Betsy, It's wonderful to hear your voice, to read your memories (of Jefferson, no less!), and to reconnect here. This is such a kind and generous offering -- your beautiful writing, the links to good things, book recommendations, all of it. Yes, it's all material, but not everyone handles what they've been given with such eloquence and insight. (Thank you for the Magical Journey shout out, too!)
Hi Betsy, Please add me to the book lottery for Anne Tyler's book. I thought I would share my Trashcan Memory. It's sort of funny and somewhat embarrassing. Back in 1978, I was 13-years old and my sister was eight, my parents uprooted us from Hillcrest to... gasp... rustic Escondido. We went from urban dwellers to rural residents. Instead of lovely summer days spent at Mission Bay we were stuck broiling in the boonies on 2.5 acres of farmland. Mission Bay was now "too far away" for an afternoon outing. Instead, my father came up with the idea of filling two (clean) trashcans with water so that my sister and I could cool off. So there we were, two skinny kids, bobbing up and down in our very own trash can pools.
hi betsy - i'm so glad you made it out of that trash can and it's true that every experience, good or bad, leaves an impression, and it's good to write about it as way of coming to terms with them and seeing you are still okay. i started a corona diary, with the facts, and a second one with my daily life and experiences during all of this. after a while, i'll look back at it for some clarity perhaps, or confusion.
Me too, Beth! I'm really curious about your Corona diaries and how you've chosen to capture the facts and your personal experiences separately. That's going to be really interesting for you to look back on and maybe for others who are seeking clarity.
Hi...I would love to win the book. Your message was sent to me by a good friend who has known me since high school, and who knows I love-love-love to read. Our community library is on lockdown due to the virus and I cannot afford to buy the books I want anymore, being on a fixed income (Social Security) and with limited resources. If there is still a chance of winning this book, I would be so very grateful. Thank you.
Thank you for writing, Chrisanne! Your name will go into the drawing for sure. Our library has been closed as well but they are planning to try curbside pickup soon so maybe yours will too?
Hi Betsy, I love your story about Buddy and the garbage can. It’s funny what comes to mind these strange pandemic days. I keep having thoughts about my parents, especially my mom, missing her more than usual I guess. She had a calm and loving presence that always made me feel like things would be okay eventually. I also keep dreaming about playing music and getting lost or forgetting my part and being unable to find place in the music again. That’s certainly an apt metaphor for life!
I’m reading Gail Godwin’s new novel, Old Lovegood Girls. I’ve always loved her writing. Her mature voice is welcome these days. I’d love to read the Anne Tyler book, I have most of her others already on my shelf. She’s another one I consider a “teacher” in this writing life.
I’m glad to hear you figured out what was ailing your pup. I hope she starts feeling better fast!
Thank you, Becca. You're right -- these days encourage all kinds of thoughts to surface. It sounds as though yours are positive, except for that "getting lost" part which is, as you point out, an apt metaphor for life.
I have the Old Lovegood Girls on my order list and am looking forward to reading it. I'm thinking a lot about friendships among women right now.
I'll add your name to the list of those who want to be in the drawing for Tyler's latest. Thanks for checking in!
Betsy, It's wonderful to hear your voice, to read your memories (of Jefferson, no less!), and to reconnect here. This is such a kind and generous offering -- your beautiful writing, the links to good things, book recommendations, all of it. Yes, it's all material, but not everyone handles what they've been given with such eloquence and insight. (Thank you for the Magical Journey shout out, too!)
Thank you, Katrina! It's wonderful to see you here, too. I look forward to sharing more of what I've found through your work.
Hi Betsy, Please add me to the book lottery for Anne Tyler's book. I thought I would share my Trashcan Memory. It's sort of funny and somewhat embarrassing. Back in 1978, I was 13-years old and my sister was eight, my parents uprooted us from Hillcrest to... gasp... rustic Escondido. We went from urban dwellers to rural residents. Instead of lovely summer days spent at Mission Bay we were stuck broiling in the boonies on 2.5 acres of farmland. Mission Bay was now "too far away" for an afternoon outing. Instead, my father came up with the idea of filling two (clean) trashcans with water so that my sister and I could cool off. So there we were, two skinny kids, bobbing up and down in our very own trash can pools.
Your name is in the drawing. Your trash can story is much happier! I like it -- how many fathers give each kid her own pool?
hi betsy - i'm so glad you made it out of that trash can and it's true that every experience, good or bad, leaves an impression, and it's good to write about it as way of coming to terms with them and seeing you are still okay. i started a corona diary, with the facts, and a second one with my daily life and experiences during all of this. after a while, i'll look back at it for some clarity perhaps, or confusion.
Me too, Beth! I'm really curious about your Corona diaries and how you've chosen to capture the facts and your personal experiences separately. That's going to be really interesting for you to look back on and maybe for others who are seeking clarity.
Hi...I would love to win the book. Your message was sent to me by a good friend who has known me since high school, and who knows I love-love-love to read. Our community library is on lockdown due to the virus and I cannot afford to buy the books I want anymore, being on a fixed income (Social Security) and with limited resources. If there is still a chance of winning this book, I would be so very grateful. Thank you.
Thank you for writing, Chrisanne! Your name will go into the drawing for sure. Our library has been closed as well but they are planning to try curbside pickup soon so maybe yours will too?
Hi Betsy, I love your story about Buddy and the garbage can. It’s funny what comes to mind these strange pandemic days. I keep having thoughts about my parents, especially my mom, missing her more than usual I guess. She had a calm and loving presence that always made me feel like things would be okay eventually. I also keep dreaming about playing music and getting lost or forgetting my part and being unable to find place in the music again. That’s certainly an apt metaphor for life!
I’m reading Gail Godwin’s new novel, Old Lovegood Girls. I’ve always loved her writing. Her mature voice is welcome these days. I’d love to read the Anne Tyler book, I have most of her others already on my shelf. She’s another one I consider a “teacher” in this writing life.
I’m glad to hear you figured out what was ailing your pup. I hope she starts feeling better fast!
Thank you, Becca. You're right -- these days encourage all kinds of thoughts to surface. It sounds as though yours are positive, except for that "getting lost" part which is, as you point out, an apt metaphor for life.
I have the Old Lovegood Girls on my order list and am looking forward to reading it. I'm thinking a lot about friendships among women right now.
I'll add your name to the list of those who want to be in the drawing for Tyler's latest. Thanks for checking in!