As a Substack newcomer, I am discovering the joy of other people’s writing. I loved your piece. So clever and I was so sad that you were cheated of your real dessert. But you have found another course. Thank you and I look forward to tumbling across more from you.
What an interesting story of new self-knowledge and understanding gained during your "dessert years". And through the path of memoir writing. Thank you for this.
delicious ! I share the no memory piece, and the lifelong addiction to writing to understand, lobby and change. It's a useful habit in trying to understand ageing, ageism and a world adapting to a new demographic balance.
Such a beautiful piece that I relate to deeply. I still have my wonderful husband but often think of what my life would be if he was gone before me. Your lovely use of food metaphor softens a difficult topic and allows us to snack on it in small, sweet bites. 🩷
For the last three years I have been doing Storyworth, a way of recording your memoirs through moments. Cheap therapy. It has sent me down many paths, connecting with childhood friends. My boyfriend said to me once, have you ever noticed that when you revisit an incident you describe what you ate. Lol
I recognize the menu but have not had the cake. I have however selected other offers, each a delight. A seer once said « what is the story here? » And it certainly is not about cake. Thanks.
Thanks, Karen, for this poignant reflection. Food is both an essential substance and a compelling metaphor in our lives, and we keep encountering things that are “off the menu”. I also want to offer a belated thanks for your many contributions to mental health in Canada.
As a Substack newcomer, I am discovering the joy of other people’s writing. I loved your piece. So clever and I was so sad that you were cheated of your real dessert. But you have found another course. Thank you and I look forward to tumbling across more from you.
You have earned your cake and should eat and enjoy it now.
Such a delicate and delicious piece of writing.
I love this essay. So beautifully written. I think 'the dessert years' is a perfect metaphor for those of us at that stage of life. Well done!
What an interesting story of new self-knowledge and understanding gained during your "dessert years". And through the path of memoir writing. Thank you for this.
May you share that cake with the ones you love, Karen, leaving them with an abiding adoration of dessert and precious memories.
delicious ! I share the no memory piece, and the lifelong addiction to writing to understand, lobby and change. It's a useful habit in trying to understand ageing, ageism and a world adapting to a new demographic balance.
Delicious! And sad. Much like life...
Such a beautiful piece that I relate to deeply. I still have my wonderful husband but often think of what my life would be if he was gone before me. Your lovely use of food metaphor softens a difficult topic and allows us to snack on it in small, sweet bites. 🩷
Lovely piece, so well written, like you are sitting at the kitchen table talking to me.
For the last three years I have been doing Storyworth, a way of recording your memoirs through moments. Cheap therapy. It has sent me down many paths, connecting with childhood friends. My boyfriend said to me once, have you ever noticed that when you revisit an incident you describe what you ate. Lol
I recognize the menu but have not had the cake. I have however selected other offers, each a delight. A seer once said « what is the story here? » And it certainly is not about cake. Thanks.
Thanks, Karen, for this poignant reflection. Food is both an essential substance and a compelling metaphor in our lives, and we keep encountering things that are “off the menu”. I also want to offer a belated thanks for your many contributions to mental health in Canada.
I found your story inspiring. Thanks.
Nice. Lots of reflect on. Thanks for modeling a brave new adventure.
Touching, wise and insightful. Thank you Karen…
lovely piece of writing! and I’d never heard the “life is a meal” metaphor… perfect!