These Precious Days
“Any story that starts will also end.”
I’m reading These Precious Days by Ann Patchett. It is, of course, terrific.
She writes:
“Any story that starts will also end.”
On the cover there is an adorably fluffy dog, though I haven’t gotten to the dog essay yet.
I pass the book on my bedside table and am reminded of Lord Tennyson, the great child nanny who inspired our fictional hero in The McNificents (which just celebrated two months in the world!)
We had to say good-bye to him yesterday. If you’ve ever loved a dog, then you know this sorrow.
Time is on my mind. We’re lucky to get second chances, but we don’t get do-overs. Do you want to draw? Write that book? Fun a 5k? Save for retirement? Marvin K. Mooney, will you please go start now!?
I missed writing my post last week, but I was present at our family reunion in Idaho, where all eight of my great-great-grandparents immigrated to in the 1800s. It’s a good story for another time.
My entire family lives out west and I’m lucky to see them for a few days, once a year. I often think how crazy it is to spend every day with your siblings and then - poof - one by one we grow up and move away from one another. What the heck? There are a few choice childhood moments where I’d like a do-over…
This leaving is happening in my own home, history repeating itself. For better or worse, I don’t get any parenting do-overs, heaven help us.
My youngest recently asked - “If you could go back ten years ago, would you?” No, I always say no. The thought makes me tired. My daughter? YES, because that was when she was six and “we were all home together.” I remember and my heart melts.
It was the year they all got off at the same bus stop in front of the Goody Farm. Lord Tennyson was there, so completely wrapped into their childhood.
Time lurched forward, even on the endlessly long days of motherhood, when I was frantically trying to write something during nap time or before they got off the bus.
This summer we had a very special-loud-and-crazy-fun summer where all my children were home. Alas, one by one, they will depart.
Two have already gone. The other two will be gone by September - the oldest to England, the youngest to sail on “Ocean Classroom” for a term. What a life these children lead.
Walking around our college campus last week, I asked Gregor what he would do differently: “I would have connected with more professors” (I laughed; what a very adult thing to say, don’t you think?).
As young, happy couples and friend groups practically skipped past us, I wanted to stop and look deeply into their eyes: SEIZE THE DAY AND MAKE GOOD CHOICES BECAUSE YOU DON’T GET DO-OVERS.
These young peeps spoke quickly, excitedly, touching each other, talking in each other’s personal spaces, shrieking, falling in the grass over their own hilarity - older people don’t do that. They made me wistful.
They just don’t know - none of us know - I decided not to tell them anything.
Summer in New Hampshire teaches me about time. The watermelon and corn are crisp and delicious. But the blueberries are past, soon the tomatoes, and we will greedily turn our attention to the glorious apples. Everything in its season, and nothing stays too long.
Even as we try to stay in the present we must plan ahead - and I do love my planners and multi-colored pens.
Today I worked all day on a new novel. My protagonist is young, age 13. I’ve finally figured out her name. She doesn’t know what she doesn’t know and so sometimes she’s careless.
Ironically, a novel with no colossal mistakes and trouble for our hero is the most boring novel ever…
Still. I want her to conquer, even as I make her life hard.
“Any story that starts will also end.”
Do you ever wish for a do-over? A second chance? It’s a good thing to write about.
Amy❣️
A Big Thank You to King’s English Bookshop and YOU
Thank you to Rob, Alexa, Mickey, and the team at King’s English Bookshop in Salt Lake City. THANK YOU family, old friends, and new ones for filling the seats on a warm summer Saturday night. AND, I finally got to meet author Jenna Evans Welch (of Love and Gelato, now on Netflix!) and her signature red lipstick. She has been such a supportive friend and I am grateful.
Also, I straightened my hair because in hot, dry Utah, it stays that way. Thoughts?
This Week’s Round Up:
ICYMI: Gibson’s Has Signed Copies of The McNifficents!
How America Got So Mean by David Brooks
Oh, you know I love this and relate to every word (well, except the part about family reunions and gathering with siblings... as I have none! ;p ) I am so glad you are starting on another writing project. Can't wait to read it. And of course, I will pick up Ann Patchett's book.
This is so beautiful. I’m sorry for the loss of your dog. Dogs are the best friends.