Thanks, Anodyne Magazine
I’m writing a quick post because I’ve got some exciting news. Anodyne Magazine has nominated one of my essays for the Pushcart Prize, an award that is given for the best “poetry, short fiction, essays or literary whatnot published in the small presses over the previous year.” (Wikipedia)
Of course, every writer wants their work to be appreciated and respected and this nomination is a great honor and affirmation. But it is especially important to me because of the subject matter. The essay begins:
“ Every morning, after brushing my teeth and taking my shower….I insert a silicon cube. The cube is called a pessary, and it supports my prolapsing uterus. If you are unfamiliar with the word “pessary,” you are not alone. I only learned of it when I was prescribed mine a few years ago. The spell-checker for the writing program I’m using does not even acknowledge it as a word.”
As I’ve discussed with my writing group, this is certainly the only time you will find the word “vagina” in any of my writing, but I especially appreciate that Anodyne published this piece about the health of older women. I’m pleased that there is more and more writing about perimenopause and menopause. But many of us are living thirty or forty years after we have our last period. Another unique era of life.
Volume 5 with my essay available HERE
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