Wednesday, October 21, 2009

A Tribute

It's been quiet here at Socks to Fedora. Not to say that I've been quiet, because I've been typically noisy in the comments of other people's blogs, as well as noisy on the page while writing stories. But it's been quiet on this blog, just because I've been between announcements.

So I thought I'd take advantage of the hush to indulge myself—by writing about my beloved Helia Brookes!

When I announced, early this year, that my novel had been accepted for publication, I testified to the importance of the marvelously supportive erotica community in my path to that moment. (And I had occasion to do so again recently, when composing the acknowledgments that will appear in the book.)

What I didn't do here, at that juncture, was talk about the most monumental, constant sustaining force in my life: my wife/lover/best friend. That was deliberate. You see, I wanted to save this for a separate tribute. [I was also wary of turning my original post into too much of an "I'd like to thank the Academy" speech. : )]

The artist known as Helia and I have been together for over a quarter century, and it's the type of relationship in which mutual support is one of the most important elements. In the context of my erotica career—like the various other creative paths I've pursued over the years—this means that Helia has always done whatever she can, from the tangible to the atmospheric, to help me do what I want to do and to validate me for doing it. She's assisted me with technical issues; she's juggled her schedule so that we could travel together for readings; she's let me bounce a zillion items off her regarding business decisions large and small; and, of course, she's cheered me on, every step of the way—and beamed with pride at every turn. Whenever there's been any sort of way in which she could do something to facilitate what I'm trying to accomplish, she's been all over it—never grudging, always enthusiastic, often the one who first proposes whatever bit of oomph she's going to contribute. I'm just sketching this out for you a bit, to give an idea—I won't even try to exhaustively catalog all the facets of her loving supportiveness (never mind covering all the other dimensions of how she fills my life with wonderfulness!).

In our private world, I express my appreciation to Helia every day, several times a day. (And, vice versa, she constantly articulates her appreciation for the ways I support her.) But sometimes one wants to shout these things from the rooftops. So today, please consider this blog a rooftop—a noisy one.

Love,
Jeremy

18 comments:

Heidi Champa said...

Lovely, lovely words Jeremy. As someone who has met you both, the love and care you have for each other is not only evident but beautiful.

Congrats again on the book, and you are indeed a lucky man to have such a lovely and supportive partner in your life.

Emerald said...

That is so beautiful — thank you so much for sharing that inspiring, uplifting loveliness. Thank you both also for the example you offer to the world.

Giant congratulations for your novel again, Jeremy, and love to you both.

Danielle said...

its so wonderful to see that there are people outthere who just belong together..and know as well as apreciate the fact that they are together..beautiful...

Erobintica said...

Yes, you and Helia make a wonderful pair - it's been a pleasure meeting you. Congrats and all - can't wait till it's out and you're doing readings - hope to get to one.

Donna said...

What a delightful celebration of your partnership, Jeremy. Silvery music wafting down from the roof indeed!

Craig Sorensen said...

Indeed, shout it from the rooftops. What a lovely tribute.

What an excellent team.

Congrats to both of you!

Helia Brookes said...

Backatcha, darling!

Seriously, folks, most of the stellar characteristics J attributes to me were inspired by/nurtured by/modeled on his behavior to me (and others). I'm so lucky to have had his unwavering support from the very beginning, something I hadn't ever fully experienced before.

I love you, Jeremy!

EllaRegina said...

What a lovely post!

You are both so very blessed.

Cheers to you two!

xoxo

Jeremy Edwards said...

Thank you so much for all the sweet, sweet comments, folks. We love you guys and gals.

Helia, you're the bestest. I am indeed a lucky man [to steal Heidi's words ; )]. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Nikki Magennis said...

Aw, you two make a lovely couple! Wishing you many long and happy and creative years together.

Isabel Kerr said...

Love-ly! : )

Gina Marie said...

Got me all choked up! Such joy! It is so wonderful when people treasure one another so completely and aren't afraid to shout about it!

Congrats to both of you -- inspiring indeed!

--G

Janine Ashbless said...

Wow - that's a beautiful portrait of what a relationship should be: a partnership. You're lovely, both of you! All my congratulations and heartfelt good wishes.

Jeremy Edwards said...

You are all so terrific! I know I speak for my partner as well as myself when I say how I wish you could all come over to our house this weekend (or any weekend).

Sekrit Shoppa said...

This is a beautiful tribute, Jeremy - it's so heartening to read about a love that has longevity and depth. You're lucky to have her, and vice versa, I'm sure xxx.

Jeremy Edwards said...

: ) : ) : )

Angela St. Lawrence said...

We adore you. Don't you know that?

Jeremy Edwards said...

Aw, thanks, sweet Angela! The feeling is mutual!