C. (Comment, never msg).’s Comments (group member since Jan 30, 2014)

C. (Comment, never msg).’s comments from the Gentle SPECTRUMS group.

My posts for this day start at message #56! Next, I suggest visiting my favourite input from Shirin in message #35. I asked her to share something positive and it was a great memory refresher for me. You two would love our home library as well, although most of it is in English! Not all of it, being who I am but most of it.

You agree about self-worth and recognition. I made distinctions about other injuries and am checking that it was not missed. People who feel sorrow about the inability to play an instrument or other passions, are spared a facial recognition challenge. They are sad about missing breasts, hands, or feet. I think some people confuse manual careers and struggles, with the impact of looking like yourself in the face. I can't look at a face injury because it looks alien, a telling impact even to a stranger but I can handle seeing other injuries. Ron won't wear shorts because of varicose veins. That is far better than what we read about fictionally.

Ulrich's Aunt & Uncle were irresponsible but I do not remember them selling him in the sex trade. Did they? Anyone would want to escape as soon as they could something that must have frightened kids, unless they could not think of anything else to do.

Are you like Mom and my friend, Lorraine, who avoid photos, videos, places for awhile of ascended loved-ones? Or does it nourish you like it does for me? I have to see my babys' faces every day, even of the childhood cat with me longest.

I think you said Ulrich said good-bye to a shady career because he improved as a person. Did Marianne watch his film? I can't help but laugh at the thought of him saying: "Look at how nice my crotch used to look"!

Did you watch the show "Mom"? Bonnie Plunkett's husband was in a wheelchair. On a videotape of him walking, he didn't mind seeing himself mobile. He hated the womanizer he was in those days. Even dearer to our hearts: "Lucky Man". Mike's closeness with his family reached the level it did with Parkinsons Disease slowing him down. May we all achieve balance without a nudge.

You understand Andrew Davidson taking a long time to write! The scope of his cultural and historical content is unbelievable for one country and astonishing for many. The only other person who does the same is "The Magic Circle" by Katherine Neville. Read it if you can. An ancient slow burn, mixed with frenzy in present day 1989, is something I am glad you & I appreciate in common.

Yes, Kerri, we both love magical / paranormal / fantasy elements and humour! That earned a star from me as well. I thank modern literature for fun, relatable dialogue and humour. Wry observations, funny quotes to go along with the list of Christmas food that was made ("Slime, snails, puppy dog tails")! I recall this by memory from 2019 because it made me laugh most, local familiarity.

Book titles I pass by on Goodreads often remind me of song titles and lyrics, which I launch into singing! Music is a big part of my life, even though I seldom play it. I don't read or watch TV along with it, nor when I seek nature outside. It is something Ron & I set aside as a feature instead of a background. Just something to share with a fellow music fan.

I finished checking all the way up to your conversation return in message #45. It is up to you, sharing new material and how you felt in your earlier reading, before coming back to post. This is all from me. :) Love, Carolyn.

I backtracked the posts, when you only updated us on dear Izzy. She came out all right! You ended up being away from the conversation for two months, even though your Aunt's road trip and setting up house were a few days. Naturally, you did not expect Shirin to bow out at the same time

You didn't expect the need to battle a creep. I stayed calm but might have allowed myself, or someone along with me, to tell "Paul" to fuck off! He accused me of wanting "validation"! I spoke my mind for my conversation being ignored, because no one wants to waste their time or to be treated as if our ideas aren't worth raising. His suggestion pissed me off and I could have kicked the fuck for thinking that, about strong women like any of us.

I dearly support family health and visits. I hope we are in harmony about avoiding delays if we can, for other reasons, like focusing on other books. Duration is supposed be short, so I commit as an almost live way to spend time with *you*: long-distance friends. Please build me back up to trusting a skipped day doesn't mean a week or month! ;> Now that we are writing daily, our conversation is amost finish in a week. I look forward to the same smooth regularity for future buddy reading.

I have a lot of other things to do but checking e-mail and Goodreads is a morning habit I would probably keep, if someone stayed over. Because my present tome is a medical & spiritual textbook, I am happy to start "The Dream Thieves" any time you want, after the last words on "The Gargoyle". Message #58 has my last contributions: yay!

Short commitments clear the path for catching-up e-mail too, which I look forward to very much. :) I can't believe our babies, including our wonderful Conan wherever he is, are having another birthday in a week. Hugs, Carolyn.

I am happy to continue our conversation today! We are at good parts, including new topics you are inspiring! Your ponderment of Shirin's dislike was informative. Although I usually give big points for the value of effort and story content that is important and well told, it must be a disappointing inability to connect with it. Shirin, who read this in English, probably couldn't help missing some things that people normally admire about this book. I think you are right and that it was both.

I hated the animal death references in "Cousins", dreary ending for one of them, and terrible life for the other. That she met that Cousin just before she died and luckily ended up returning to their family all of a sudden, was contrived and too little too late. The minute she was no longer in the clutches of her boarding house, she could have phoned or visited family, no matter how nervous or curious about why she thought they hadn't kept in touch with her. She was desperate enough to leave her house and walk the streets for Pete's sakes. But still, I had to give this novel at least 3 stars because everything else was beautifully told, original, and I sensed all through me that this was important New Zealand culture for me to know. I am glad I know it.

You have helped me understand that if Shirin connected with no one and missed why this novel was special, no matter how glorious Andrew's numerous cultural and historical contents were, I guess two stars are possible. There were times when I couldn't connect with anyone either, or accept the plot most of all. I know "Cousins" would have received 4 stars if it hadn't been for the almost unrewarded ending to extreme but ridiculously needless hardship. Her abandoning husband got no flack. Are we supposed to love him because he helped her plan a Maori funeral? And yet, even though "Chappy" had an identical character who did nothing to help himself and willingly wandered around without making an effort to survive, the rest was so positive and triumphantly unique, it had to have 5 stars from me. I excused the mention of the nephew telling his Uncle he refused to help him kill a sheep. Well, this turned into my chance to converse about Patricia Grace too!

Given the nosiness of the public internet, we won't give details. I am merely curious for future e-mail, if you fell off horses or bicycles, or had operations. Yes, this novel gives us perspective. Are you able to say why you disliked Ulrich and Marianne? I haven't reread my review from 2019, which an error with the group book resulted in having to repost and lose the comments I had. There will be new ones! I think they were not my kind of people and except the burn injury, I did not sympathize with them greatly.

That is right, Marianne could live with Ulrich for at least a decade or longer and yes, he needed her beyond a home. She would not be growing thin and unnourished if not hurriedly finishing grotesque sculptures and as you reminded me of the legend, if she was not giving away hearts. Did Andrew give the provenance of this?

I think you hit upon a mistake that I am confirming both ways! It is more than information not worked out and provided. If Marianne is the same person living 600 years, Jack could not have known her as an identifyable teenager. She started out young in the monastary but grew in that crutial first lifetime. If she were physically reborn to new Mothers & Fathers, each childhood would need no secrecy.

Okay, we raise a timeline doubt that baffles and angers me, not towards you but the popularity of fake 'historical fiction' for causing it. THE PUBLISHING YEAR OF BOOKS IS ALWAYS THE SAME FOR THEIR STORIES. It is only a different year if Andrew stated that. Until made-up 'historical fiction' became popular recently, no one doubted that the book's release year is the present day.

I looked up the 14th century, not remembering how they worked. It went from 1301 to the end of 1400, thus Marianne can be a maximum of 608 years-old. Always trust that a book's publishing year is the present day, as the author wrote it. If it were 'historical', readers would be told. I think 2006 is when I finally got high speed internet, to leave the city and lose it in 2010! I still use videotapes occasionally and always make sure Ron & I have a way to play our nice collection. They would certainly have been around with early DVDs in 2008.

I guess I would not stop her from running into the ocean because her destiny and decision must have been discussed at length with Ulrich. Where I disagree is with him not convincing her to stop building those grotesques and to live with him for his lifetime or a lot of it. I gather Andrew did not explain how statues use a life force, or why she got numerous hearts, did he? I guess that was overriden by your enjoyment and admiration of everything else, to earn five stars, Kerri?

Were any of the cultural stories happy? Did they all end in the appearance of a death because they were presumably former lifetimes, or were some of them peaceful or content; not just funny to ease something gruelling? Here is a good question: did Marianne change genders in any of them? If so, she had to have been reborn along the ages. I don't recall Japan. I loved Iceland, along with Germany!

Thank you for reminding me what the scholar wanted. Each time you answer, the context floods back to me. You brought up good stuff again! I am thoroughly enjoying this! By tomorrow, I hope to glance along my paragraphs written when you were away, to ensure I didn't miss anything we would enjoy chatting about. Besides those, I think this is all I have to propose. I am open to any new observations you raise, which are always so much fun to think about.

I have to laugh that, far from reading the next funny little jaunt by Charlotte MacLeod, your "current" queue has returned to 7 and all heavy subjects. You might have finished the 4 you had gotten down to, haha. I am reading hefty matieral but positive: spiritual healing (Jack Angelo), how to breathe properly (Dr. Berisa Vranich), and "The Wisdom Of Menopause" (Dr. Christiane Northrup). Good health for all of us at home is important and dear to our hearts, as you know. It is the same for your family. Hugs, Carolyn.

Yes, I know people often using applications would not think of handwritten souvenirs. You won't be sorry to have this personal touch from each other. It could be on letter stationery, a card, postcard, even normal lined paper for university. Write each other a note or letter and save it in a photo album or book. :) It creates "a time capsule". Look at it two years from now, for example and feel very encouraged and close to people you miss.

You said you have a better idea about "The Dream Thieves"? Catching up later is what we are doing. Of course we are going to finish the whole series but I don't want it over fast. I bought these sequels new and we don't find favourites like this every day. Even Maggie's wolf series is terrible. I love saving the best books for a time when I really need to feel excitement!

If your suggestion was to read the series by yourself and check our notes later, that is not buddy reading, Shirin. The whole book is finished and it is only a longer comment on someone's review. Experiencing the suspense together, writing to each other in the moment, is the special thrill we share. I am grateful you will e-mail Kerri & I "Opal".

After your Cousins & Aunts have visited, I hope to receive photos of your gorgeous fun! I have never seen Iranian women without hijabs. I know at home you wear regular clothes and I can't wait to see what your casual or dressy style is! Xoxo, Carolyn.

Do you too, find people miss things about books? Individual preferences go without saying. I see it all the time. I remember the pasts being fascinating, never boring. Who says fighting amounts to action? Discovery and forging a life are adventurous to me. Yes, I loved learning that books used to be handwritten.

Are you surprised Shirin gave this novel two stars? Do you feel the originality, accurate research, and major culture variety should have earned a point even if it was not to her taste? Be honest, no glib "we all have tastes". Do you see the shift from loving the book to disliking it after I mentioned Ulrich's career?

I need that reminder, please, of how old Marianne Engel is. You confirmed Germany came first, her home country and Engel suits that. I would know German names! Thank you for reminding me about Italy and Japan.

Yes, I remembered the library contents being major proof of Marianne's long age and now I am reminded of the enthusiastic scholar. I think Ulrich refused to let him do something, perhaps borrow the book. Is that right? However, it was the most compellnig proof that she handwrote in the Germany script of her century (I really want to state it correctly). Wouldn't you say?

I am very sad to be reminded of the baby going out of her life. She must have others over the years, whether or not the other husbands were thought to be true loves in their own right. We always have a chance to love again, even if one woman or man is special in a forever way. However, it was a lapse on Andrew's part not to name and remember other children. I keep wanting to name the number of centuries!

What you appreciated and enjoyed generally as well as the hell visit, gave this five stars for you? I think that creative trip, which I thought Marianne took instead of Ulrich, made it four stars instead of five for me. I will reread my review to see my other comments. I probably wanted a greater number of answers but in the main, I hated the ending. How about you?

What an odd thing to imagine Ulrich is turning himself into Marianne. Whence does that idea come? Unless you mean in her honour, he is changing the grotesque rather than continuing it, to make one of her instead.

Yes, I said I knew the manager was a woman, which is why I wondered if her name was Linda. You can't forget her.

I hope Ulrich lives awhile but then again, I said even I would have trouble forging ahead without the main skin and appearance that makes me feel and look like myself. Maybe spiritual energy healing of some kind could have helped him. It does step in where medical limitations to the physical leave off. I guess he would be fine sticking to the house and a small circle of friends and their dog, if a homey life fulfilled him.

I guess a big discussion subject is: was Ulright right to let Marianne complete her life the way she felt she needed to? Why did she want to when he had just met her again? Why not have awhile together? Maybe her conclusion would be all right if they had had time to enjoy being a couple after he healed enough to be comfortable doing things.

I never liked Ulrich or Marianne but sympathized with them of course. I imagine that formed part of my four star grade. I remember keeping a star to acknowledge the creativity and awesome work that went into everything. Humour helped.

I wonder if you had imperfections, like I mentioned about a darkened patch or skintags, that you wanted gone but think nothing of, now that you have read these fictional problems! I am keen on anything you propose as great food for conversational thought.

Yes, you have turned into supermodels and photography professionals! I hope you do videography too. How do you like my story about keeping a card, note, letter, or some kind of autograph in handwriting? I am grateful to have these hadnwritten souvenirs in my family.

A month would seem like forever to me. How about if we only read this sequel? It will almost make no difference for you to come back, reply to everything we wrote, and introduce your own reactions and conversation topics. We will return to answer and chat with you right away! Everything will be ready for you, from us, instead of one day at a time. :-) Maybe Kerri & I could read "Confessions Of A Shopaholic" first but there would be a lot of time left to be eager to start "The Dream Thieves" afterwards.

Please e-mail sometime "Opal" on PDF. It comes after the series. We have the spin-off series to share next, starting with "Call Down The Hawk". I am also saving Ian Rankin and most Agatha Christie for you. Last week, I finished "The Big Four" and to my surprise, I loved it with 5 stars! Enjoy my review. :)

Thank you for telling us, Shirin!

No, we did not know. I was not getting e-mail replies but saw you on Goodreads. I am very happy for your Aunts. I know from my friend that going to Turkey if the way most of you get out. Are they your Mom's or Dad's Sisters? Or if you prefer details in e-mail, okay. Yes, this is a special time of life, being with family while they are right there!

I see that your family does not travel and am uncertain Germany is a country Iranians could go to. Enjoy them, take many photographs and videos! Try to get notes in writing to cherish always. I have an autograph book, an actual small book with blank pages. It is meant for celebrities but I got many family and friends to write or draw in it when I was a child. This is a happy time for you all and I am glad, my friend.

If you do not want us to wait until September to read our favourite series, the folders will be there for you to come and reprise the conversation anytime. We will see it and talk about it again with you. Please tell all your family from my family: "God bless you and safe travels"! Love, Carolyn.

I am very much looking forward to it too, Kerri! I love sharing these books with Shirin as well. Lately, she has not replied to personal e-mails or our group. It is unfair to me if pushing again and again is the only way to receive follow-up. Our friend already has my e-mails and we are giving a lot of advance notice that we are reading “The Dream Thieves” soon. It will be lovely to hear from our dear Shirin in both places.

You will be finished “The Gargoyle” by the time you read this. I foresee a week of great conversation, or faster if our awesome daily updating keeps us writing & replying immediately. :) Then, it is a matter of finishing whichever book we are into, when we talk through what we want to. Hugs to both Kerri & Shirin, your friend, Carolyn.

I feel that Andrew Davidson leapt to an assumption of contrast. You & I concluded that everyone would freak out about disfigurement the same. I am compassionate but can't bear to see it. I think a head injury is like wondering about a scratch in the pain, reconstruction, and mental trauma Ulrich was dealing with. I think it is helpful to learn about burn survival but think this novel would have been as successful without it. I was surprised Andrew didn't have Ulrich getting a doctor's note to obtain new identification for banks and whatnot.

Now comes the fun part, of discussing whatever you propose and looking for subjects I tried to introduce when you were away.

The trip to hell was among my favourites, one of the reasons I consider Andrew original and unique! It is enough to cover numerous countries to a degree that had to have been researched meticulously, wouldn't you say?

This is what I hoped Shirin would appreciate above two stars, despite disliking the protagonist and the introduction. I would enjoy her explanation if she ever sees this. I don't know if it was a coincidence or cultural but she originally liked the novel and humour, despite the awful burns we see right away. Thinking the former profession was revealed earlier than perhaps it was, I apologize for saying too early that Ulrich had been a pornography actor. After that, Shirin couldn't stand the novel. She reads historical fiction all the time, you would think she would have a field day with all the ages and countries she visited.

If pornography turns up most of our noses, what her culture make of it, who reserves sexuality as sacredly as many more people should, too? Was that where she lost her patience and interest? Kerri, did the descriptions of his former job and medical / mental recovery go on too long? He stopped discussing the job eventually but had to keep healing from then on. However, was that interesting to you, or did the ancient stories give ample breaks from it? For the first time, this is when I myself preferred the ancient stories to the modern scenes.

Did you find the ancient scenes lacking in action like Shirin did? Were they too tame for a fantasy fan? My impression is remembering that a lot of major things happened that I wouldn't want to face. Did they lose a baby or did she / he grow up? One more question you have me puzzled about here. I thought Marianna went to hell, Iceland, Japan, Germany, and somewhere else. Did figures met in other countries gathered in hell for that super atmospheric, suspenseful visit? Please help me remember everywhere she went, in case my review did not name the countries.

I am happy not to remember Marianna cutting herself. Hoewver, you led to an excellent conversation piece that we might spend time on, Kerri! This is the stuff great book conversations are made of, finally! :) Yes, there is ample proof that Marianne really is hundreds of years old. Which year was she born in Germany? What is her last name there? Was she an orphan or young novice? I would have great fun listing the proof, wouldn't you? Having the books she does, using verifiable ancient caligraphy as her natural handwriting, and having the memories and knowledge she does. Her library is not just old but multilingual. The final proof I remember is that something, I don't recall what, gets Ulrich to have past life memories. That is in a late chapter, isn't it?

To recap: countries, Marianne's birth and name, and proof of ancient age are things I would delight in collaborating with you to compile.

What I meant by you introducing a great subject is about whether or not Marianne has developed mental duress or illness that has nothing to do with everything being real. That is very astute of you. What I suggest is that living for 500 or the number of years you fill in for us, takes a toll on the body and mind that does not usually go on 5x as long. Did she say she was born with extra hearts, hence not dying naturally?

I would look forward to the afterlife with my loved-ones by then and don't blame Marianne for having had enough. She has children, parents, Grandparents, animals, friends to look forward to. But it is one soul that reincarnates so if Ulrich is here, he is not in Heaven. Why go now that they are together on Earth? Was she fated to find him, did she search in present day, or was she fortunate to recognize him at the hospital?

I'm not keen on the subject of story perspectives because that is an easy way for historians and students to dismiss what someone has taken the time to record and preserve. If we said a story is always different from person to person, it would create an endless argument. I like instead, to think we zero in on different elements and contribute to remembering different things together for the full picture. You did convey an important lesson that Ulrich's memories are valuable too. To test that this was the message, did he have his recall back by the time the Viking said that?

Anyway, you know how every profile bio declares that the member loves discussing books? Have you tried politely commenting with an additional perspective or in respectful disagreement and received the closing-off comment: "everyone's opinions are different"? I have found that few people want to discuss books here but instead, only want you to write "nice review" and leave. Others want to argue like assholes. A truly open conversationalist like you is a gem, my dear Kerri!

The potential stalemate about different perspectives reminded me of that closing down statement about "everyone being different". It does not invite conversation. I love exploring differences if people are open to swaying or appreciating other views at least. It is fun and invigorating when you find someone who really puts thought into it and enjoys it too.

While readers like and dislike personal things, like misophonia hampering me from tolerating certain vocabulary; there is such a thing as someone not GETTING what was awesome and unique about some books. So I share it, in hopes they will enjoy it and see it, like no one ever recognizing non crime mysteries. :) Some people read too much, too fast, or EXPECT one mystery to have the formula of others and miss special attributes that are obvious to me. I look for them. I also wonder if free e-reading has stopped people from appreciating books as much as they normally would.

As for Ulrich ending up by himself, I guess he he healed enough to do that and is well prepared. He gets physiotherapy, presumably therapy as well, and is safe financially including if doctors help him reclaim his bank access and various accounts and ID cards. But he has made a friend in Marianne's manager. Is her name Linda?

Haha, the words for filmmaking are "filmmaker", "director", and "producer". In 2008, with the internet beginning to get faster (but not southeastern Manitoba along with it), Ulrich could write, direct, or switch and do a lot of things remotely. I see Linda being his go-between representative.

I don't remember him seeming to be heartbroken, after Marianne sufficiently explained why she didn't want to continue living despite finding him. If I remember right, he understood and was prepared to carry on in a new life and push past the physical and emotional difficulty.

The next time you write, you will be able to tell us how you liked this novel and what degree of complexity you felt Andrew achieved. Manitobans write a broad variety of things, that you have read enough of to know! I say the same about New Zealand and appreciate your education from there too.

I have been looking in your profile for a status update and wonder where you are in the book chapter and storywise.

That former creep was too angrily reactive to understand my conclusions, so it is nice to ponder things freely with you. It is an automatic assumption that an actor might have an extra layer of hardship with a head injury. I did at first but thought a lot and new perspectives dawned on me. I think we can test that most people would have the same mental anguish to climb. Try this.

Would you, as a non actress struggle emotionally with an injured head? I would, even if the public hardly sees me. Picture yourself as an actress. Would your career or public representation be your first thought after a serious head injury? I say it would not. I think we all would struggle with the same basic humanity: being able to recognize ourselves calmly and seeing the reactions of others.

I do not think a career would add an extra layer of difficulty because that does not enter the urgency of life, death, and overcoming trauma emotionally and physically. Honestly, unless we need no job, work from home, or in the dark; most people's faces involve a public presentation. No one wants to be prejudiced but how easily would managers hire a disfigured cashier, receptionist, or other professional?

How many fingers did Ulrich lose? You are reminding me of a lot of consequences, like burns affecting body temperature and sweating. Is there any reason the author did not simply write about a modern day guy finding out about his past lives?

This has me thinking about what you proposed about careers, one way it might be another mental hurdle: fingers for example and what you wrote about soldier rifles. No one wants to be a porn actor by choice. I would argue (if I knew we didn't want to move on) that people in the prostitution professions have a low opinion of their bodies' sacredness rather than the opposite.

You do aptly remind me that it would be hard if someone could no longer be a musician or dancer. I think it is because those are loves that are a part of those people. They are fortunate that they also happen to be careers. Secondly, they have room to mentally mourn what those handicaps remove, because they are not dealing with a crisis of their personal appearance. Ulrich could not even use his bank account, although he could have had a note from his doctor to confirm his identification.

I will happily turn to the other subjects we raised in their own comment box. It is uncanny that you read about skin injuries in a war book. I have read two about struggling survivors who are not actors and they both contain the title "Moon"! Phyllis A. Whitney published "The Moonflower" about Hiroshima survivors in 1958. In Ben Aaronovitch's "Moon Over Soho", officer Leslie May too, has serious injuries that she too, hides even around her home like Phyllis' character. What is the correct name for sculptures that are not gargoyles? I would like to say it properly.

Let's see if you & I land on the same considerations. I thought an actor might have it harder but really mulled it over. I feel that in the trauma of injury, we are not thinking of our careers. That is interesting about facial communication, a great addition.

I mean facial recognition as our visual ID. We might have imperfections on an arm for example but to not look normal in the face is a monumental. I am convinced our jobs would not be in mind if we were injured. Me looking like myself, for myself and those who know me, would be my source of anguish. Looking awful to other people, even if I got over it, would also be a hurdle. I am happy a decent conversationist is finally reading my detailed explanations!

Photographs are important to me and many people. I think it would be worse not to have memories of us at our best and also as we mature past that. I think if Ulrich had no videos of his body at its prime, he would be sad. I wonder if patients photograph themselves before operations. I would.

I hope this brings clarity to what I concluded. You aren't in adult entertainment either. Do you see yourself less bothered by disfigurement around your head?

If I weren't against suicide and euthanasia, it would be tempting to wonder about carrying on. "Still Me" by Christopher Reeves might have discussed this, although his problem was another hard handicap rather than looking like himself. I wish I could get rid of a patch of slight skin shading. I wish I had not over cracked my knuckles. I wish I didn't have a few unobtrusive skintags. Most people would trade to have these minor imperfections. I am grateful this is all there is to it.

I am not vain but believe very strongly in keeping my own knees and hips, whereas many people are glad to have replacements. I will never get plastic surgery, unless it were to repair injury. Being natural matters to me and now that I know about energy medicine, keeping my original limbs makes natural healing possible. You can get another job. You can't always return to how you looked - personal ID wise, not vanity just so I am clear. Any of this conveying the different conclusion I came to?

I love what you wrote about Ulrich feeling better by helping Marianne and caring about someone else. His surgeon became a doctor due to arm burns. I need a reminder about why Marianna feels urgent about making so many gargoyles, or whatever they are. Does she know she is finally dying?

Yes, the clues are clear that she really did live hundreds of years. She was not mentally unwell, except lately needing to push herself without eating or sleeping. I used to think this novel was about reincarnation. We have seen it is about longevity. Does she say how it was possible? I love your confirmation that Marianne discovered she was naturally good at handwriting and transcribing and at linguistics! I have that in common with her as well as her name. :)

This is a great start for catching up. I can't wait to see which topics you add from all along this book. There are so many wonderful things to talk about. I loved the Manitoba humour, like I said.

Thank you, dear Kerri. McCartney & the others must be eager to ensure we know they are here with us and all right. I believe he would send signs and our Marigold, Spirit, Love, and Thumbelina too, not to mention dear Mom.

Wild turtles are common in the countryside, although one only sees them occasionally if at least ditch water is nearby. I think they are painted turtles and snapping turtles. They are sweet and surprisingly, disappear fast after letting you bid them "hello".

Yellowknife is safe.

What sorrow to hear that half of Kelowna was damaged. I hear the winds are shifting away from their city, thank goodness, so all the prayers and care they are receiving is working at last!

I am in anguish for Maui, USA. Fire did terrible damage there and killing. May the 1000 missing people and animals be all right and the rest of everyone's homes spared.

Keep on healing and praying for the regions of Kelowna, British Columbia and Yellowknife, North West Territories!

We are sad to learn on the news that fire got to Kelowna and destroyed some people's homes and forestland. Let us please pray for the rest of that city and homeland.

A Canadian many of us know in Yellowknife wrote this morning to say he & his family are safe. Thank goodness, prayers answered! May they return to homes that are unharmed. Please keep up the care and encouragement for Yellowknife too.

God help them all: there is fire around Kelowna, British Columbia. May her people, animals, wildlife, plant life, homes, and belongings be saved. The Oakanagan Valley is also our country's major producer of fruit.

Prayers work and our sending of healing, care, and love! Please use your heart to ease fire all over the land. Please comfort the hearts and fears of all our people, animals, trees, and plants! They need outside support at this scary time.
With love and respect, Carolyn & family.

Any friends who are interested, let's continue “The Raven Boys” ‘paranormal mystery’ series! Please: buddy-reading means writing updates every day. If we did not read one day, we can come on to answer friends’ posts anyway. There should be something to see every time we log-in, until we are finished talking. :)

I saw on the news that wildfires are in Yukon Territory. I am sorry and send love, prayers, and healing to all people, animals, plants, and land there.

Increasingly shocking, is that the city of Yellowknife is being evacuated! My gosh, may all the people, animals, their homes, and land be saved. Choosing what to bring in the meantime must be hard. Our most precious keepsakes don't go in a couple of suitcases.

When we pray, send healing energy, love, and our care.... it works! Let us do this now, for Yellowknife and everyone who needs it. Wild animals and trees too need our love, prayers, healing, and care to comfort, save, and help them during a terror.

May God go with you guys and please know you are being prayed for and cared about, with every ounce of healing we can send you! With love and respect, Carolyn & family.

I am happy to be helpful and touched you love my writing, Alexis! It would mean a lot for you to share your various reactions under my reviews. I work hard at non spoiler detail but receive very few comments, except from friends. I feel frustrated by that, logging on every morning feeling sure I must have moved someone to comment. It will reward me, if you tell me your lovely thoughts. I hope to write more than reviews!

For Donna Eden, start with her classic introduction "Energy Medicine". With Louise Penny, obviously don't jump into this volume I was at. Begin with the series début "Still Life". Are you truly interested in learning about our province, Manitoba, Alexis? Let me know if you do find a copy of Irvin Kroeker's great tourguide. I am curious about your top 5 books too. You have opened a wonderful topic at our group! Hugs, Carolyn.

Well, all the topics I wrote merit a reply at last and are good ones! :) There are all your impressions well before halfway. We want to avoid a summary of rare chunks and I hope to remember the book through you.

Looking forward to this and more imporantly, to enjoying letter conversations we can finish without a week in between. :)

I worked with a Karen, haha. I have seen by now, her character name was Veronica, Ronnie. I don't know if her last name was given but the internet says Veronica Lee.

By now, I have seen most of "Schitt's Creek" in daily reruns, this being the Levy's home country as well as that to Catherine, Annie, and everyone on the cast. Except Chris Elliott, humorously, for reasons I hope your souvenir book, "Warm Regards" tells me. How did he get on an all Canadian cast? It is the role of his life so far and he was very funny and awkward.