It’s been interesting following your reading life as an observer. Of course I know your story, often as a participant, but this is a more personal take with books thrown in as a bonus. Xx
Another fabulous installment in your family saga, Marg. I’ve enjoyed every chapter and marvel at your ability to tell it so well and concisely. The family losses in a short period sound crushing, but your response to them is always life-affirming, with books a constant presence. I actually have a copy of “When Breath Becomes Air,” but I’ve never had the courage to read it. I think I will now.
Thanks for the recipes too—the ricotta cake and broccoli date salad both sound delectable! And I do hope to join you at the next book club meetup.
I hope you do read "When Breath Becomes Air" because it makes you think about all sorts of things and is curiously life affirming, which is not what you expect.
I was talking to a friend yesterday and she said that the problem with retiring is that you suddenly have time to think about some of the big questions you were ignoring while you were 'busy' at work. Questions around identity and purpose are hard ones to answer I think. I'm still wondering what I want to be when I grow up :)
Your friend is spot on about retirement opening the door to pondering the deeper questions—and of course the ones about identity and purpose are the hardest to answer and more pressing as we get older and start losing loved ones.
It’s quite funny you should say you’re still wondering what you want to be when you grow up, Marg—it’s something I’ve been known to say too. With the benefit of hindsight we might do things differently. But on the other hand, maybe such questions later in life give us leave to finally do what we want instead of what we feel we ought—and that’s the best outcome of all!🤗
I agree! It takes time to grow into who you want to be, but I think it gets clearer as you age. Or maybe you just figure out who you don’t want to be 😀
It’s been interesting following your reading life as an observer. Of course I know your story, often as a participant, but this is a more personal take with books thrown in as a bonus. Xx
I’m very glad to be part of a “reading” family. Thanks for your support. Xx
A great read into your private, working and reading life. Love these!
Thanks so much Sally. I was just reading your blog post which I also enjoyed. I hope you are fully recovered from your cold.
I am over my cold, but hubby has it now. Ugh. Thx for your comment Marg.
Another fabulous installment in your family saga, Marg. I’ve enjoyed every chapter and marvel at your ability to tell it so well and concisely. The family losses in a short period sound crushing, but your response to them is always life-affirming, with books a constant presence. I actually have a copy of “When Breath Becomes Air,” but I’ve never had the courage to read it. I think I will now.
Thanks for the recipes too—the ricotta cake and broccoli date salad both sound delectable! And I do hope to join you at the next book club meetup.
I hope you do read "When Breath Becomes Air" because it makes you think about all sorts of things and is curiously life affirming, which is not what you expect.
I was talking to a friend yesterday and she said that the problem with retiring is that you suddenly have time to think about some of the big questions you were ignoring while you were 'busy' at work. Questions around identity and purpose are hard ones to answer I think. I'm still wondering what I want to be when I grow up :)
Your friend is spot on about retirement opening the door to pondering the deeper questions—and of course the ones about identity and purpose are the hardest to answer and more pressing as we get older and start losing loved ones.
It’s quite funny you should say you’re still wondering what you want to be when you grow up, Marg—it’s something I’ve been known to say too. With the benefit of hindsight we might do things differently. But on the other hand, maybe such questions later in life give us leave to finally do what we want instead of what we feel we ought—and that’s the best outcome of all!🤗
I agree! It takes time to grow into who you want to be, but I think it gets clearer as you age. Or maybe you just figure out who you don’t want to be 😀
No kidding!