At last, getting to all the "Good Stuff" I save to savor...
I am so similar in my reading/writing preferences, although I must admit I will absorb any non-fiction book when I am drawn to a subject that intrigues me. But as for writing, I tend to be the same. I've written just a few little short stories for children (I used to be a Nanny for a time), and one rather longer book for kids... about a dog, of course. But mostly my writing, too, is about my own life. I LOVED to read stories about kids when I was a kid, always fiction... I adored the Pippi Longstocking books, "Heidi," the "Nancy Drew Mysteries," and "The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler"-- ever read that? If not, you'd surely like it even now! ^_^ Anyway, loved your post, as always. xo xo
My first comment didn't post😭 I LOVE this blog SO much. Albert was my very first crush!!!! My mother read all the time too and all those books. She would tell me how much worse it was than what the series portrayed. How I wish you two could have known each other. This is such a fantastic write up!!!!! Thank you as always for sharing 💗💗💗💗💗💗
Thank you, Jamie! Yes, Albert is adorable and completely made up to the story, but who cares! That is so sweet that you remember him. Your mom was right and I am making my way slowly through "Prairie Fires" which is all about those hard truths. I seriously can't believe some of what I'm reading. I think about you AND your mom when I pass by your beautiful trees daily. Love you so much and thank you for always taking the time to read and leave your dear comments. XOXOXO
'The birthplace of our voice' -- I love that you pulled the black egg for this--that is so how I see you. Your friendship has helped stir my own love for story deeply, and I am forever grateful. I love all your stories and your words--so very beautiful and powerful!
I too regret many of the things I’ve watched or read. I wish I could scrub them out of my mind. But I have also loved stories so much (usually children’s stories)! I agree about stories inspiring empathy. I cannot count the many times I have wept alongside another’s pain in a book. But as I became an adult and now have little ones, I’ve found that I have much less bandwidth for stories. I’m much more focused on what’s right in front of me and the feelings seem like too much a lot of the time. I do still pick up a good story every now and then, when they come to me. I wholeheartedly believe that even fictional stories are true. They live in our imaginations. And what makes the world we inhabit more real? I think it must have been imagined by someone as well. When we read books and experience them and inhabit them we bring them to life and give existence to whole worlds.
Thank you for the beautiful comment, Olivia! Believe me, I remember how little reading I did when my children were young. I was always too tired at night, but looked forward to our one week up at a cottage every summer so I could sit in the shade and read. When the time is right, you'll be back with a good story resting in your lap. XO
Savoring beloved stories is a balm for the sensitive soul whose nervous systems have been badly battered by recent events. Thanks for the reminder of the simple yet profound pleasures found between the covers of a book. I think I’ll watch Little Women tonight and visit the library, thanks to your inspiration!!🥰
Isn't that the truth, Katie? Let me know what you think of the latest LW. When I started going back to the library in the winter, I could feel my nervous system sigh when I walked in the door. Libraries are such wonderful havens. Thx, for reading! XO
Love this. There is so much that I relate to, especially the struggle to find balance with stories and entertainment once one realizes they can have a darker side. Thank you, thank you for sharing this. A lovely read. Wonder why I never heard of your favorite Dr Suess book? I am a child of the 70s and thought I knew all the Suess works.
Thank you for your comment, CM! Not many people have heard of The King's Stilts! Look what I just found for you. :) Make yourself a cup of tea and have a listen. XO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJqFIivAFL4&t=16s
We are on the same page AS USUAL, Barbara. I've been debating writing a piece centered around an old favorite book of mine from my youth, so reading this lovely offering from you feels like a big YES sign!
Fiction is truer than "truth," I think, though I'll never be able to prove that. It sure does feel that way.
I read "Little Women" over and over as a child, then a teenager, sobbing every time Beth died and raging at what felt to me the wrong ending -- Jo should NOT have ended up without Laurie. Books like that taught me the truth of what I value, rather than what to value, which is part of why I think fiction is truer.
Thank you for reminding us all of the stories that have shaped us (I just bought The Mists of Avalon at the library booksale for my daughter!) and the importance of sharing them. Big hugs... xox
I've not seen the Gerwig version... I'm kind of a stickler grump when it comes to video adaptations of beloved books. I won't watch Harry Potter, for example, and many others. I really don't like losing access to the images my mind creates -- once I've seen the movie, the images are gone. But I believe you that it's wonderful!
I know! The book is always better and I usually opt out, too. For some reason, I've loved all of the Little Women adaptations. This one might really annoy you...she took a lot of liberties! But it was really good! :) XO
It brings up the whole notion of fiction VS non-fiction which used to be much clearer than it is now. So many previous truths being exposed, going into the shredder.
I think we must then discover in the process, that we too, in relation to the world, are made up of stories. It must be then, that as the world shreds, we do too.
(Or really these more superficial identities that emerged in relation to the world, do. I know my 'identity' can't shut up about identities. Oh, well. I'm stuck with this version of me for the time being. :-))
It's all really great though cause it's making room for that Black Egg impulse. (Loved that.) Making room for our essential selves. Yours always come through!
Yes, this is all so true, Kathleen! Thank you for reading and commenting. XO Ha ha about identities! I forgot to put in a few things - I just found the notes jotted down on scraps of paper...that's how I roll in this lifetime, I guess. I would love a little more Pitta organizing energy! Oh well. Have a beautiful day, my friend. XOXO
I also have books that I revisit, some of them children books, yes. Rereading a book that has made an impact in your life is like spending time with an old friend. One who knew you when you were of a certain age and of a certain philosophy. And then, like a good old friend, it lets you discover something new about yourself. I have so many books. Some I know now, I’ll probably never get around to reading. But sometimes I go to my shelf and let one call out my name. They know when to enter your life. Whether I think it’s early or late, it’s always on time.
Yes, Tonika! Each time I move I give away more books but I have a whole shelf of children's books that will never go away. Sometimes when I'm feeling too scattered I'll pick one of them to read. Thx for the beautiful comment! Clara is out there nibbling under the feeder as I type. She says hello. XOXO
Clara says hi back! Did you know that they love Millet? maybe I will try seeing if Clara will come sit on the patio with me for breakfast! LMK if you find out her name... XO
At last, getting to all the "Good Stuff" I save to savor...
I am so similar in my reading/writing preferences, although I must admit I will absorb any non-fiction book when I am drawn to a subject that intrigues me. But as for writing, I tend to be the same. I've written just a few little short stories for children (I used to be a Nanny for a time), and one rather longer book for kids... about a dog, of course. But mostly my writing, too, is about my own life. I LOVED to read stories about kids when I was a kid, always fiction... I adored the Pippi Longstocking books, "Heidi," the "Nancy Drew Mysteries," and "The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler"-- ever read that? If not, you'd surely like it even now! ^_^ Anyway, loved your post, as always. xo xo
Yes! Loved all of those books, too!! Thx for reading, Jaan! XOXO
My first comment didn't post😭 I LOVE this blog SO much. Albert was my very first crush!!!! My mother read all the time too and all those books. She would tell me how much worse it was than what the series portrayed. How I wish you two could have known each other. This is such a fantastic write up!!!!! Thank you as always for sharing 💗💗💗💗💗💗
Thank you, Jamie! Yes, Albert is adorable and completely made up to the story, but who cares! That is so sweet that you remember him. Your mom was right and I am making my way slowly through "Prairie Fires" which is all about those hard truths. I seriously can't believe some of what I'm reading. I think about you AND your mom when I pass by your beautiful trees daily. Love you so much and thank you for always taking the time to read and leave your dear comments. XOXOXO
'The birthplace of our voice' -- I love that you pulled the black egg for this--that is so how I see you. Your friendship has helped stir my own love for story deeply, and I am forever grateful. I love all your stories and your words--so very beautiful and powerful!
Aww, thank you, my sweet friend, for reading/listening and for your comment. You are so loved! XXOO
I too regret many of the things I’ve watched or read. I wish I could scrub them out of my mind. But I have also loved stories so much (usually children’s stories)! I agree about stories inspiring empathy. I cannot count the many times I have wept alongside another’s pain in a book. But as I became an adult and now have little ones, I’ve found that I have much less bandwidth for stories. I’m much more focused on what’s right in front of me and the feelings seem like too much a lot of the time. I do still pick up a good story every now and then, when they come to me. I wholeheartedly believe that even fictional stories are true. They live in our imaginations. And what makes the world we inhabit more real? I think it must have been imagined by someone as well. When we read books and experience them and inhabit them we bring them to life and give existence to whole worlds.
Thank you for the beautiful comment, Olivia! Believe me, I remember how little reading I did when my children were young. I was always too tired at night, but looked forward to our one week up at a cottage every summer so I could sit in the shade and read. When the time is right, you'll be back with a good story resting in your lap. XO
Savoring beloved stories is a balm for the sensitive soul whose nervous systems have been badly battered by recent events. Thanks for the reminder of the simple yet profound pleasures found between the covers of a book. I think I’ll watch Little Women tonight and visit the library, thanks to your inspiration!!🥰
Isn't that the truth, Katie? Let me know what you think of the latest LW. When I started going back to the library in the winter, I could feel my nervous system sigh when I walked in the door. Libraries are such wonderful havens. Thx, for reading! XO
Love this. There is so much that I relate to, especially the struggle to find balance with stories and entertainment once one realizes they can have a darker side. Thank you, thank you for sharing this. A lovely read. Wonder why I never heard of your favorite Dr Suess book? I am a child of the 70s and thought I knew all the Suess works.
Thank you for your comment, CM! Not many people have heard of The King's Stilts! Look what I just found for you. :) Make yourself a cup of tea and have a listen. XO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJqFIivAFL4&t=16s
We are on the same page AS USUAL, Barbara. I've been debating writing a piece centered around an old favorite book of mine from my youth, so reading this lovely offering from you feels like a big YES sign!
Fiction is truer than "truth," I think, though I'll never be able to prove that. It sure does feel that way.
I read "Little Women" over and over as a child, then a teenager, sobbing every time Beth died and raging at what felt to me the wrong ending -- Jo should NOT have ended up without Laurie. Books like that taught me the truth of what I value, rather than what to value, which is part of why I think fiction is truer.
Thank you for reminding us all of the stories that have shaped us (I just bought The Mists of Avalon at the library booksale for my daughter!) and the importance of sharing them. Big hugs... xox
Well, I'm not surprised, my friend! And DITTO about Laurie!!! 😭😭😭
I know the book is always better but have you seen the Greta Gerwig film version? I (obviously) loved it so much! XOXO
I've not seen the Gerwig version... I'm kind of a stickler grump when it comes to video adaptations of beloved books. I won't watch Harry Potter, for example, and many others. I really don't like losing access to the images my mind creates -- once I've seen the movie, the images are gone. But I believe you that it's wonderful!
I know! The book is always better and I usually opt out, too. For some reason, I've loved all of the Little Women adaptations. This one might really annoy you...she took a lot of liberties! But it was really good! :) XO
Beautiful, Barbara. So true to form.
It brings up the whole notion of fiction VS non-fiction which used to be much clearer than it is now. So many previous truths being exposed, going into the shredder.
I think we must then discover in the process, that we too, in relation to the world, are made up of stories. It must be then, that as the world shreds, we do too.
(Or really these more superficial identities that emerged in relation to the world, do. I know my 'identity' can't shut up about identities. Oh, well. I'm stuck with this version of me for the time being. :-))
It's all really great though cause it's making room for that Black Egg impulse. (Loved that.) Making room for our essential selves. Yours always come through!
Thank you, Barbara. Lovely post.💕
Yes, this is all so true, Kathleen! Thank you for reading and commenting. XO Ha ha about identities! I forgot to put in a few things - I just found the notes jotted down on scraps of paper...that's how I roll in this lifetime, I guess. I would love a little more Pitta organizing energy! Oh well. Have a beautiful day, my friend. XOXO
I also have books that I revisit, some of them children books, yes. Rereading a book that has made an impact in your life is like spending time with an old friend. One who knew you when you were of a certain age and of a certain philosophy. And then, like a good old friend, it lets you discover something new about yourself. I have so many books. Some I know now, I’ll probably never get around to reading. But sometimes I go to my shelf and let one call out my name. They know when to enter your life. Whether I think it’s early or late, it’s always on time.
I loved this post, Barbara. Thank you.
Yes, Tonika! Each time I move I give away more books but I have a whole shelf of children's books that will never go away. Sometimes when I'm feeling too scattered I'll pick one of them to read. Thx for the beautiful comment! Clara is out there nibbling under the feeder as I type. She says hello. XOXO
Hi Clara! The one in my grapevines that likes her belly rubbed says hello right back. (I really ought to ask her her name.)
Clara says hi back! Did you know that they love Millet? maybe I will try seeing if Clara will come sit on the patio with me for breakfast! LMK if you find out her name... XO
I have millet! Will go see if she wants some and bring up the name question. :)
Keep me posted! 🕊️💗
I love this genre of fiction too. Interesting about the orphan trains and learning the background of 'The Little House on the Prairie'.
Yes, it's pretty mind-blowing. I'm still working my way through it. Thx for reading, Nina. 📚