I was saddened, but not surprised, when I logged onto the internet this morning and learned that Amy Winehouse had been found dead. The cause of her death is not officially known as yet, but most believe she died as a result of her addiction to alcohol and drugs.
27 years old. The same age as my daughter, The Wild Child--that kind of makes it hit home for me. What an absolute waste of tremendous talent and promise.
I WAS surprised, though, to learn that the most famous dead rockers all died at age 27: Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, and Kurt Cobain. And, of course, all of their deaths were linked to alcohol and drugs.
It's hard for me to understand the attraction to drugs and alcohol. Why would a person choose to live a chaotic and totally ungrounded life with such unpleasant immediate side effects, even at the best of times? I don't get it. But that's me. And the fact that I don't understand is probably exactly the reason I've never gotten caught up in drugs and alcohol. Because I DO have an addictive personality.
It's been just over two years since I quit smoking--for the second time. Food, fabric, books--I tend to "collect" more than I really need. Addictions? Maybe not, but I'm sure it's some kind of compulsive behavior.
How about you? What's your "addiction"?
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15 comments:
Other than quilting and hiking and eating.....lol. I quit smoking 5 years ago in May. Hardest thing I ever did. I have a niece who is addicted to crack cocaine, and have had 2 nephews die from drugs, and 1 other niece. The niece that is still with me says that when she is straight, life is so boring. That she needs excitement all the time, and drugs does it for her. The only time she hates drugs is when she is in jail. I find it sad that young people can't find joy in the day to day living of life.
Facebook, plain and simple, I spend way too much time there, have even joked there needs to be a support group for people that can get away from that giant whole in the universe known as "The Facebook"...
Seems as if my addictions are the same as your: food, fabric, books. I did smoke (heavily) but quit 47 years ago and have used that money to buy fabric and books. At least that's my rationalization and I'm stickin' to it. Good trade off with price of cigarettes now. But the price of fabric and books as risen too....oh well...I'm happy.
Yep - quilting, reading, eating, Facebook - my addictions of choice. I have had relatives with drug problems that took a couple of stints in rehab to kick so I know how hard it is. I'm a Baby Boomer and recall the times when Janis, Jimi and Jim died. I barely even drink any more (a glass of wine once or twice a month) just because I don't like feeling out of control. My son quit smoking over a year ago for my Mother's Day present :D
Wow, I hadn't heard about Amy Winehouse - as with the others, what a waste. And I agree, no surprise, but the same age thing is eerie, isn't it?
I quit smoking 9 years ago. I think I'm addicted to acquiring ... fabric, patterns, threads, gadgets, clothes, hobbies, pets. Need a bigger house.
I think in the addicts mind, the drugs help make things normal and "unchaotic" uneven though everyone else sees things spinning out of control. I hadn't heard about Amy, so that's a shame.
Undoubtedly my main addiction is food - especially anything with sugar in it.
Quilting used to be second but lately I find that I don't enjoy it as much. Hope this changes soon!
I agree with Becky that in the addicts mind, the drugs help make things "normal". So sad.
I have a close friend who smoked for over 30 years, got emphysema and now has lung cancer.
Too much sugar has messed with my blood sugar.
We all pay a price for our addictions, even when they seem innocuous.
Like you, smoking. But unlike you, I'm still doing it. And food. And fabric... it's a vicious cycle. I was shocked to read about her death. Terrible waste of a life.
I have about the same addictions. I quit smoking in 1994 and say that if I can quit anyone can do so. I do like to eat, buy fabric, quilting tools and have a house too full of this sort of stuff and unlike you , I am not getting much of my stash made into quilts!!! I am always planning to do wonders, maybe I will soon!!!I
It is sad about Amy and also the terror attack in Norway. While I am talking there is a famine in Somalia, and yes the UN says it is a famine, Think about giving funds to this cause. I gave today through UMCOR( a United Methodist Agency) where 100% donated goes to the place you designate. UMCOR.org is on the web and tells you how you can give or to UNICEF.
I did know about the rockers/singers that died at 27 years old. Drugs and alcohol have never been my escapes either. I think FAME has a lot to do with that kind of need to escape and "be someone else", but I'm certainly no expert at addiction.
Glad to know that you have stayed away from smoking. You have too many quilts to make to shorten your life with that drug addiction!
Like a few others my addition is smoking. Quit for five years and started back.( Can't explain that one!) Food and fabric are at the top of my list too!
Good for you, Kim! Quit 12 yrs ago myself after too many years of that addiction! Sewing and quilting keep my mind and hands busy & I never feel guilty over the money spent on fabric! Hugs to you.
My addictions? Ice cream, fabric, my family, my quilt friends....
What I think is really sad is I read that Amy Winehouse's mother wouldn't even acknowledge her daughter's addiction problem. Sad...
I use to be addicted to alcohol, buying fabric and yarn. I've stopped those. I'm still addicted to smoking, food, sewing from my stash. I'm going to try and at least cut back on the smoking - that would be a biggie for me to do. Thanks for sharing.
cindy
Kim,
Like so many others I am saddened by the loss of a young woman named Amy who could not overcome her demons and conquer some of her addictions. With a child and nieces and nephews in their mid twenties the loss of another young person does hit home. So sad for her mother to have to come to terms with the loss of her young daughter.
As for myself, I am a collector of fabric, books and battle my own demons about food. I have never been a smoker or a drinker but struggling with food issues has been a forever battle in my life.
I am trying to eat more healthy but it is a challenge.
Have enjoyed looking at your new quilts and reading your stories about your travels to Reno and on your holiday.
Regards,
Anna
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