What luminous and beautiful responses, what generosity and wisdom. So many graceful turns of phrase, so many times I had to pause and breathe and let myself float through the oceanic profundity of a statement. Wonderful, wonderful, and I can't wait to read Karen's book of essays.
I so enjoyed this. Beautifully and thoughtfully written, and at 64, so much of it resonated with me. I was unfamiliar with her as a writer, so this has made me want to read more of her works. Thank you for this!
I am just turned 70 and have noticed a big change especially in this past year. There is longevity in my family but I’m not certain I want that. I loved this essay and related in several ways. All I really want to do with what’s left is travel before I am too frail to do so!
I too am 68 and continually ask how that could possibly have happened. I never allowed myself a chance to be who I wanted to be - out of obligations to my Mother, who was widowed at 48, and then my husband, who wants control of most things, when I was younger. Now that I am this age I am taking as much rope as I can hold without making the mistake of hanging myself with it, which happened when I was 55. Experimenting on here with writing is my tool for freedom.
"To accept these years of taking stock and letting go." That is Karen's magic. We're a year apart. I hope to be like her someday.
Her questionnaire is so quotable! There are so many inspiring lines.
I am 81 and really enjoying it thus far. There is a freedom doing whatever I want, whenever I want.
I still cook, and bake, but not when I don't want to.
Loved this -- I was transported by her words and the richness behind them. Thank you.
What luminous and beautiful responses, what generosity and wisdom. So many graceful turns of phrase, so many times I had to pause and breathe and let myself float through the oceanic profundity of a statement. Wonderful, wonderful, and I can't wait to read Karen's book of essays.
God, this was so beautiful. I'm so glad I caught this one. I'll be seeking Karen's work now.
I so enjoyed this. Beautifully and thoughtfully written, and at 64, so much of it resonated with me. I was unfamiliar with her as a writer, so this has made me want to read more of her works. Thank you for this!
I am just turned 70 and have noticed a big change especially in this past year. There is longevity in my family but I’m not certain I want that. I loved this essay and related in several ways. All I really want to do with what’s left is travel before I am too frail to do so!
So beautifully written!
Felt the full sweep of your life so far, somehow, in these words! Excited for you to keep going!
Oh, thank you for this.
To continue,
I don't have to do things unless I need or want it done by someone else.
I too am 68 and continually ask how that could possibly have happened. I never allowed myself a chance to be who I wanted to be - out of obligations to my Mother, who was widowed at 48, and then my husband, who wants control of most things, when I was younger. Now that I am this age I am taking as much rope as I can hold without making the mistake of hanging myself with it, which happened when I was 55. Experimenting on here with writing is my tool for freedom.
oh, that sour taste of memory! It is a common flavor for those of us who, as youngsters, had sweetness swiped away. thank you for your good words.
The image of Karen's mother trying to get rid of the coal dust ...amazing!
Beautiful writing💜
Loved this. Karen’s voice is so clear and provides amazing perspective. Thank you. I look forward to reading her book.