Five Photos, Five Stories #5
Saying “yes” is easy, I suppose, to the extrovert. Not so much for those of us of a more introverted nature. It’s not that we’re anti-social….exactly….but it takes more of an effort to mentally gear up for events than the extrovert might ever imagine. And certainly for me to tiptoe into the blogosphere was stepping way out of my comfort zone.
Ever cautious of wearing out my welcome, it was a leap of faith for me to accept a “Five Photos, Five Stories” challenge. When I received the invitation, the introvert within stirred and quickly laid out all the reasons why I should say no. But I reminded her of our list of Personal Principles in which resides “Just Say Yes.” I guess it’s more of a resolution than a PP, because it’s not a fixed part of my daily behavior yet. But I’m working on it.
Turns out this challenge was a blast. I was introduced to a new (to me) Traveling Wilburys song. I met Linda Richman again (still laughing at that one – thank you, Linda P.) The Full Monty made an appearance as did Springsteen and The Beatles – among others. I learned various regional names for the Virginia Stickseed. And a book recommendation or two.
Speaking of books, I’m about to delve into “All The Light We Cannot See.” I hear it’s fabulous and can’t wait to get going.
Thanks a bunch, everyone, for coming along on this “Five Day” challenge. For those of you celebrating it, wishing you a Happy Memorial Day weekend.
Heading into the garden and the book pile,
Barbara
Silver in the Barn 
You will love that book, I just know it. It’s good to challenge ourselves now and again! I’m going to challenge myself to a nap today! Have a great weekend 🙂
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You’ve read it obviously. I forgot to mention – dash it to bits – that I learned you are writing fiction. I enjoyed the excerpt, Joey, very much and feel like an ingrate for not replying to you sooner. All of this posting is making me exceedingly inefficient. I need a nap. You didn’t exactly challenge me to one but you did plant the seed.
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I did, wonderful book, hard to put down. (I call those 4am books.)
I’m glad you took time to read my excerpt and pleased you enjoyed it, thanks!
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Would you do me a favor? And add “The Pursuit of Love” to your book list? It’s not an ooey-gooey romance and I think you might delight in Nancy Mitford’s writing style. But then again….you do like Iris Murrrrrdoch….
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Yes, I added it 🙂
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I think the blogosphere is full of introverts. It’s so much easier to be social through a computer. Well, congratulations on making it through your challenge. It sure was enjoyable for us here on the other end.
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I think you’re absolutely right, Marissa with two Ss. Blogging is the perfect venue for the introvert because here we can offer our thoughts or discuss our interests which usually cause massive glazing-over of eyes in our real-life circle and people actually respond with thoughts of their own. What a treat!
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Yes, well I see a lot of introverts here and it’s no surprise that blogging is a great medium for them. Welcome to the club!
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Congratulations! I have been travelling ( nothing new there !)and so have not caught up but look forward to, later. Just don’t picture you as an extrovert fighting to get out!
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I picture you as an extrovert, Anne. Am I right? And thanks so much.
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Yes I’d say I am. But in the blogging world I was very nervous about revealing much. On reflection I think that was an age thing rather than an issue about being an introvert.
I have been amazed that I have stuck up REAL conversations and actually met another lovely blogger in the flesh last month in phoenix
Anne
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I’ve met two lovely bloggers in the flesh and was delighted with both. Also on Instagram, I have struck up a firm friendship with someone who is just a delight. People I never would have known otherwise and am so happy to include in my life. And you, Anne, one of the best lunches we ever had is attributable to your good advice. Thanks again.
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Delighted it’s food I’ll be best remembered for LOL!
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Oh don’t stop! Just getting used to hearing from you daily :). You will LOVE All the Light we Cannot See. It is a book to be savoured slowly with each beautiful word. I have never experienced anything like it when reading. And oh how I love the quote you posted – applies to books AND bloggers 🙂 Happy Friday my friend!!! Have a great holiday weekend.
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Sorry, dahlink, but I’m outta here for a while. I do not know how you do it, girl, and actually craft, cook, and photograph at the same time. And kick my butt in the daily Fitbit steps. I know you don’t sleep. That’s it, right?
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Love the Alan Bennett quote…so appropriate here ! Thanks, Barbara. Have a great holiday weekend. ☺ Van
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You too, Aggie. I mean, Van. Sorry, I won’t do it again. Some things are just irresistible….once.
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lol. No problem. I smiled through that name for 4 years !! ☺
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It sounds like a wonderful way to spend the weekend. Enjoy!
Me? I have a neighbor’s sheep to help inoculate and two fences to put up. [grumble]. A wonderful piece of news though. Weeks have past since I have seen the geese who hang out in our pond. Suddenly they showed up, escorting a small flotilla of goslings. Apparently they were hiding in the weeds and sneaking in and out so as not to alert the coyotes.
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Oh, that’s fabulous, Greg!! Watching birds at this time of year can be so traumatic that I’ve stopped paying close attention. I am so happy to hear about the flotilla!!!!!!
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I fear for them. One of these days, I will borrow an excavator (in my neighborhood, you can borrow things like that) to expand my pond to include an island for more secure habitat.
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Oh, wouldn’t that be great? You are a good guy.
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How you found time to post each day astounds me! I can’t get five minutes’ peace for love or money….(though have to admit that I can always find time for a Test match…)
Enjoy the garden and the book pile…well deserved!
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Helen, there are people who post every day….day after day….week in and week out…..let’s put it this way, I appreciate a more leisurely pace. As I know do you. How are those puppies today? Boys? Girls? Combo platter? Either named Horace?
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Two young gentlemen….Stein and Buster. Sleeping off the latest meal.
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Lovely quote Barbara! And as for your introvert/extrovert assessment, you are quite right. I think blogging is great for the introverts to be more “social.” As for us extroverts, it is just an extension of what comes naturally, but then that presents its own problems… (hence the end of some of my more personal posts such as the Pillow Talk series. Sheesh. My introverted HH objects to being used as blog fodder – go figure!) But what fun folks we have managed to meet out here in blogland! There is plenty of space here for all, and you never need worry about wearing out your proverbial welcome – we all love you! xx MH
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What a nice thing to say, thank you so much, MH. I know what you mean about your HH. I am very careful never to intrude on my own’s privacy or personal space. That would not go over well and understandably so. I’ve contemplated before what it might feel like to have a spouse potentially exposing all on the blogosphere and I don’t think I’d like it a bit. Hope you all have a great weekend – as you know Memorial Day state-side, time to fire up those grills!
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It’s bank holiday weekend here as well… and good weather promised! Should be a lovely weekend… 🙂 xx Have a good one yourself, and travel safe if you take to the roads!
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I enjoyed all 5 blogs. Looks like we’re in for a beautiful week-end. Have fun.
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I hope you do too, Sue, thanks!
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The quote by Alan Bennet is so true.
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Isn’t it? It made me feel…..understood, somehow. Thanks for letting me know.
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I’m so glad you said yes! It was a blast! Someone highly recommended that book to me, but I haven’t started it yet…going to wait until I catch up on some gardening this weekend.
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I am too, Suzi, and thank you for the opportunity. It’s going to be a great weekend for gardening although not sure anything will beat the magnificent day we are enjoying today.
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I really enjoyed the daily peak into your world … even if it was short-lived. Looking forward to the day we can have a chin-wag in person 🙂
Hope you have a great long weekend. Ours was last weekend and we had glorious weather 🙂
Big hugs!!
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Do you know how many times I thought of you and your A to Z Challenge during my little foray into daily blogging? A lot! I didn’t fully appreciate just how much went into it until now. I didn’t get to read every post you produced but each that I did was beautifully written, had just the right photos added, and even served a good dessert. I am bowing down to you, O Great Blogger. Boy, when you take on a challenge, you go for the big ones and knock them out of the park.
I look forward to the chin wag too – metaphorically speaking. Mine isn’t wagging yet but probably only has another month or two before that part of aging kicks in.
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Oh thank you. I’m really flattered. I’m still at the stage where I’m thrilled that people read my posts and are thoughtful enough to offer a Like or a Comment. I hope I never get past that stage 🙂
Daily blogging is brutal and I won’t be trying that again anytime soon!
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You know, I think when we reach the stage that we are not thrilled that somebody has read and commented, we should hang it up. It’s a form of a gift, really, from one reader to another. I’m growing reluctant to follow anybody new because I won’t have time to read their posts, I just know it. It’s happening already. But some of my favorite bloggers write long and thoughtful essays which when I see them come through on the Reader, I think AHA, I’ll save that for later when I can really savor it. And then I FORGET! Arrrgghhh.
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Amen. I feel the same way. I’m already starting to worry a little bit about the amount of time I spend reading and commenting on posts … let alone writing my own!!
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It’s all about balance, right? 💜
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Balance? I’m still working on that 😉
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Fabulous quote, Barbara. I’m glad you took the opportunity to ‘stretch and grow.’ It really does get easier with time to say ‘yes’ overriding our quiet little fears. And like you found out, we have some great adventures when we say “Yes!” And btw, I think you are a wonderful writer. 🙂 Have a great weekend!
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Thanks, Eliza, I just love that quote. One sometimes has such a warm feeling of affection for a writer, dead or alive, when any of those universal notes are touched. Always a sign of great writing. And I thank you for such a nice compliment. There are so many really excellent writers on WP and I include you at the top of the list, so your words mean a lot. Happy Memorial Day Weekend to you and yours.
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You are too kind, I’m blushing! 😉
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I have enjoyed your 5-day adventure Barbara, and you will love “All the Light We Cannot See”. Should be a movie coming up. Have a great weekend.
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Well, Kayti, I’m adding you to the long list of people who’ve read the book and loved it. I’m hoping you have a great weekend too. We’re supposed to have reasonably good weather and we’ll be firing up the grill. And maybe I can even talk BH into going to the movies….we shall see on that one.
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Glad you said ‘yes’ to the challenge. It was fun to see what you came up with. And I’ve just started All the Light We Cannot See too! I’m only fifteen pages in and frustrated I can’t get farther. But so much going on with my son’s graduation, it’s probably going to be on hold a bit.
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Congratulations to your son! Another vote for ATLWCS. It seems to be the book du jour, doesn’t it? I’m amazed at the wide variety of people who feel passionately about it. It seems to have struck a chord in so many. We’ll compare notes, afterwards, okay? I’m leaving in a few weeks for a big trip and probably will have zero time to read while away if the past is indicator of future.
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It’s our book club’s selection for next month. I only hope I can finish it before it’s due back at the library. With only ten days left, it’s looking unlikely…
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It’s mine too! Fortunately we meet every other month and our meeting is in July. May’s selection was “Outlander” which was a fun romp but we’ve agreed to select shorter books in upcoming years. We’ve had “The Goldfinch” and a few other really looong books. I’m thinking short and sweet next recommendation cycle.
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Yes, it’s good to vary things up.
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I’ve added All the Light We Cannot See to my list, thanks.
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I’m dying to hear what you think of it, HIlary. It’s the subject of my next book group discussion held in July. Look at all the time I have to get it read!
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It’s a great book, glad you shared it with your readers.
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You’ve read it too? Where have I been? 😊😊
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I love to read, love good books and don’t care for TV 🙂
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TV is just such a bore, isn’t it? I do enjoy Netflix, though, and have enjoyed some of their series very much. So much better than what you see on the regular old boob tube. What are you reading now? Anything good?
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We enjoy Netflix as well, like to stream movies when we feel like it. I am reading “Into the beautiful North” by Luís Alberto Urrea. I just started, hard to tell.
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Strange, but I never thought of you as an introvert Barbara. I used to read a lot, but my eyes are so bad now I have to do things more by touch, so when I read I use my Nook with the largest print, and it’s just not the same as a real book. At least with that, when I fall asleep while reading, and drop it, I don’t lose my place. I do seem to lose the thread of the story easily though. Not much to watch on TV, but it’s always on for background noise, and I love to channel surf when I’m bored, or my hands are numb. Life is so much fun now. Hoping my sense of humor will return soon.
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Hello Angie, I haven’t seen you coming through in my Reader lately. I hope you are doing well. Typical of you to look on the bright side of reading with a Nook. I do enjoy an e-Reader when traveling. I lose the thread easily too when it’s late. My eyes keep closing and I read the same paragraph four or five times before giving up. Hope your eyes don’t continue to deteriorate and the Nook will serve its purpose. Thank you.
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My computer modem had a heat stroke while it was in the usual place. I was unable to get online and stay for more than 10 minutes, and then it just stopped completely, so I had to order a new one. I am still in the process of recovering my apps and files that were lost when I had to do a system reset while setting the new modem up, but I think most of it is okay now. I did lose several photos though, and my backup disc failed to load properly, so all was lost there. I’m hoping I can find them on some CD’s and flash drives somewhere.
I love my Nook for the books, and as an easy way to play Solitaire while relaxing enough to sleep. Reading keeps me awake, because I always want to know how the book ends, and I don’t like to look at the last chapter to find out. Even War And Peace had to be read all the way thru.
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I have enjoyed each and every one of your posts and seeing you each day, but you deserve a break and I am dying to see that garden of yours in June in the next season challenge 🙂
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Hey Jude, that is so kind of you to say. I do need to pull together a monthly challenge post, you’re absolutely right. Wow, did that month fly by! The summer months are always like that, aren’t they? Thank you so much for your support for my little five day endeavor. I appreciate it.
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Yes it is a sad fact of life that winter drags and summer whizzes by. We started off well in April, but May has been somewhat cooler and windier.
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It’s interesting to me that, over the past few weeks, I’ve seen a number of posts titled (roughly) “Just Say Yes!”, but I’ve seen an equal number of posts titled “Just Say No!” I have a feeling that discernment is the issue. The decision for a “yes” or a “no” is going to differ for each of us, and gaining the ability to decide which to say, when to say it, and then saying it with confidence is critical.
That whole introvert/extrovert business is interesting, too. When it comes to the internet, I think judgments about where a person belongs on that scale often are based on nothing more than how much personal detail someone’s willing to disclose.
I still love Georgia O’Keeffe’s take on the issue. She said, ““Where I was born and where and how I have lived is unimportant… It is what I have done with where I have been that should be of interest.” Oh, didn’t I resonate with that!
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Your thoughts on the introvert/extrovert business are interesting, Linda. So often introversion is confused with shyness when they are, in fact, two different things. So true about the level of personal detail one is willing to write about and how that can be construed as extroversion. I think the blogosphere is nearly a perfect platform for the introvert to interact comfortably with others, but more importantly to FIND those kindred spirits who make blogging so much richer an experience. Like you. I’ve been away but look forward to catching up with something about camels, is it? I’ll be over soon.
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I haven’t read it but do love Alan Bennett’s books. I suppose that is better than nothing. Never a dull day in the bloggosphere. It’s becoming a fulltime job but I love it. (most times) As for introvert/ extrovert, it depends very much on which foot touched the floor on awakening.
Exposing feelings in writing words to the world needs an extrovert foot, yet doing that in the isolation of a small room facing a computor takes the introverted foot. Once, those words are freed, they can fly anywhere.
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Very well said, Gerard, as usual. Isn’t it something to imagine ourselves doing something like this putting ourselves out there in the blogosphere which wasn’t even dreamed of just a relatively short while ago. We were laughing the other day with friends about remembering when faxes were first introduced to our offices. Oh, the technology!!
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I know just what you mean about the mental energy it takes to gear up for a challenge like this. I’ve also been invited and can’t seem to get the focus I need to convince myself I can make this interesting enough for a post, let alone 5 posts…I’m just not that exciting! But you’ve inspired me with this post of yours admitting you too shied away from it…if you can do it, I can do it…..so hopefully, I’ll get moving on it this weekend.
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Hi Torrie, yes, it was a good experience for me and also went a long way to reinforce in my own mind that I very much prefer occasional posting. Vive la difference and all that – I’m glad I tried it but won’t do it again. I’ve been away and will make sure to see what you’ve been up to should you have decided to go ahead. I’m sure you’ll do a great job, as usual.
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Just working on them now, Barbara. First one to post in the morning! Thanks for the inspiration…..Mine is going for the STRANGE factor! 🙂
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Oh Cool! I’ll wait to see what’s what!!
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Barbara, I have enjoyed your five day journey with you. Thank you for the book title, ‘All the light we cannot see’, sounds just up my alley, shall ask if they have it at the library. Happy reading and gardening!!
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Honestly, Barbara, the book seems to be a favorite with everybody who has chimed in. I wonder what we’ll think of it??
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Congratulations! You did it! And I love this one about saying yes and reaping all the rewards. 🙂
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Thank you, Dor. I’ll be catching up on yours soon!
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Well, I’ve just read all five one after the other (sorry, busy, busy week) and didn’t find that difficult at all. Loved them all. How good’s that?
Well done, Barbara. 🙂
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That’s really good, Heather. Speaking of busy, busy – me too! I totally understand and am pleased to see you here whenever you can manage it. You know that!!
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It was fun seeing you every day but it must’ve been hard on you! Yes to everything you said about introversion–I have not yet adopted the “just say yes” attitude but I think it’s a fine idea.
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Thank you so much. I haven’t regretted a “yes” yet, Kerry. Hope you had a very nice long weekend.
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That is a good book. My copy is at work. Music is easy; words are hard. You did a magnificent job/
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Thank you, Sarah, but I disagree. Music is hard too! And you do a magnificent job at that!
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I am impressed that you posted five days in a row… I enjoyed the posts! I can’t even get up a post once a month due to PROcrastination. You will not be able to put down “All the Light We Cannot See” no matter how hard you try. Enjoy your weekend!
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Another vote for ATLWCS? Where have I been, Pix, under a rock? Fooling around too much on Instagram? That’s it, isn’t it? Hope you had a great long weekend and are ready to post something fabulous…..soon?
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Had a most wonderful Friday through Monday! I don’t know about posting… don’t know how interested I am in getting something up, but I still love reading other blogs… 😀 Good Morning!
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Hi Barbara, I have enjoyed all your stories and see that you are an avid reader .However, most of the Authors you mention I do not know but obviously your fellow bloggers from your country do, so can compare each others choice. So I am going to ask if you are familiar with the author Catherine Cookson ,I love her books ! and the one which touched me most was titled “The silent Lady”. This was Catherine’s very last book she wrote from her sick bed. The Silent Lady is so cleverly written because it is about a well to do lady who lost her speech after a traumatic experience. She ended up in the hands of some down and out people who took her in. The intriguing part is how Catherine Cookson explains the way the lady made people understand what she was saying. Look it up I am sure you will enjoy it.
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Rita, thank you so much for the book recommendation. I am adding to my book list right this very second. It sounds fascinating. I have never read Catherine Cookson.
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Great ! Let me know if you find it and what you think of her writings Barbara.
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Glad you enjoyed the challenge, Barb. Have fun with your delve into ATLWCS.
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Hi Nancy! I’m back from a busy long weekend and hope you had a good one too. Have you read ATLWCS? Good grief, I have never heard of a book being this universally praised. Amazing.
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I recently finished reading All the Light… and think it is one of the best books ever written. Hope you enjoy it too!
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I am hearing this from everybody. Wow. This must be a book that really touches some common universal thread to have made so many people feel as passionately as they do about it. Thank you for letting me know your thoughts on it too.
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You may well be right about introverts finding it difficult to say ‘yes’, Barbara (actually, I was surprised to learn you were an introvert, too) — but the problem for extroverts is that we cannot say ‘no’. When I was working in Germany, my assistants used to say that when I was faced with the need to say ‘nein’ I would always say: “n-n-n-n-n-n na gut” which is another way of saying ‘ja’
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We give different impressions of ourselves on our blogs, I guess, than what we might really be. I’m not shy, Paula, just would rather stay home than go to the big party. To grossly oversimplify. You know German? I was born there, you may know, but sadly my mother allowed me to lose my German when we moved to the States. I do think if I were plopped down there for a while, I would pick it back up. JA!!!!
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Ohne Frage, Barbara! I learnt my German in Germany in my late 40’s/early 50’s and found it both challenging and rewarding — simultaneously. Sadly, I haven’t spoken it in over 10 years and, while my passive German is still as good as ever, my active German is now very rusty indeed 😦
I do know what you mean about not wanting to go to big parties, though …
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All the fun and interesting things you learned and mentioned meant something special to me. Wow!
I enjoy the Traveling Wilburys, Springsteen, learninG names for sticky stuff on Max’S sweet face and the Full Monty is a great movie as is Calendar Girls. Ilove Britain in quirky, slightly racy films. Barb!
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Nobody does quirky better than the Brits, I am convinced! so glad you enjoyed. I am so behind in my blog reading, Robin, I will pop over as soon as I can to see what you’re up to. Thank you!
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Yay for you and for us, Barbara! I know your reticent at first so I’m glad it turned out to be a blast. It’s all about enjoying the ride, right? 😀 Have fun in the garden and happy weekend ❤
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Hello Angie, that’s exactly what I’ve done and thank you very much. Hope your weekend was a good one too.
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All the Light We Cannot See is fabulous. But you know that by now.
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Hello Audrey. Yes, yes I do. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a book that has been this widely received as absolutely terrific. Can’t wait!
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I liked your 5-day posts even though I had to play catch up. I admire your tenacity and consistent quality not to mention the great photos which I now won’t mention but they were great.
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I so appreciate the unmentionable photo comment. Gah, how do people post every single day? I just don’t have that much to say! (Giant sigh of relief from the blogosphere!)
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Hey, Barbara. Thanks for stopping by today. I liked following this challenge. I want to get into photography this summer!
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I’m also enjoying photography for the first time in my life. As in anything, so much to learn but well worth it.
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That’s so cool! 😀
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