Chapter #1 Outline
"THE DECISION"
The first pages of chapter one gives a brief account of my peculiar life pre-Paris; a financially deprived widow struggling to earn a living as an artist, while keeping my determined, persuasive son in the pricy sport of competitive figure skating. In fact, I have these self-abusive years to thank for contributing to my eventual decision to leave home! I tell how I, a well-trained submissive mother put myself thru the torture of my son’s daily training, competitions and of course, adhering to the demands of his frustrated, egocentric but always well-intentioned coaches. I reveal the behind the scenes bizarre bits a spectator does not see before enjoying the flashy performance given by a toothy, confident and impressive ice skater. Believe me, it doesn't not “just happen,” but takes many years of hard work, pain -- and the unyielding, from time to time ruthless support of an obedient but preferably non-delusional rink mom!
I go on to tell of the awful letter from AARP reminding me that I was so much closer to the end than the beginning. And then came my daily battle with the "Empty Nest Syndrome." This notorious intruder followed my son's eager departure from home, offering his four parting, yet compassionate words of wisdom, “Get a life Mom!” I knew he was right, and when the shock finally wore off, Boy, did I get a life! I was moving to Paris, France! I pushed on despite all the obstacles and dumb advice freely offered by every know-it-all, self-appointed expert. I end the chapter declaring that I was ready to leave my empty nest in the California dust and fly the coop via TWA to Paris with my excessive baggage and miniature dachshund named Sport!
"THE DECISION"
The first pages of chapter one gives a brief account of my peculiar life pre-Paris; a financially deprived widow struggling to earn a living as an artist, while keeping my determined, persuasive son in the pricy sport of competitive figure skating. In fact, I have these self-abusive years to thank for contributing to my eventual decision to leave home! I tell how I, a well-trained submissive mother put myself thru the torture of my son’s daily training, competitions and of course, adhering to the demands of his frustrated, egocentric but always well-intentioned coaches. I reveal the behind the scenes bizarre bits a spectator does not see before enjoying the flashy performance given by a toothy, confident and impressive ice skater. Believe me, it doesn't not “just happen,” but takes many years of hard work, pain -- and the unyielding, from time to time ruthless support of an obedient but preferably non-delusional rink mom!
I go on to tell of the awful letter from AARP reminding me that I was so much closer to the end than the beginning. And then came my daily battle with the "Empty Nest Syndrome." This notorious intruder followed my son's eager departure from home, offering his four parting, yet compassionate words of wisdom, “Get a life Mom!” I knew he was right, and when the shock finally wore off, Boy, did I get a life! I was moving to Paris, France! I pushed on despite all the obstacles and dumb advice freely offered by every know-it-all, self-appointed expert. I end the chapter declaring that I was ready to leave my empty nest in the California dust and fly the coop via TWA to Paris with my excessive baggage and miniature dachshund named Sport!