Reaching out to touch the empty seat; that's very moving, Emily.
I see you have A Hidden Wholeness on your stack. I have to confess that I recently had it out of the library but only read one chapter. That's not a comment on its quality; so many were enthusiastic about it! I guess I just didn't need it at this time.
I have enjoyed Elizabeth Strout in the past but haven't read any of the others.
I read a book by Karen Armstrong years ago, and every time her name comes up, I think, “oh, I need to read something else by her.” The biography sounds great. Oren Jay Sofer has a good book on non-violent communication. He came to speak here in Omaha several years ago. I read Lucy by the Sea but need to go back and read some of the earlier books to fill in the back story. Hope your weekend has been a good one.
Thank you, Don. I’m glad you received it that way because it certainly felt that way when I did it.
I haven’t started A Hidden Wholeness. I got it because it has some information in it about leading listening groups, which I’m currently doing (and thinking about offering here on Substack, if I can get up the courage to do it). There are many different formats for this, and I like to have all the options then create my own.
Elizabeth Strout always floors me with the utter ordinary and, therefore, extraordinary nature of her characters. For me, she captures what it feels like to be human with such clarity and simplicity that I sometimes get overwhelmed and have to put the book down.
Oh, yes, that is why I borrowed the book! Someone had mentioned it during a conversation about “non-violent” communication. She mentioned those very listening groups. I may have to go borrow the book again. I am still very intrigued by the idea. I had also put a hold on the original book about non-violent communication but it never came in.
I am currently reading Jim Harrison’s Returning to Earth. It’s really good, though I will admit I’m having trouble keeping track of all the major and minor characters.
Your comments on Elizabeth Strout make me very much want to read her now! I’ve only read Olive Kitteridge and My Name is Lucy Barton. Some of her scenes and characters have stayed with me all these years.
I’m also reading Buddha, by Karen Armstrong, which is not a Dharma book but rather a well-researched biography. I’m learning a lot about the culture of 500BC!
Oh, that image of you putting your hand on the empty seat, the back, the headrest, your son's cereal bowl and spoon. Such poignance and love in those movements, in addition to the paid of letting go. What a beautiful way of expressing it all, Emily! Thank you. And a big hug for you in this time of loss and possibility. And reading too, which I hope brings you succor and inspiration. Blessings!
I appreciate you seeing that, Amanda. The fear that I have created the same kind of havoc for my kids that I endured myself hovers at the edges of my brain. But incidents like this one help me to trust that my children had a different experience.
From what I get from your writing and your comments on mine and others posts, I don’t think you need to worry that you’re a havoc creator! I’m sure you’re doing a great job 💙
I’m a Mom of three wonderful adult kids… all of whom are now on their own. The empty nest that folks speak about has become a reality for me, and coming to accept that is definitely a process. It’s so difficult for me to think that these wonderful people I’ve lived with and shared life with for almost 30 years will never live under my roof again. I’m beyond happy for them - but not necessarily for me…
I appreciate this Korie. It helps hear from someone who’s been there. My youngest child, my daughter, will leave for college next summer. You are so right that it is a process! I suppose I will get more and more used to it. I’ve lived outside of my home of origin for decades now after all. Surely, the experience will grow more common place. But I don’t think the process of watching them move out and on will ever really end. Thank you!
Reaching out to touch the empty seat; that's very moving, Emily.
I see you have A Hidden Wholeness on your stack. I have to confess that I recently had it out of the library but only read one chapter. That's not a comment on its quality; so many were enthusiastic about it! I guess I just didn't need it at this time.
I have enjoyed Elizabeth Strout in the past but haven't read any of the others.
I read a book by Karen Armstrong years ago, and every time her name comes up, I think, “oh, I need to read something else by her.” The biography sounds great. Oren Jay Sofer has a good book on non-violent communication. He came to speak here in Omaha several years ago. I read Lucy by the Sea but need to go back and read some of the earlier books to fill in the back story. Hope your weekend has been a good one.
I just put a library hold on the Sofer book, thanks for the recommendation, Emily!
Yay! I owned it at one point but must have given it away.
Thank you, Don. I’m glad you received it that way because it certainly felt that way when I did it.
I haven’t started A Hidden Wholeness. I got it because it has some information in it about leading listening groups, which I’m currently doing (and thinking about offering here on Substack, if I can get up the courage to do it). There are many different formats for this, and I like to have all the options then create my own.
Elizabeth Strout always floors me with the utter ordinary and, therefore, extraordinary nature of her characters. For me, she captures what it feels like to be human with such clarity and simplicity that I sometimes get overwhelmed and have to put the book down.
Tell me what you’ve been reading lately:)
Oh, yes, that is why I borrowed the book! Someone had mentioned it during a conversation about “non-violent” communication. She mentioned those very listening groups. I may have to go borrow the book again. I am still very intrigued by the idea. I had also put a hold on the original book about non-violent communication but it never came in.
I am currently reading Jim Harrison’s Returning to Earth. It’s really good, though I will admit I’m having trouble keeping track of all the major and minor characters.
Your comments on Elizabeth Strout make me very much want to read her now! I’ve only read Olive Kitteridge and My Name is Lucy Barton. Some of her scenes and characters have stayed with me all these years.
I’m also reading Buddha, by Karen Armstrong, which is not a Dharma book but rather a well-researched biography. I’m learning a lot about the culture of 500BC!
Oh, that image of you putting your hand on the empty seat, the back, the headrest, your son's cereal bowl and spoon. Such poignance and love in those movements, in addition to the paid of letting go. What a beautiful way of expressing it all, Emily! Thank you. And a big hug for you in this time of loss and possibility. And reading too, which I hope brings you succor and inspiration. Blessings!
Thank you for this, Susan! And thank you for the hug. Reading is a joy:).
Another beautiful post, Emily. It’s lovely to see how you have been able to be a good parent despite not having been set a great example. 💙
I appreciate you seeing that, Amanda. The fear that I have created the same kind of havoc for my kids that I endured myself hovers at the edges of my brain. But incidents like this one help me to trust that my children had a different experience.
From what I get from your writing and your comments on mine and others posts, I don’t think you need to worry that you’re a havoc creator! I’m sure you’re doing a great job 💙
Thank you, Amanda. 🤗
I’m a Mom of three wonderful adult kids… all of whom are now on their own. The empty nest that folks speak about has become a reality for me, and coming to accept that is definitely a process. It’s so difficult for me to think that these wonderful people I’ve lived with and shared life with for almost 30 years will never live under my roof again. I’m beyond happy for them - but not necessarily for me…
I appreciate this Korie. It helps hear from someone who’s been there. My youngest child, my daughter, will leave for college next summer. You are so right that it is a process! I suppose I will get more and more used to it. I’ve lived outside of my home of origin for decades now after all. Surely, the experience will grow more common place. But I don’t think the process of watching them move out and on will ever really end. Thank you!
Ah, I love all of this but the passage about your son is especially beautiful, thoughtful and bittersweet ❤️
Thank you, Kate! Yes, it’s definitely both.