Friday, July 24, 2020

I Can Really Pick Em


I may need a little support and blog forbearance the next few days. Bear with me.

The night before last I had a terrible nightmare that GG had locked me out of the house and had taken the puppies hostage. Bizarre I know. But wait.

Then yesterday afternoon, while packing my car to make another Venice run, the printer started printing pages out - GG was outside. It was a demand letter from him and threatened lawsuit if I don't pay him a very large sum of money. A shakedown. As I said, I can pick em. I said nothing, he proceeded to come in, collect the document and go to the PO to mail it registered mail to me, I am assuming, then came home all smiles as if nothing had happened. Would I like a cocktail, he inquires. Wow. There is of course no substance to it, but this is unnecessary stress and drama, which is his forte.

Sorry if this is too much sharing and not enough interior design, but I wanted to explain if I am distracted the next few days as I move my dogs and myself into my new home in the middle of the epicenter of the pandemic and respond to a demand letter and likely lawsuit. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that you can't fix crazy.

On a lighter note, everything is great at the house, the countertops were postponed until next week because they needed the vessel sinks on hand and they had not arrived. The tandoori orange is gorgeous but another coat is needed today. The painters have done a beautiful job.

I am working around the clock to get things packed and out of here - 5 more days of hell. This too shall pass.


49 comments:

  1. I love that you are real and you share. If you are lucky to live long enough everyone will have some CRA LIFE EXPERIENCE at some point in their life. We are all here for you. Sorry you are going through this. Keep us posted. Get an Atty asap, just in case... Hang in there.

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  2. I'm sorry you have to deal with GG at what is already a stressful time. GG sounds like a typical narcissist bully. His money extortion demand is no doubt about manipulating you to stay. He figures you won't leave him if it's going to cost you a lot. The best way to deal with bullies is to stand up to them. Tell him to withdraw the demand letter or you will counter-sue him.

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  3. God bless you and keep you safe + serene! I am a long time reader, likely first time commenter. Love your blog and style.

    ( must get a google account to post more regularly)


    Best,
    -Linda, NY

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  4. I, too, have had nightmares about you in this situation. It goes without saying that if you have any scintilla that this situation could lead to GG becoming violent, leave now. At the very least, could your painters/their network of others help you move out quicker from this toxic environment? I know you are very smart.This situation demands you become "street smart". Please know know I care about you and the pups and hoping this will all end soon with you safely in your beautiful CC Casa.

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  5. I hope he doesn't read your blog. I agree that if you can get out any sooner, please do so. Be careful. Even if he doesn't get violent, he could make it very traumatic.

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  6. I agree that GG is a narcissist and you are best rid of him. Does he pose a threat to your beloved pups? If so, go to a hotel for a few days. You, too, are an attorney and know exactly how to handle this parting salvo, to which there is no merit. Stay well, stay safe! Your followers all support your courage!

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  7. Is there a person or two you can hire to move out your things today? As in TODAY!
    Likely the pressure of counting down the days is a stressor for him as well as you, and I'm fearful of any potential acting out. Sounds like GG's worst impulses may not just be eating potato chips in bed! Take care - you have massive support from all of us.

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  8. Praying for your situation. Hopefully he will reconsider. Keep your head up, five days will be over before you know it and all of this will be behind you.
    Blessings,
    Michelle

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  9. Get your dogs out of there now! And do not respond to letter until your dogs are safe. He knows you care for them more than him so.....

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  10. So sorry for the crazies, some people have a hard time letting go.
    Remember to take the high road. This now all about you, your dogs and
    the future of your new life. You deserve it.

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  11. I second Susan's suggestion: get an attorney ASAP. Please be careful, and it might not be a bad idea to have someone accompany you when you go to the house to pick up things: safety in numbers and all that. And make sure you have a security system on your new home.

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  12. "A burden shared is a burden halved" so thank you for giving us the opportunity to send prayers and good vibes your way.

    It's just another bump on the road and you will get through it as you have before when it was much more challenging and heart rending. Trust your instincts and don't get down to his level--it will only escalate. Stay calm, positive, upbeat...diffuse as much as possible. Fake it til you make it, free and clear.

    A virtual hug and a cocktail sent your way, my dear.

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  13. This is what I think, hire professional movers today & get yourself & dogs out of there today. Do not be penny wise & pound foolish, get a hotel room if you can't stay at your new home. Do not go back to that house alone. Unfortunately I know what I'm talking about.

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  14. Can the dogs stay at the new house?

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  15. Without sounding like an alarmist be very careful. This guy is taking things to a low level and does seem erratic. I hope you can leave asap and be safe.

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  16. and one more thing, do not mention GG on blog again, all references to him will be "exhibit A" in his lawsuit.

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    Replies
    1. Smart thinking, yes. Might even be a good idea to take this post down.

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    2. YES take this post down, get out of there now. Don't Do it alone. Have someone with you at all times. Great suggestion to take this post down!!

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  17. Sending you strength and prayers. Do whatever you need to do to ensure your personal safety and that of your precious pups. If that means moving to a hotel or hiring help to facilitate and speed up your escape from a toxic situation, do it. Take care.

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  18. I think all of us reading here can sense danger, this act of aggression extortion document changes everything. I would like to see you pick up your dogs, and go camp at the new house immediately. Sleep on the floor if you must, just get out. You can let the painters in when they arrive, be sure to retrieve all duplicate keys to your house from various handymen, painters, installers, etc. Just get out.

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  19. Your dream is your gut instinct talking to you. Please get yourself, your dogs and belongings out of there today. His recent actions concerning the printer don't speak to a very stable person. Trust what your dreams are telling you. Pay attention. I hope your new home has a very upgraded security system.

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  20. As a long time follower and great admirer of your wonderful style and under difficult circumstances this last year, I can only say thank you for all your honesty. Don’t stop now. But please, protect yourself and your pups from GG’s narcissistic bullying. I had an ex husband like that. It’s all about control with them. The sooner you and your babies are out of his sphere the better IMHO. What a relief it will be to be settled in your joyous and pretty new home. A hotel in the interim & let movers deal with your remaining things perhaps? Sending you many good thoughts & support!

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  21. Oh my gosh. And life —and design —goes on! Persevere and find joy.

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  22. I had to leave a 'not great' situation once. The best thing I did was catch him off guard. I had a plan with people ready to come in at a set time and knocking on the door to move my things. No talking, no fighting, no show, as there were now 'strangers' in the home. Tried to create drama later but I was OUT! You are extremely graceful and wonderful, I'm sure you don't want things to go this way but sometimes they must. Be safe.

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  23. Oh my gosh. Life —and design —go on! Persevere and find joy.

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  24. Please, please that is the act of a very dangerous and unstable person. Can you get yourself and the pups out of there ASAP? Even if you have to sleep on the floor at your new place, go. Does he know your new address? You seriously might need to go to the police and get a restraining order. Thank you for sharing with us...from all the responses, nobody thinks you are crazy or over reacting.

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  25. Thank you for sharing, please be careful. Get an attorney soon, his actions are not stable. I worry about your safety.

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  26. Please take the pups and leave...and agreed...anything on this blog may be used against you. Your physical protection is first priority.

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  27. agree with the all the previous posts....leave sooner than later...and have a friend accompany you during this last clean out phase. Security system plus. S0- excited for you in this next chapter....

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  28. DOES HE READ THE BLOG? Be careful. I am all for sharing but don't let him know what you know.

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  29. Get the dogs out now. Don't go back alone. If he doesn't already know where your new home is, it won't be long before he will find it. Use a security system if you have it. Install one if you don't have one. He clearly is not stable and is showing signs of desperation. You must be his meal ticket and he sees that drawing to a close. Warn everybody doing work for you about him so they won't let him in the new house. He sounds deranged. Could you have HIM removed from your other property immediately and locked out? Go to the police and find out. Change locks in both places.

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  30. Love Julia's comment-"Persevere and find joy." Get help and move quickly. We are with you!

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  31. Please be safe and careful! sending you good thoughts and support!

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  32. OMG, this is insanity. I can't say anything more than what's already been said, (all of which sounds like good advice to me), except one thing - next time you meet a man that seems like someone you could get involved with, do a background check on him. Take care and be safe, Beth.

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  33. Sending you every good wish for a safe and immediate move.

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  34. I concur with all previous commenters; if there is any way to hasten your exit, do it. The decor will wait. This man is manipulative, sociopathic and could become vengeful quickly. As you now know what the registered mail contains, you can always refuse to sign for it unless you think that will anger him even more. If you have someone there who you can confide in, I would have them accompany you when you go back to the house.

    Be safe and watch your back.

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  35. Oh no, I had no idea it was this bad. If he has ever shown any signs of being violent make a police report and get out of there. Most of these types are cowards looking for an easy dollar. Thank god for your legal background. Hopefully you can put this to rest quickly.

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  37. Praying.

    Love and (air) Hugs!

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  38. Cameras! Car camera, doorbell camera, go pro in your bag on the ready. Do not leave home without cameras documenting. Love you.

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  39. Erratic behavior, threats... Tell the police, and see if you can stay somewhere else with the pups..Don't put yourself in danger.

    Please stay safe. Btw, I'll bet a number of us who read your blog have been there....

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  40. Not sure I know what is happening to you , but hang in there. I am praying /thinking of you. I would suggest getting legal counsel and a restraining order. All best to you - you are incredible and do not forget this!!!!!

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  41. To be honest, I've been worried about you too. You can't get out of there fast enough.

    I bet you added so much value and equity to his house with your fabulous style!

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  42. Pretty ballsy, sending a demand letter like that to an attorney of your caliber and Rolodex. And if he is also an attorney, well, then he needs more hobbies.

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  43. Hi Beth, I also think you should take your post down. Don't incite him, just play play along and get out. Grab your doggies and be safe. I know there are hotels that take dogs. Many of us are alarmed because of our past experience. Be safe! Sending love and best wishes, Mary Anne

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  44. I had no idea why you were moving and just figured I missed a lot when my mom died. After reading this post and all the comments I now see. Lots of good advice and you must be a very smart, successful woman so I have little to offer except HE'S A REAL JERK!!! let's hate him together. Pamela

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