My office closes today until the New Year, and I shall be taking a break from computers, hibernating in the countryside and reading the new translation of War and Peace - a pleasure I've been hoarding for the holidays; pretending the rest of the world doesn't exist for a few days, just to recoup a little.
I've just read this interview with the translators, Larissa Volokhonsky and Richard Pevear, and loved it, liked them both so much for everything they say, their love of the literature, the period, of words, their sparky scrupulosity. I'll be surprised if I don't very much like their translation.
How would I survive without books? I've not stopped thinking about Doris Lessing's words, placing hope in stories, imagination and the magical, inexplicable place within us that they come from. I shall place my hope there for the year to come.
"It is our stories that will re-create us"I shall place my hope, too, in the true stories Rachel links to here about the healing effects of mindfulness and meditation for even the most damaged and traumatised among us.
14 comments:
Merry Christmas, Jean. With all my heart, I wish you a most peaceful and refueling vacation.
Smiles and hugs.
Have a lovely paeceful cosy time. I too hope to read over Christmas, and was moved by Doris' words. I have not been reading enough...
*peaceful*
Merry Christmas, Jean -- and lots of peace during the hiatus.
Love,
Maria
Blessings to you, Jean.
Merry christmas, and best wishes for the new year.
Merry Christmas, Jean. Enjoy the break and the reading.
Have a wonderfully peaceful break Jean!
Sorry I missed you before you left, but profit well from your break, it certainly sounds very fine. Happy Year's End Jean!
Hi Jean,
I happened upon your other blog (about being spatially challenged) and absolutely loved it. I too am S.C.....isn't it interesting how this learning difference produces such creativity (like your beautiful photographs) and love of words and literature? I don't know you but you've brought joy to me with your insightful comments and sharing about spatial difficulties. (I'm trying to figure out how to design navigation links for my first website... reminds me of trying to put on socks(all tangled up).
Have a great holiday and many blessings in the New Year!
Rebecca (from California, USA)
Immersed in War and peace, a glass of Vodka and some caviar on toast to munch with it....I hope you're having a beautiful Russian time wherever you are. Lots of love and cheer.
Just thinking of you on your peace filled retreat is healing for me. Thanks for all the good thoughts and wishes you've sent my way.
A blessed new year to you, Jean.
have a great christmas and new year, and thank you for your insights on Doris Lessing's speech. I found her words very moving after I had got over radio 4's headlining the inanity of the internet bloggers...
Jean
What a small world it is at times. I was reading some of your older posts and found this link to an article in the Columbus,Dispatch. I grew up and granduated from High School in Columbus, Ohio. All of my siblings except a younger sister are still there..She has always been a bit of a rebel.
She just retired to a small town in Arizona. I am looking forward to those Holiday days off this year.
Linda
Post a Comment