Judith Barrington is in the world!
I took a class or two taught by Judith when I attended the late (and much lamented) Marylhurst University just outside of Portland, OR. Her class on memoir helped me anchor my own writing in a way that eventually led to a book. I have her poetry collection, Horses and the Human Soul, and have read her book, Lifesaving: A Memoir. Stories from her memoir have stayed with me, and I recommend it to anyone who has not yet encountered it.
Judith—what fun to connect after all these years! Marylhurst was formative to the writer I’ve become and I remember several of my teachers with fondness. It was a special place, its gifts still living in many hearts.
Judith! She is amazing and it's wonderful to see her here on my favorite Substack. Her newest book, Virginia's Apple (linked above), is fascinating, quite enjoyable to read, and a sort of ridiculously well written in an intimate, beautiful way rather than a "Hey, look at me, I'm a fancy writer!" sort of way. And I learned so much from its stories.
I admire Judith's courage and resilience of an indomitable spirit, to live day in day out with this cruel illness; not least having had, to go on living a creative and fulfilled life after having lost both her parents in such awful circumstance.s
I gathered great inspiration from this poet who is more disabled than I am. I sometimes fret over not being able to walk long distances with my cane, but she gave me some ideas of how to overcome that. I identify with her a lot (I'm 87). She's the kind of person I would like to learn to know as a friend.
Sari, thank you for the work you do. this was an inspiring interview. I was particularly taken by the fact that one can feel they are in the happiest days of their life, even when challenged by mobility.
I am a big fan of cemeteries; Lone Fir holds a special place in my heart. I've done assorted weird art projects there, filmed a very pregnant dancer there for an installation, and just wandered around a lot. When I first moved to Portland, my Goth friends and I would meet up there at night. Lovely place.
Wish I'd been younger and more goth-like, so I could have joined your nocturnal trips in the cemetery! I was just dog-walking in the daylight -- little did I know.
Years ago it was completely fenced off and the gates shut at night. There was one, hidden section of chain-link fence in some shrubbery along southeast stark; it had been cut, and we would crawl into the cemetery through there.
Thanks Loretta for your immediate recommendation. I know about Greenwood. I was born in Brooklyn. I was thinking bi-coastal and I have the frequent flyer miles. 🤷🏼♂️
Hello from another Portland writer! Eager to read your work. And yes about the delightful discovery that growing old allows so much joy and contentment.
I don't live far from you. My friends and I often walk your way and wander through the Lone Fir cemetery. I love the Woodsmen of the World headstones.
Congratulations to Judith Barrington for Virginia’s Apples achieving Finalist status for the Oregon Book Awards! 🍎 I hope your book wins in the Creative Nonfiction category. 👏🏻
This is a good one. I also have a chronic illness. I have only two things on my bucket list: to see Ireland and the Aurora Borealis. Other than that I hope to live well until I die.
Gorgeous answers. "[M]any identities were once very important to me. They are now so deeply embedded in who I am I no longer care if others recognize me in any of those ways" really lit something in me -- I feel like I'm partway through this process, but have not heard it expressed so resonantly before now. Off to go seek out more of Judith's writing.
I'm fascinated by this quote too!
So good to read this interview. Judith Barrington is a wonderful poet and memoirist. I was lucky enough to attend a small workshop she gave via the Poetry School and Mimi Khalvati in London in the early 2000s (or maybe late 1990s?), and it was wonderful. She is a kind, generous, fabulous woman, and I'm looking forward to reading her latest book. I'm very glad Judith Barrington is in the world!
I took a class or two taught by Judith when I attended the late (and much lamented) Marylhurst University just outside of Portland, OR. Her class on memoir helped me anchor my own writing in a way that eventually led to a book. I have her poetry collection, Horses and the Human Soul, and have read her book, Lifesaving: A Memoir. Stories from her memoir have stayed with me, and I recommend it to anyone who has not yet encountered it.
How lovely.
Thanks for the response, Angela. Marylhurst was SO long ago! I'm amazed that you remember anything about those classes. I loved the place, always.
Judith—what fun to connect after all these years! Marylhurst was formative to the writer I’ve become and I remember several of my teachers with fondness. It was a special place, its gifts still living in many hearts.
Judith! She is amazing and it's wonderful to see her here on my favorite Substack. Her newest book, Virginia's Apple (linked above), is fascinating, quite enjoyable to read, and a sort of ridiculously well written in an intimate, beautiful way rather than a "Hey, look at me, I'm a fancy writer!" sort of way. And I learned so much from its stories.
<3
Thank you, Sari. I am continually inspired and impressed with the writers you bring to me and the world. Please keep going!
Awww, thank you, Joanne!!
I admire Judith's courage and resilience of an indomitable spirit, to live day in day out with this cruel illness; not least having had, to go on living a creative and fulfilled life after having lost both her parents in such awful circumstance.s
I gathered great inspiration from this poet who is more disabled than I am. I sometimes fret over not being able to walk long distances with my cane, but she gave me some ideas of how to overcome that. I identify with her a lot (I'm 87). She's the kind of person I would like to learn to know as a friend.
💕
Sari, thank you for the work you do. this was an inspiring interview. I was particularly taken by the fact that one can feel they are in the happiest days of their life, even when challenged by mobility.
So glad you enjoyed this, Chistine!
Another inspiring interview. Lovely.
Thank you. That just might be the only cemetery that I’ve ever found appealing.
I am a big fan of cemeteries; Lone Fir holds a special place in my heart. I've done assorted weird art projects there, filmed a very pregnant dancer there for an installation, and just wandered around a lot. When I first moved to Portland, my Goth friends and I would meet up there at night. Lovely place.
Wish I'd been younger and more goth-like, so I could have joined your nocturnal trips in the cemetery! I was just dog-walking in the daylight -- little did I know.
Years ago it was completely fenced off and the gates shut at night. There was one, hidden section of chain-link fence in some shrubbery along southeast stark; it had been cut, and we would crawl into the cemetery through there.
Check out Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. It’s gorgeous, an arboretum, with great views.
Thanks Loretta for your immediate recommendation. I know about Greenwood. I was born in Brooklyn. I was thinking bi-coastal and I have the frequent flyer miles. 🤷🏼♂️
I love how you are living your life and sharing it with us. I need to find your books!
Hello from another Portland writer! Eager to read your work. And yes about the delightful discovery that growing old allows so much joy and contentment.
I don't live far from you. My friends and I often walk your way and wander through the Lone Fir cemetery. I love the Woodsmen of the World headstones.
Inspiring 🙏💚
Congratulations to Judith Barrington for Virginia’s Apples achieving Finalist status for the Oregon Book Awards! 🍎 I hope your book wins in the Creative Nonfiction category. 👏🏻
This is a good one. I also have a chronic illness. I have only two things on my bucket list: to see Ireland and the Aurora Borealis. Other than that I hope to live well until I die.
Judith presents a wonderful example of positive ageing in action! Such an inspiration!