I’ve noticed that some books, while I’m immersed in reading them, color every interaction and perception I have in the world. I suspect Mrs Dalloway is one of those.
It has often occurred to me that modern technology allows us more than ever to fracture ourselves.
How often do we carry on multiple text conversations that are of completely different moods?
While I was tearfully texting an old friend of my grief over the loss of our dog, I was also switching to answering my young grandson’s silly picture with an appropriate light-hearted reply — I didn’t want him to know his Oma was crying. And I answered the roofing guy’s text in a business-like way. He didn’t need to know I was crying, either.
None of the three knew of the simultaneous very different conversations going on. Only one person knew I was sad. If we’d all been at one gathering it would have been a different matter.
Good morning. I’ve also read the book - quite a few years ago now. So many of us have a “Peter” (male or female). So many of us ask from time to time, “what if?” Sometimes it makes us smile; other times we feel (perhaps misplaced) regret. I don’t think that’s necessarily good or bad, but I do think it’s healthy to reflect on our choices, how we feel about them and how we interact with and are perceived by others. It can make us better.
So what's so bad about being middle aged and mediocre anyway? Gruh!
And now I must read Mrs. Dalloway.
I’ve noticed that some books, while I’m immersed in reading them, color every interaction and perception I have in the world. I suspect Mrs Dalloway is one of those.
🌹!!!
It has often occurred to me that modern technology allows us more than ever to fracture ourselves.
How often do we carry on multiple text conversations that are of completely different moods?
While I was tearfully texting an old friend of my grief over the loss of our dog, I was also switching to answering my young grandson’s silly picture with an appropriate light-hearted reply — I didn’t want him to know his Oma was crying. And I answered the roofing guy’s text in a business-like way. He didn’t need to know I was crying, either.
None of the three knew of the simultaneous very different conversations going on. Only one person knew I was sad. If we’d all been at one gathering it would have been a different matter.
Good morning. I’ve also read the book - quite a few years ago now. So many of us have a “Peter” (male or female). So many of us ask from time to time, “what if?” Sometimes it makes us smile; other times we feel (perhaps misplaced) regret. I don’t think that’s necessarily good or bad, but I do think it’s healthy to reflect on our choices, how we feel about them and how we interact with and are perceived by others. It can make us better.
“We do not see things as they are,
We see them as we are.”
-Anais Nin
This made me sad for Debbie, that she was so worried.
You are a wonderful writer and lyrical critic, sir. No wonder Debbie likes your letters.
Looking forward to reading this!