This was such a fun read and it reminded me of the time a friend and I got kicked out of the Lourve on accident. You definitely can't escape yourself. Or those damn security guards. Anyhow. Have the best time in Africa. I LOVE a good safari and also recently went gorilla trekking. AMAZING.
I once snuck into Westminster Abbey for a private Evensong for the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Ended up sitting in Diana’s seat. Just by going in the exit.
Also attended Mother’s Day Mass at St Marks in Venice the same way!
The fish story hit harder than the library. Eight years old, deciding to wait them out rather than take the bite. I recognized that immediately — not the stubbornness exactly, but the discovery that you could just… not. That some rules only hold if you believe they do. I'm still tracing where mine got wired. Haven't gotten all the way back yet.
I wish I had been there. I would have taken Dave to the nearest pub for a pint while we waited for you. Dave and I would have had a lot to talk about. Lol!
Oh that move through the exit was so you. I, like Dave, am an unabashed rule follower. I’m so bad I got nervous just reading your account saying to myself “no, don’t do it.” But I find reading about your adventure more comfortable than actually living through it. It’s just Leslie being Leslie or maybe it’s your ultra ego “Yoganator”.
Enjoy the remainder of your trip but try not join a Gorilla Troop. Please! And if you do just don’t bring one back to Naples. Love you girl.
I've always said, "Let somebody else worry about the rules." People like us would rather risk getting in trouble while seeking the next surprising, sublime discovery. I'll bet you have more stories like this up your sleeve. I look forward to reading more.
Leslie, the dinner-table fish story gives the library episode its real depth. What begins as a funny confession about getting escorted out of Trinity College becomes a much more revealing reflection on the parts of us that take over before we have consciously chosen them. The line about catching the part “in the act” is especially strong, because it turns self-understanding from abstract insight into a lived practice: noticing the stubborn one, the rule-breaker, the organizer, the child still proving she can leave the table. Grateful for the humor, honesty, and self-awareness with which you invite readers to examine where their own reflexes were wired.
As a fellow rule breaker, I loved this story!
I am so glad I am in equal and good company!
Ooof exactly. I always thought a new house, new state, new city, would change my life dramatically. Spoiler: it didn’t 🫠
If it were only that easy, right?!?
So, I don’t get to hear your great messages/words of wisdom in a yoga class anymore but I am so glad to read them here. Safe travels!
Thank you, Mary! Sending ❤️
This was such a fun read and it reminded me of the time a friend and I got kicked out of the Lourve on accident. You definitely can't escape yourself. Or those damn security guards. Anyhow. Have the best time in Africa. I LOVE a good safari and also recently went gorilla trekking. AMAZING.
That sounds like a fun article to read. Please share!! Us fellow rule breakers need to support one another 😉
We really do. Here's the read:
https://brittanyrose.substack.com/p/episode-19
I once snuck into Westminster Abbey for a private Evensong for the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Ended up sitting in Diana’s seat. Just by going in the exit.
Also attended Mother’s Day Mass at St Marks in Venice the same way!
We are kindred spirits indeed!
The fish story hit harder than the library. Eight years old, deciding to wait them out rather than take the bite. I recognized that immediately — not the stubbornness exactly, but the discovery that you could just… not. That some rules only hold if you believe they do. I'm still tracing where mine got wired. Haven't gotten all the way back yet.
It’s took nearly 50 years to find all my roots. Glad I did though. And more to discover. Keep looking!
There are worse places to break into and get escorted out of.
If you had a safety vest and clipboard, they would've let you pass
I have no regrets. 🤪
💖DAD 😀
Thanks Dad ❤️
I wish I had been there. I would have taken Dave to the nearest pub for a pint while we waited for you. Dave and I would have had a lot to talk about. Lol!
He would have gladly taken you up on that. 🙈
Oh that move through the exit was so you. I, like Dave, am an unabashed rule follower. I’m so bad I got nervous just reading your account saying to myself “no, don’t do it.” But I find reading about your adventure more comfortable than actually living through it. It’s just Leslie being Leslie or maybe it’s your ultra ego “Yoganator”.
Enjoy the remainder of your trip but try not join a Gorilla Troop. Please! And if you do just don’t bring one back to Naples. Love you girl.
Thanks Lynn ❤️ You know GLC is making some bad joke about Gorilla of my dreams.
Cheers to breaking the rules. Not sure I’d have the ovaries for that heist. But I love that you do.
I suspect you would have found a way in too!
You look ✨BEAUTIFUL✨darling!!!!
👋 rule breaker waving. Thank you for this journey. Life lived fully and with no regrets thank you very much.
I've always said, "Let somebody else worry about the rules." People like us would rather risk getting in trouble while seeking the next surprising, sublime discovery. I'll bet you have more stories like this up your sleeve. I look forward to reading more.
Leslie, the dinner-table fish story gives the library episode its real depth. What begins as a funny confession about getting escorted out of Trinity College becomes a much more revealing reflection on the parts of us that take over before we have consciously chosen them. The line about catching the part “in the act” is especially strong, because it turns self-understanding from abstract insight into a lived practice: noticing the stubborn one, the rule-breaker, the organizer, the child still proving she can leave the table. Grateful for the humor, honesty, and self-awareness with which you invite readers to examine where their own reflexes were wired.
I have many memories of rule bending….like that one time in that very crowded and very tiny airport 😆