Pink Clouds in a Soft Purple Sky
The world of one schizophrenic30 total reviews
Comment from adewpearl
Good morning, dear friend - sadly, in my world, commas are needed in direct address. ROTFLMAO :-)
I often tell Words/Diane, that I want to see huge murals depicting her poems, painted by a primitive/naive artist - I would say the same of this delightfully whimsical work, except I want someone to make a movie short of this because in a mural I would miss things like the twin does in tutus reciting "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud." This is simply wonderful, Valerie - I love far too many passages to start reciting them back to you. :-) Brooke
reply by the author on 05-Dec-2010
  |
Good morning, dear friend - sadly, in my world, commas are needed in direct address. ROTFLMAO :-)
I often tell Words/Diane, that I want to see huge murals depicting her poems, painted by a primitive/naive artist - I would say the same of this delightfully whimsical work, except I want someone to make a movie short of this because in a mural I would miss things like the twin does in tutus reciting "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud." This is simply wonderful, Valerie - I love far too many passages to start reciting them back to you. :-) Brooke
Comment Written 05-Dec-2010
reply by the author on 05-Dec-2010
-
Thank you so much. This was a real challenge and definitely out of my normal comfort zone. But I must admit, I had a ball writing it. I cannot tell you how thrilled you enjoyed this unintended wander into fantasy. Your 6 stars made my day.
Comment from words
Beautifully written.
The colors and images are wonderful. They seem, to me, a wholly realistic way to view reality.
I wonder if we will sometime learn that the schizophrenic's view of what "really is" is closer to the truth than our own.
Reading and hearing the continual horror stories of greed, torture and the mass murder of war that are coming out of Washington ... I think that the truly insane are the ones wearing suits and running our country.
Hugs, d
reply by the author on 05-Dec-2010
|
Beautifully written.
The colors and images are wonderful. They seem, to me, a wholly realistic way to view reality.
I wonder if we will sometime learn that the schizophrenic's view of what "really is" is closer to the truth than our own.
Reading and hearing the continual horror stories of greed, torture and the mass murder of war that are coming out of Washington ... I think that the truly insane are the ones wearing suits and running our country.
Hugs, d
Comment Written 05-Dec-2010
reply by the author on 05-Dec-2010
-
What a marvelous statement. When I in the hospital (polite way to say, psychiatric ward) we often laughed and said we were the lucky ones. We were getting the help we needed while everyone walking in the streets were wandering aimlessly. Thanks so much for the marvelous 6 stars, you definitely made my day.
Comment from vickib
I really enjoyed this story Valerie for many reasons. I love the colorful way you related this person to things not people. I have always felt more comfortable their myself. My childhood friends finally took his life after years of suffering from this. Also the best hope I've ever come across is a documentary on Ovation TV about Alan Streets. Go to the Alanstreetsstore.com to see more info. He has managed to live with this and is now a famous artist. The documentary you have to see, it shows all he has been through to come to living without the drugs, though for him he has to work daily at it. I'm madly in love with him and his art and you will be too. I've many times been right near the door of the place you spent time at. I work at living on this planet in peace every day too, I think we all do in one way or the other, don't you? So try and find the Alan Streets doc you will be glued to it from start to end. Love your story. XO
reply by the author on 05-Dec-2010
 |
I really enjoyed this story Valerie for many reasons. I love the colorful way you related this person to things not people. I have always felt more comfortable their myself. My childhood friends finally took his life after years of suffering from this. Also the best hope I've ever come across is a documentary on Ovation TV about Alan Streets. Go to the Alanstreetsstore.com to see more info. He has managed to live with this and is now a famous artist. The documentary you have to see, it shows all he has been through to come to living without the drugs, though for him he has to work daily at it. I'm madly in love with him and his art and you will be too. I've many times been right near the door of the place you spent time at. I work at living on this planet in peace every day too, I think we all do in one way or the other, don't you? So try and find the Alan Streets doc you will be glued to it from start to end. Love your story. XO
Comment Written 05-Dec-2010
reply by the author on 05-Dec-2010
-
The man depicted in the movie, A Beautiful Mind, also face horrific obstacles in dealing with schizophrenia. It is a terribly misunderstood and feared disease. While my story paints a pleasant world, far too many are not this lucky. Thank you so very much for your marvelous review and I will definitely look up Alan Streets.
Comment from patmedium
My Auntie Flora used to be able to sign herself in to Ballamona hospital in Douglas, Isle of Man, every time she felt another bout coming on.
Beautifully written, dear.
Pat. xxx
reply by the author on 05-Dec-2010
|
My Auntie Flora used to be able to sign herself in to Ballamona hospital in Douglas, Isle of Man, every time she felt another bout coming on.
Beautifully written, dear.
Pat. xxx
Comment Written 05-Dec-2010
reply by the author on 05-Dec-2010
-
I new a paranoid schizophrenic that had an open bed at University hospital whenever she needed it. She always mad me laugh. Once she told me that when the clock told her to burn down the church the decided to take a vacation instead and check into the hospital...very good decision. Not all are that lucky. I am pleased you enjoyed this one.
Comment from marcellawachtel
In back of my mind as I read this piece, was- she's gonna wake up soon, poor thing, and have to face the world. You built a little universe where all is lovely and bright -- who would not want to be a schizophrenic, if they could live in that Paradise? It was a joy to read. The sad parts were- just that, sad. Because of knowing that the world is the way it is.
reply by the author on 05-Dec-2010
|
In back of my mind as I read this piece, was- she's gonna wake up soon, poor thing, and have to face the world. You built a little universe where all is lovely and bright -- who would not want to be a schizophrenic, if they could live in that Paradise? It was a joy to read. The sad parts were- just that, sad. Because of knowing that the world is the way it is.
Comment Written 05-Dec-2010
reply by the author on 05-Dec-2010
-
Sadly, most schizophrenics don't always live in such a pleasant environment. I just wanted to show the gentle and shy side of these all too misunderstood people. Thank you for your very generous review.
Comment from ladybird
The world of pink clouds in a soft purple sky sound more inviting than the 'normal' world.
A very well written piece of fanstasy fiction.
reply by the author on 05-Dec-2010
|
The world of pink clouds in a soft purple sky sound more inviting than the 'normal' world.
A very well written piece of fanstasy fiction.
Comment Written 05-Dec-2010
reply by the author on 05-Dec-2010
-
Thank you. While not typical, I did want to show the shy and gentle side of many afflicted with this devastating illness.
-
You're welcome.
Comment from N.K. Wagner
My best firend has an adult son who lives with her and is in fact a paranoid schizophrenic. He is just healthy enough not to need permanent hospitalization but too ill to live safely in a group home or on his own. He takes multiple antipsychotics at maximum doses in order to function. He displays violent behavior when he is very stressed or frustrated. But he would never knowingly hurt anyone. Despite the medication, he hears voices and says the most inappropriate things, often of a sexual nature. In general, he does not like to be touched. I never know when he will be verbally hostile to me or when he will (rarely) hug me. He is highly intelligent and we occasionally manage deeply philosophical conversations. It is difficult for all concerned, but we cope; there is no acceptable choice.
With all that as background, Are you confident that you are portraying the schizophrenic experience accurately? This is for my information. I have a practical need to understand. Thanks. Nancy
reply by the author on 05-Dec-2010
|
My best firend has an adult son who lives with her and is in fact a paranoid schizophrenic. He is just healthy enough not to need permanent hospitalization but too ill to live safely in a group home or on his own. He takes multiple antipsychotics at maximum doses in order to function. He displays violent behavior when he is very stressed or frustrated. But he would never knowingly hurt anyone. Despite the medication, he hears voices and says the most inappropriate things, often of a sexual nature. In general, he does not like to be touched. I never know when he will be verbally hostile to me or when he will (rarely) hug me. He is highly intelligent and we occasionally manage deeply philosophical conversations. It is difficult for all concerned, but we cope; there is no acceptable choice.
With all that as background, Are you confident that you are portraying the schizophrenic experience accurately? This is for my information. I have a practical need to understand. Thanks. Nancy
Comment Written 05-Dec-2010
reply by the author on 05-Dec-2010
-
Yes. The majority of schizophrenics are very shy, mind, mannered, and prefer to keep to themseves. Most do hear voices and verbally respond to these voices. The percentage that are paranoid as actually quite small. Paranoid schizophrenics are often violent and for some unknown reason do not respond as well to medication. In some cases, those that do respond build up a tolerance and the medication must be either adjusted or changed. Schizophrenics do not all hear voices but this is one of the more common forms. Many interpret television, radios, other people's conversations as 'speaking to them'. There is far too little research being done in this area. I have spoken to many doctors who refuse to even see schizophrenics as patients because there is so little other than medication that often either doesn't work or the patient refuses to take it. The side effects are horrific for many. I have known many schizophrenics,one paranoid, that were continually hospitalized because they could not tolerate the medication. Several were similar to the character in my story. They literally created a world full of things and people that made life both more tolerable and fun. One friend talked to trees and flowers because they were his friends. Another spoke to the air, wind, clouds and rocks. Several finally stopped taking their medication (which I don't necessarily recommend) and literally disappeared. One was beaten to death by a group of teenagers. I am by no means an authority on this disease, but do know that while there are definitely paranoid schizophrenics, most just wander the streets talking to themselves. They frighten people because the talk to themselves, usually don't make sense, often don't bathe, and because the cannot hold down a job, live on the streets. Families often give up and turn their backs on them because they are exhausted from tying to help with the same results. Some families are ashamed and want nothing to do with them. Paranoid schizophrenics are portrayed as serial killers lurking in the dark alleys looking for their next victim. I would never suggest a paranoid schizophrenic would not or could not harm someone because they could. I just think it is wrong to only focus on the few who can when there are so many sweet, gentle, very lonely ones living in alleys, under bridges, or in doorways. Schizophrenics are also quite intelligent and capable of amazing mathematical calculations. It is not unusual for one to be ale to speak several different languages or discuss subjects as complicated as astrophysics. They are also often obsessive and only focus on one aspect of their obsession. The cause of this disease is still unknown, it effects males more than females and generally appears in mid to late teens. I hope this helps you understand the problems associated with the tragic illness. To be schizophrenic is sad enough, to be a paranoid schizophrenic is even more difficult. There needs to be more research into finding an effective treatment and one day a cure. But sadly, I don't see that in happening in the near future.
-
Thank you so much for your information and understanding. Nancy
Comment from RKagan
You've taken me into a world I know very little about. I also read your author notes and am floored by the "truths" about this disease. With little help but a life threatening medication, it seems devestating. I want to go and offer friendship to some bag ladies, although I am almost afraid it would scare them. Wow, what an educational post.
reply by the author on 05-Dec-2010
|
You've taken me into a world I know very little about. I also read your author notes and am floored by the "truths" about this disease. With little help but a life threatening medication, it seems devestating. I want to go and offer friendship to some bag ladies, although I am almost afraid it would scare them. Wow, what an educational post.
Comment Written 05-Dec-2010
reply by the author on 05-Dec-2010
-
Yes, most schizophrenics are frightened by a stranger approaching them. If you really want to help contact local food banks and organized groups that take food to the homeless. I am pleased this opened a small window into the sad plight of these people.
Comment from InterestingRon
Hi Smurphy
This account, read in conjunction with your author's notes, is so stirring and courageous.
Many people consider schizophrenics dangerous. I know of one family who are in denial that their daughter even has it - it's a stigma to them.
Your beautifully crafted piece should be widely distributed and read.
Ron
reply by the author on 05-Dec-2010
|
Hi Smurphy
This account, read in conjunction with your author's notes, is so stirring and courageous.
Many people consider schizophrenics dangerous. I know of one family who are in denial that their daughter even has it - it's a stigma to them.
Your beautifully crafted piece should be widely distributed and read.
Ron
Comment Written 05-Dec-2010
reply by the author on 05-Dec-2010
-
Thanks you. I am by no means an authority and this is a fictitious story but labeling all schizophrenics as dangerous and paranoid is so unfair. They are often exceptionally bright, shy, quiet people who talk to themselves, and want to be left alone.
Comment from L.lora
You've done such a wonderful
job with this storyline. You've
imparted a lot of good information
and given grand discriptions that
could make anyone want to retreat
to the world with clouds. Some people
can function well in a world of duality,
very few I'm afraid but it does happen.
It is a shame that more study isn't done
about this illness. A good read with no
nit or spags. Good luck with your contest.
Lora
reply by the author on 05-Dec-2010
|
You've done such a wonderful
job with this storyline. You've
imparted a lot of good information
and given grand discriptions that
could make anyone want to retreat
to the world with clouds. Some people
can function well in a world of duality,
very few I'm afraid but it does happen.
It is a shame that more study isn't done
about this illness. A good read with no
nit or spags. Good luck with your contest.
Lora
Comment Written 05-Dec-2010
reply by the author on 05-Dec-2010
-
I agree, few survive in a world of duality. Many die from the cold, malnutrition, or violence on the street. Few live happily ever after in a world of pink clouds. I just wanted to show the shy, gentle side of schizophrenia instead of the too often paranoid serial killer lurking in alleys looking for his next victim. I am pleased you enjoyed this one.