Friday, October 17, 2014

Repatriation: The Art of Losing

Writer Abroad couldn't help but relate to the following post, written by Jill Boyles.

I don’t know what to do with myself. After having lived in Poland for almost two years, my husband and I returned to the USA. Mind you, I’ve lived abroad before, Turkey and China, and flew home to visit family and friends with the knowledge that I was going back. This time, I don’t know if I’ll ever go overseas again and writing that halts my breath. Breathe . . 

Two days ago, I opened a memo application on my computer, and a to-do list popped up, which I had written while living in Warsaw. A reminder of who I was then:  an expat. A reminder of who I am now:  an ex-expat. I was formerly absent from my country but not anymore. I’m present to drive to the store, to fold the laundry, to take the trash to the curb. During my absence, I walked across Plac Defilad with snow falling on park benches and lampposts, illuminating a dark, winter evening made warmer from the steamy kebab stand, the meat’s pungent scent pricking my nose.

I have a travel blog I started last year but don’t know what to do with it. My husband and friends encourage me to continue. Travels in the US, they say. I give this much thought, but writing about the States feels disingenuous, like I’m pulling the wool over my readers’ eyes. In truth, I would be disingenuous to myself. I’m no longer that person writing about this; I’m now this person writing about that. Last month, I deleted a post and submitted it for publication.

After I had arrived home from China, my dad asked if I wanted to go to a baseball game. I said that I’d rather watch a Chinese man pee in a bush – a common sight in the part of China where I had lived. His face cracked like porcelain. My intention was not to hurt him, but the mention of going to yet another baseball game, well . . . been there, done that. Fresh from China, I craved exciting experiences. Something I wanted my dad to understand. Instead, I sounded like a petulant child. I can never take back that moment.

Traveling familial territory is treacherous. The terrain dips in ways you never expect.

I’m about to move to a new state at the opposite end of the country. I’ll have trouble adjusting, and this frightens me. Different accent, different behavior, different climate. I search for the fearless, adventurous woman who lived and worked in other countries, who spoke with vowel harmony, tones and seven cases. It’s different here, not fitting in with your own people. Not like over there, where not fitting in is a faded, oversized sweater worn on weekends.

The speaker in Elizabeth Bishop’s poem “One Art” tells us “the art of losing isn’t hard to master.” A laundry list of lost items like keys, a mother’s watch, houses, and continents are met with the assurance that these losses aren’t disasters, not even losing a loved one.

Unlike Bishop, I haven’t lost a beloved although in some ways it feels like it. What I am doing is practicing the art of losing. When I want to say nie, I say no. When I want to catch the server’s attention to add ice to my drink, I put my hand down. When I correspond with overseas friends, I pause and look about me:  I am here, in this room, in this country.

Jill Boyles is a writer from Minnesota, USA. Her work has appeared in The Minnesota Women’s Press and Focus on Dalian, among other publications. Her blog is finding-place.com. The deleted blog post mentioned in this blog post will be in the November issue of Calliope Magazine.

71 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing that. Though I'm living here in the USA, and have my whole life, I can feel sympathize with her feelings of disorientation upon returning to this country after so long abroad. I once spent a month in France and the USA quickly stopped seeming real to me. If I knew Jill I would say, "Anyone who is so good at finding the unqiue flavor of a place will eventually find it here too. Have hope and keep rolling and welcome back."

    ReplyDelete
  2. GREAT piece. Jill and I have a lot in common!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks again, Jill, for your contribution to Writer Abroad.

    ReplyDelete
  4. As a consequence, companies contain were able to yield featherweight and even small units that can be highly brazilian hair sale to help you be dressed in, plus they're possibly even more appropriate some people will can be sensitive to help you precious metals considering ceramic resources steer clear of sweating. Furnishings color scheme is simply not highly full considering ceramic running watches can be pretty unique; then again, that modern facet of a lot of these creations sucks in a good many more people per annum. That varnished strap clarifies that it's very unlikely for anyone to fail to become aware of a lot of these splendid accents. That for sale units can be preferably the same, though unique prototypes are anticipated soon given that the ceramic sit back and watch trade develops into more popular. At the present time, a good number of units contain round of golf knobs and even coarse jewelry that them all start looking unisex. Ones own uniqueness stems from any additional includes some people include, as a consequence, various creations can display screen that meeting, many others have an important chronometer, when an important compass; oahu is the quality belonging to the site visitor which will dictates an option. A number of skeptics assume a lot of these running watches can be too costly, nevertheless advertise issue contradicts them all simply because there's a lot of scenarios for site visitor to find the mannequin they can have enough money for. People who wish to purchase the most beneficial running watches might turn to help you legendary companies just who in most cases accentuate that brazilian hair uk through semi-precious boulders and even precious stones. On the contrary, individuals yearn a product alot more on hand can go for the area quick ceramic running watches.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Rolex, the famous Replica Watches Geneva watch brand, decided to accompany the Fontainebleau Chateau in its policy of Replica rolex watches enhancement of its heritage and its wealth. In this spirit, Rolex will allow the Tag heuer replica restoration of the movements of the clocks of the Castle, true masterpieces and evidence of the know-how of the greatest master watchmakers of the 18th and 19th centuries. When advanced watchmaking turns the service of yesteryear watchmaking.

    ReplyDelete
  6. It's too late to pick your tree this year, but before you gucci replica haul yours outside for curbside pick-up (or back to the attic for storage), replica louis vuitton take a minute to consider your 2010 options. Fake tree fans argue that their version can be reused again and again each year, louis vuitton replica thus sparing trees from being chopped down for a mere month or so dior replica of enjoyment. Real tree users however remind dior replica us that only their version can be recycled, thus sparing landfills from getting clogged with plastic memories tag heuer replica of Christmas past. We decided to investigate the environmental impact of each type, and while we're at it bell ross replica, encourage one uber-green option (living tree rental) that West Coasters are already all over iwc replica. With more support, we'd love to see this choice spread nationwide.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I choose Best Custom Writing Service! It's the only way to get good mark for ever

    ReplyDelete
  8. Loan specialists will investigate your auto, and will let you know the most they can offer. Based off of this starting sum, you choose the amount you'd like to acquire. The essential terms of the credit says that you consent to make installments towards your advance until its paid back. On the off chance that you neglect to make installments, the bank has the privilege to repossess your vehicle. cash advance chicago

    ReplyDelete
  9. I added than bind you to get a handle on that the abandoned it letter can be activated for any affectionate of obligation accepting and not artlessly payday credits. It is amazing to apperceive your rights and you can ascertain them out online at the amalgamation barter commission's folio area you can get two or three answers apropos the alive obligation accumulation act. You will see what banks can and can't do apropos the accumulation of your obligations and how to stop absolutely fabricated and angering conduct. https://www.usacheckcashingstore.com/san-diego

    ReplyDelete
  10. Impressionist checks accept accepted capacity advised on them. These capacity ambit from Barbie baby to the artistic Max and his creatures. Barbie baby artist checks accept been hot favorites all over anytime back their introduction. These checks advice accompany a faculty of appearance to the generally arid apple of finance.
    Cash Advance Corona

    ReplyDelete
  11. This blog is a great source of information which is very useful for me.
    Australia vs India Fixtures
    ICC T20 World Cup 2016 Time Table

    ReplyDelete
  12. It depends on aloft the relationship, backward it could base a aeriform acclamation affirmation activity of up to "x" admeasurement of months/years. It could base the acclamation alignment calm is added avant-garde on the belt of bargain able up in for spendable abecedarian the progression. www.aaa1autotitleloans.com/chicago

    ReplyDelete
  13. This accommodation is an apart accommodation accustomed to borrower till he or she receives abutting paycheck. In added words accommodation is accustomed adjoin the agreement of abutting paycheck. About the allegation of this accommodation comes as emergency allegation on allotment of borrower such as car repair, medical emergency or abrupt bills etc.
    Cash Advance Costa-mesa

    ReplyDelete
  14. The bulk of banknote avant-garde to business owners depends on both their acclaim account and acclaim agenda sales. Business owners should acquire at atomic one of the two - aerial acclaim array or aerial acclaim agenda sales - for an beforehand to be approved. Approval is about affirmed if the business buyer has a acceptable acclaim account as able-bodied as aerial acclaim agenda sales.

    cash advance

    ReplyDelete
  15. AnonymousJune 24, 2016

    Hello everyone, I would just like to share some information . Shop the Latest Formal Dresses Online at Fashiondoxy.com. Free Shipping and Free Returns on eligible items.

    ReplyDelete
  16. In any case in the event that you are considering Northern Kenya, past toxophilite post, and Rumuruti, get a juggernaut - Land-cruiser not Prado SUV sort but rather a genuine one. Ensure you likewise get some new tires. In any case on the off chance that you are going to conference, you can get an amazing salon. check cashing

    ReplyDelete
  17. In case you're going to utilize your very own or business auto scope, decay the Collision Damage Waiver on the auto rental contract.Get some information about the advantages they offer. Every organization is distinctive, and every level of credit is distinctive.Cash Advance

    ReplyDelete
  18. You don't need to be a competitor to partake in this leisure activity and you likewise don't have to put a ton of cash keeping in mind the end goal to begin. RC autos are the perfect diversion for families with youngsters since everybody can get included in it consistently. Payday Loans

    ReplyDelete
  19. Yoga Jewelry also reflects this in beautiful images of the Ohm symbol, yin / yang images due to the nature of the equilibrium in the universe as well as elegant images that the diversity of elegant postures; often appears in silver and enhanced with gemstones. Yoga jewelry is available diverse and beautiful and it can really appeal to all tastes.

    ReplyDelete
  20. It has the excellent site seriously great web-site plus site option. Any headline is rather awesome as well as brilliant thought. Currently follow-up check cashing With thanks to get spreading the results.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Simply Superb....!!

    Thank u very much

    ReplyDelete
  22. park benches and lampposts
    -----------------------



    شركة تنظيف بجده

    ReplyDelete
  23. This blog is to originate from vacation destination who seem to can help you anybody find the following. I want to announce freezing seriously experienced perusing them just as before, you happen to be fantastic author. At present in that case mouse click Cash Advance Praying the majority most of the enjoy for any performing your site attempts.

    ReplyDelete
  24. black magic removal specialist Your site is truly cool and this is an extraordinary moving article.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hello, I have browsed most of your posts. This post is probably where I got the most useful information for my research. Thanks for posting, maybe we can see more on this. Are you aware of any other websites on this subject.
    henrystickmangames.com
    Friv.Pro

    ReplyDelete
  26. Love Problem Solution Baba Ji. Ask Free Question Related To Love Problem Solution, Inter Caste Love Marriage, Love Problem Solution, Vashikaran Solutions, Business Problem, job problem etc. We Are The Love Problem Solution Baba Ji. We Will Be Happy To Answer You Free Of Cost. All Days We Are Available To Help You. For More Information Visit Our Website www.Lovevashikaranexpert.In
    Reach The Love Problem Solution Baba Ji +91 9915707766
    Are you in love with someone? Is your family not accepting the partner? love problem solution baba ji will help you here. He will give all the tips to get back your love. There are ways to make your family convinced as well. He understands your problem. Baba ji has solved many cases like this. All the clients of the love guru are very happy. They are staying happily with their loved one. Some of them are also married with the person whom they love. The love problem solution baba ji is the key for your solution.
    Background Of Love Problem Solution Baba Ji
    You must be eager to know about the background of Baba ji. This is properly mentioned in the website. Yes, the baba ji is having his official website. The history of love guru is mentioned there. He solved many cases just after his recognition as an astrologer. There are hardly any case where he has proved to fail. The love problem solution baba ji has maximum success rate. Just visit his website and you will know everything about him.
    Behavior Of Love Problem Solution Baba Ji
    Many people are afraid to visit the astrologers. Do you know why? It is just because the words of astrologers are harsh. They may say some negative facts about you. Even the behavior of some aged astrologers may not be up to the mark. But, you don’t have to worry when the person is love problem solution baba ji. He is totally different. He is not like any other conventional astrologers in the market. He will speak with you just like a friend. You will automatically speak about your problems to him. You will understand very well about his manner and behavior. For more information please visit our website : http://www.lovevashikaranexpert.in Call +91 9915707766

    ReplyDelete
  27. Sample Assignment is the leading brand in Australia and know for their work that offers complete online assignment services like contract law assignment, it assignment help, financial assignment help, project management assignment, electrical engineering help and more. Those students who looking for assignment help  Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth etc

    ReplyDelete
  28. It's an nice article thanks for sharing this important information.so keep posting.
    7050 Property Law

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thanks for sharing the valuable information. In continuation of your excellent web post, I want to tell about a website (My Assignment Services) that provides assignment help services to students at cost effective prices. Whatever be your assignment, essay, reports, dissertation, their experts are sources of every problem that comes your way. They are not just limited to a single domain, instead they will guide you in every assignment related to nursing assignment help, management, engineering, nursing, law, and much more.
    My Assignment Services has been consistently delivering and fulfilling the demand of assignment across the world with their assignment help melbourne, Australia, UK, Malaysia, USA, Russia, Canada, UAE, South Africa, Vietnam, Singapore, etc. Whenever it comes to quality assignment help services at affordable prices with satisfied customer satisfaction rating, My Assignment Services would be a good name to call.

    ReplyDelete
  30. This is a great article, that I really enjoyed reading.
    Computer Graphics Assignment Help

    ReplyDelete
  31. At Myassignmenthelp with our customized services we cater to every individual’s educational requirement and content that is well researched and the quality of the information is versatile our expert academicians in Petroleum Engineering assignment help look into every detail of what is required and work efficiently into inculcating the most academically approved information that can be used for your Assignments.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Online Assignment Help acts as an easy and convenient method to opt for experts’ assistance for submitting any academic task within the defined time. So, if you have stress for your assignment, refer to professional writers.
    Assignment Help
    assignment help service
    Assignment help services
    Help with my assignment
    Assignment Helper

    ReplyDelete

  33. 'I'm highly impressed by the piece of thoughts you have shared on this portal. all the best
    connect us on Assignment Help can shed your burden of assignments with a return of qualitative assignments.
    Online Assignment Help
    Programming Assignment Help
    Management Assignment Help
    My Assignment Help
    Expert Assignment Help

    ReplyDelete
  34. Searching for the best fitness band in india under 5000.Choose from a vast selection for your gym, cricket, football, skating needs and more.best fitness band under 5000

    ReplyDelete
  35. Day made. My homework was completed earlier than expected. With my final year project now complete I will be taking programming assignment help from you for my remaining assignments. In the next two days, I need a C assignment help expert to work on my assignment. I think I might go with Hayez again because he was amazing in this previous paper.

    ReplyDelete
  36. As a statistics homework help tutor, there are several statistical software that you can be proficient in. I need to know precisely Which is your preferred software for statistical analysis? Do you use Matlab? Most of my assignments are in Matlab. I need someone who can handle assignments in Matlab? Can you do my statistics homework using Matlab? More to that I would like to know whether you offer Statistics assignment help.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Most tutors I have come across also offer economics homework help to students. Do you concentrate on the classes only or do you also offer microeconomics assignment help? I attend all my classes but still find it hard to complete the assignments. I, therefore, want help and a guarantee that I will get a good grade in the assignment.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Looking for artists jobs in India? Apply right away to freelance artists job painter jobs, writers jobs. Get latest jobs updates for artists jobs in India, modeling jobs, singing jobs, anchoring jobs & bloggers jobs. freelance model

    ReplyDelete
  39. Buy gifts for grandma, gifts for grandpa, unique gifts for parents as it's our responsibility to make them happy. gifts for brother

    ReplyDelete
  40. Trending and viral news exclusive . Get the latest updates on India and all other indian news about web series and other social media. trending topics in india

    ReplyDelete
  41. Using Nominal GDP:[Personal consumption expenditures / Nominal GDP]*100%
    [Gross private domestic investment / Nominal GDP]*100%
    [Net exports of goods and services / Nominal GDP]*100%
    [Government consumption expenditures and gross investment/ Nominal GDP]*100%
    buy personal statement online

    ReplyDelete
  42. Get your hands on the best place to know what is digital marketing in hindi. Read
    on the website complete details. best convection microwave oven in india

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hey there, You are a Statistics Homework Help expert who, I suppose, has a wealth of experience in using the software. You could help me with some basic stuff. Let’s say I have loaded a dataset into STATA and manipulated it or added a few things using STATA. For this data that I have manipulated. I want to save it in a new folder, new name, and into a different format than the initial one. How can I do that in STATA. STATA has been very challenging to me and that is why I am seeking Statistics Assignment Help.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Without Programming homework help, I wouldn't be one of the top students in my class. I kept using Python Homework Helpservices because I couldn't grasp the concepts as fast as the others in my class. Consequently, I got more time for studying as they handled the task on my behalf. Their solutions also guided me through revision, which further expanded my understanding. Thanks for making me a hero.

    ReplyDelete
  45. I missed some classes when college reopened, so I need a Matlab Assignment Help tutor to take me through a few concepts before the end of this week. May I know if I can get someone with more tutoring than writing experience? Plus, I need the Matlab homework help expert to be a Master's degree holder. He also needs to be polite and straight to the point. If I need to pay more for such a person, I'll be willing to do so, but the price must be reasonable.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Which country do you operate in? I am looking for an economics assignment help expert from Australia. I want someone who can help me while relating to economic issues in our country. I am almost giving up on finding one from Australia. Therefore if you are from Australia or can get an economics homework help expert from Australia then you would have helped me in a great way.

    ReplyDelete
  47. What exactly do the online classes entail and other than it, do you offer Statistics Homework Help? Like now, what are you teaching in those classes? I need to have a clear outline of what you are teaching in those classes and the cost for each session so that I can confirm that what you teach will be significant in helping me with Statistics Assignment Help as I am looking for an expert who could provide me with SAS homework help

    ReplyDelete
  48. We formed a group of three Software Engineering students and asked for an online class with one of the most competent Matlab Assignment Help tutors. The class was more interesting than we thought it would be. We got the opportunity to understand most of the facts we'd missed in class because the Matlab homework help tutor welcomed as many questions as possible. The price was extremely low (especially when we divided it amongst us).

    ReplyDelete
  49. I have a ledger posting assignment involving several entries. I am currently fishing for the best Accounting Homework Help tutor to help me with the task and from what I have read, you guys don’t seem too bad at your job except for the few flaws. I may consider taking Accounting Assignment Help from here and hopefully I will be back with positive feedback.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I have contacted so many online assistance platforms for Statistics Assignment Help, but more have discouraged me from contacting me for one reason or the other. There were some that provided excellent services but the pricing was too expensive. One Statistics Homework Help expert delivered the assignment solutions a day after the deadline that we had agreed on. But when I tried statistics homework helper, they were perfect. The pricing was fair, they delivered the results on time and high quality. This is the best platform for assignment help.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Having gone through your website I am sure that you are good enough. I have checked two of your samples and I like the work already. I want to get an A in my international economics and I believe you are the right economics assignment help expert to guide me in that. If I get an A in this first one then you will be my permanent helpeconomics homework help, expert.

    ReplyDelete
  52. How do I know that you are offering the best Accounting Assignment Help? I have worked with more platforms in the past and I have had a lot of disappointments. I would be happy if you offered me Accounting Homework Help samples so that I can see the quality of work I should expect from you. If you satisfy me in the first task, then I am going to hire you for more work.

    ReplyDelete
  53. I experienced the most straightforward and fast order placement process on Matlab Assignment Help website. Their competent customer care representatives took me through the process faster and easier. I loved the fast site with the easy system. I must also thank them for their plagiarism-free answers built from the ground. They navigation must be having the world's best Matlab homework help experts.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Most of the Nursing Assignment Help experts I have worked with, do not keep time. I have had a lot of disappointments in the past when a tutor fails to submit my work on time yet I have paid. What do you do differently from others and how am I going to be sure that you will deliver my work on time. I am afraid of asking for Nursing Homework Help only to be disappointed again.

    ReplyDelete
  55. I was reading some of your material on this website and I think this internet site is really informative!!! Keep on putting up. Eligible citizens are required to complete a simple online visa application to Turkey form with personal and passport information., select the purpose of their visit, answer a few simple health and security-related questions, and pay the E visa Turkey cost. You can pay a fee online.

    ReplyDelete

  56. It’s actually a great and useful piece of info. I’m glad that you shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you so much for sharing. Also visit fedponas pgd, pre-nd, pre-hnd, IJMB admission

    ReplyDelete
  57. Fantastic good from your blog. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too excellent piece. Thank you so much for sharing. Also visit southwestern university school fee schedule for freshers

    ReplyDelete
  58. What a great blog post! This article was definitely written by a true thinking writer. This is very useful and I hope to see useful contributions from auchi poly past questionvisit Best Rated Educational Update Portal in the World; Examination and Academic Guide, High Paying Jobs & Scholarship  Website.

    ReplyDelete

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails