This will explain itself without going into any unnecessary details, though the break-up came from several emerging and increasing discordant desires. I do think we will be happier now that we have gone different routes. I wish them the very best in their own wedding planning, and in married life as well. ~ Bettina

Dear Jon and Liz,

I have taken the weekend to think this through very carefully and thoughtfully. I do not take this decision lightly. I do appreciate and honor the work and time and care you have put into this project. Your intelligence and insight into the issues and the respectful focus for each part of the venture have been remarkable. I thank you for reiterating your belief and interest in my idea for Get Hubbied. My idea though, does require my own guest list, which would include my best friends, a few of the participating artists, and a couple of hand-selected press, within the playful framework that I've been orchestrating.

I do believe, and my belief is shared by those closest to me, that we have very different approaches, outlooks, and wishes that are coming to light to look a bit like oil and water - in the end this does not make for a pleasant shared experience. I think that in order for you to look back on this event and see your friends and loved ones in the purest of ways, then you should have that; and the same goes for me in seeing this project through the spirit in which I conceived it. I know you have taken this step of marriage with much thought, discussion and seriousness. We have run into a wall that I believe is called: irreconcilable differences. I think we can gracefully and with mutual respect, take our respective forks in the road and wish each other the fulfillment we desire and deserve.

This will indeed become a part of this project for me, and a learning experience. It is sad to be sure, but I don't see it as a waste of either of our times - I think we all enjoyed the ride, until we began not to. The first couple of months couldn't have gone better to me. But, as it is true with any relationship, it took some time to start to see that our differences in approach were too great to have a happy match. And I want to look back in 20 years and see something joyful regarding what I and all my cohorts have been working on for long and hard and with so much energy and passion.

With respect,

Bettina

PS - There is some immediate enthusiastic interest by another couple of people to replace Jon and Liz. More on that in the next blog: onward forward.