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[eattheolives]

I caught part of an interview with British writer Penelope Lively on the way home tonight - she reminds me of a more decorated (she's Dame Penelope) English version of my great aunt (also a writer

Comments

[brightly_woven]

That's lovely. Not my way, but lovely.

[mattiescottage]

'As she passes her bookshelves, they wave from the shelves, saying, "Remember me? Remember how you felt and where you were when you read me? Remember when you were interested in this subject?" If I gave up my books, she said, I'd lose an important part of myself.'

Thank you so much for sharing this! I am having to downsize some, myself, and while I have been able to let go of some things, it has been difficult for me to pinpoint why I feel a resistance to letting go of other things. This really hits some of it. For books and also for some other things. Yes, there are some reminders of my past that I yet want to wave at me sometimes!

I think recognizing this also helps me maybe let go, or find alternatives--or some things to keep to serve as the reminder to wave at me, while other things can go.

Thank you! :-)

[eattheolives]

Glad to share. :) I don't think it's a reason to keep EVERYTHING, but it is a valid reason to be attached to "things" and I think just recognizing that helps a lot.

[lilia2000]

Oh wow, my Mom was listening to that interview yesterday and she was telling me about that exact moment!

I thought it was very poignant. Her sentiment really stayed with me too because I have such a difficult time letting go of my books, and that really explained why. I can trace back who I was to each one! Where I was when I first read it etc.

[eattheolives]

I wish I'd been able to hear the whole thing! She sounded like a completely delightful lady.

[onetravelsfar]

This makes me miss my books! We haven't been able to afford to move our books cross country four times in four years so they either stay with my parents or, sadly, get sold, along with other lovely things :(. I think we'll finally get to build our collection now that we're more settled!

[eattheolives]

I confess that's one reason I'm rather glad I haven't moved (uh, ever) as an adult.

[swedepea]

Oh, that's really lovely. I like that a lot!