Do-overs to re-experience joyful moments or to "correct for errors?" When I think back on some of what life offered up when I was young, I'm amazed I survived.
I think we lucked into a fertile time. But it is interesting that, as I wrote, you can't evaluate a generation from the inside. I don't know about your children, but mine aren't particularly impressed....although the music was good.
Susie, your considerable prowess with our evocative and gorgeous language means it’s almost scary to comment. Those years in which we grew up do seem different than those my children are experiencing. There was the normal human quotient of evil, apathy and complacency, but it was offset by a flowering of hope and the presence of formidable positive change. That stays in my aging bones. Not nostalgia but the memory of what we can accomplish through a shared vision.
It makes me wonder whether every generation looks back on its youth in disbelief...Or, whether there really is a kind of demographic exceptionalism.
Terrific ! Thx
Thank you for joining me in this conversation.
My husband read iit it and said “ what a fantastic piece of writing”
clever turns of phrase and profound observations
Typing without my readers
Please thank him for me. It's wonderful to lift up that amazing time without pandering to it.
Brilliant.. and sadly true
What part do you find sad?
Sad that so many of those days are behind me. I would like a few do-overs.
Do-overs to re-experience joyful moments or to "correct for errors?" When I think back on some of what life offered up when I was young, I'm amazed I survived.
I am amazed that I made it too. You ask a good question. Were we an exceptional generation?
I think we lucked into a fertile time. But it is interesting that, as I wrote, you can't evaluate a generation from the inside. I don't know about your children, but mine aren't particularly impressed....although the music was good.
When I think of things I did and survived, my straight hair curls.
It could be worthwhile to remember the fragility of life every now and then.
Beautiful post, Susie. I think you are onto something.
Thanks, Anne. Are you writing about aging as well?
It can’t help but creep into my posts given my age, but my focus is cooking and baking and the life lessons we get from them.
This is so good! One of your best!
I love the idea of integrating the remarkable past into the arduous present. Not that the past was perfect, but it sure was different.
I agree. Susie wields a mighty pen. And we are her fortunate readers —always left with something to think about.
We are so many kindred souls wandering in the late afternoon dusk.
Fabulous--thank you!
It would do us good to remember that. We've all been somewhere remarkable.
Susie, your considerable prowess with our evocative and gorgeous language means it’s almost scary to comment. Those years in which we grew up do seem different than those my children are experiencing. There was the normal human quotient of evil, apathy and complacency, but it was offset by a flowering of hope and the presence of formidable positive change. That stays in my aging bones. Not nostalgia but the memory of what we can accomplish through a shared vision.
I am harmless, truly. And your idea of a shared vision is powerful. Thanks for writing, Kristin.
Harmless like Dumbledore, maybe.
Those who can write as well as you do, can influence.
Thank you again, Kristin. If what you say is true, I certainly hope my influence is in the direction of peace.