What a wonderful piece, Paula, and evocative of the time! I can picture your mum Maisie and her neighbour Kate, kerchiefs 'round their heads, with the curlers straining to pop out, as they stand across the fence to chatter on about this and that. And how brave your mum was! A thoroughly enjoyable read!
Something bothers me. Maybe not the place to mention it but maybe you have some insight about this topic.
I’m 28% Irish according to my heritage. I once took pride in that but no longer. It seems almost all the people I meet of Irish descent are highly bigoted. Don’t no why except possibly the influence of the Catholic Church.
My girlfriend for the last 26 years is Jewish. Thus, I have no countenance for bigotry.
Paula, thanks for this entertaining description of your resourceful mom. I liked the fact that she didn't like gossip. That reminded me of advice given by author Stephen Covey about trust: always speak about others as though they are present. People would have trusted your mother (except, perhaps, the would-be mugger).
I think I’d have liked to know Maisie. A woman who knew the power of a good letter opener and who didn’t let brick walls get in the way of love and laughter. Thank you, Paula.
Oh my, how beautifully written, how cinematographic! And I'll bet some of Maisie's spunk was passed on to you!
A lovely story of friendship, and evocative of a certain era too, as people have pointed out. Thank you.
What a wonderful piece, Paula, and evocative of the time! I can picture your mum Maisie and her neighbour Kate, kerchiefs 'round their heads, with the curlers straining to pop out, as they stand across the fence to chatter on about this and that. And how brave your mum was! A thoroughly enjoyable read!
Something bothers me. Maybe not the place to mention it but maybe you have some insight about this topic.
I’m 28% Irish according to my heritage. I once took pride in that but no longer. It seems almost all the people I meet of Irish descent are highly bigoted. Don’t no why except possibly the influence of the Catholic Church.
My girlfriend for the last 26 years is Jewish. Thus, I have no countenance for bigotry.
Your stories have such great rhythm. I especially love the image of the two women standing on upturned pails to talk to each other over the wall.
Maisie and Kate. What a lovely tribute to their friendship.
Thank you for the enjoyable story
Really enjoyed your story. Rich female friendships have sustained me through many difficult times.
Paula, thanks for this entertaining description of your resourceful mom. I liked the fact that she didn't like gossip. That reminded me of advice given by author Stephen Covey about trust: always speak about others as though they are present. People would have trusted your mother (except, perhaps, the would-be mugger).
What a wonderfully vivid image of women in the 60s. It brought back memories of my mother with her hair in curlers covered by a scarf!
I think I’d have liked to know Maisie. A woman who knew the power of a good letter opener and who didn’t let brick walls get in the way of love and laughter. Thank you, Paula.
A wonderful, compelling and insightful piece.
Another beautiful Maisie story!
Made my day!