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Jenny Johnson's avatar

I love hearing about your freelancing journey! It's so inspiring to me.

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Stephanie Jucar Cooley's avatar

I loved this story a lot, even with the sad ending. It’s reality. And it makes me feel confident again that I’ve stopped drinking (for the most part). Also I am so curious to see your house remodeled! The outside looks so inviting!

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Hilary Hattenbach's avatar

Thanks, Stephanie! ❤️We've only remodeled the bathroom in our place and in the unit next door and the backyard. The rest of the house is pretty much as Shari left it, I think. At least that's how Junior made it sound by pointing out the gun hiding places. I love the vintage charm of these old houses and the only other thing I'd like to change some day is maybe expand our kitchen to make use of that weird breakfast nook area. We have photos of the unit next door on the airbnb profile, but I've never really taken pictures of our place because I'd really have to tidy up. You can definitely see the drink shelves in the airbnb profile living room and dining room photos. The backyard photos in the airbnb profile were taken before we re-landscaped and we have different shades in the back bedroom. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2262763

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Autumn Widdoes's avatar

Lovely essay. I was hooked with the opening and truly wanted the Supreme Queen to have had a happier ending to her life story. But this is the harsh reality of what alcoholism does to people over time. No judgment in this. I did love all the details of your essay, especially as you looked back over the type of life and energy she brought to the house you now call yours.

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Hilary Hattenbach's avatar

❤️Thank you, Autumn! I so appreciate you taking the time to read the piece and the kind words. You've given me a lift. I too wish the story could've had a happier ending and that I'd been able to get know Shari in her heyday. The heavy drinking definitely took its toll on her as it did with my grandma. It's sad that there wasn't more awareness around alcoholism in their circles or alternatives to "partying" that didn't involve getting hammered. Shari was loved on our street though and all her little touches around our house continue to bring me loads of joy.

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Nick Walsh's avatar

The camel video is so good!

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Hilary Hattenbach's avatar

Right? Makes me laugh every time I watch it. What a character!

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Clare Thompson's avatar

I love this story! Thank you for bringing the Supreme Queen to life again for all of us. Keep writing!

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Hilary Hattenbach's avatar

❤️Thanks for reading and commenting, Clare. Means a lot to me to have your support. Please send anything you’re working on.

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Cheryl Brooks's avatar

What a great story. So much fun. You're a beautiful writer and I can't wait for the next story.

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Hilary Hattenbach's avatar

Aww. Thanks so much for taking the time to read the story and for the kind words. You made my day. xo

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Heather Johnson's avatar

Wow, always wow. You are an incredible writer.

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Hilary Hattenbach's avatar

😍Thank you, Heather. Your kind words made me all verklempt.

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Nancy Dolan's avatar

I love the Tina (or Shari) stories. Happy birthday, house!

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Hilary Hattenbach's avatar

Aww. Thanks, Nancy! ❤️

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