The book tells the story of Lev, an Eastern European who has come to Britain to find work. It is a beautifully written story, dealing with loss and separation. It is sensitively written, rich and passionate and I can wholeheartedly recommend it. But it was this paragraph that struck a chord..."... this was what, in the end, drew you on over the years, in spite of tragedy and loss, the idea that you could make some kind of mark, that through the slowly accumulating weeks and months you would somehow become the person you might stop to admire. Only the Best."
So no resolutions, just the thought that each day I should try to do the best possible to become someone I might admire... that and lose a few pounds, drink less, spend more time with friends and family.. and of course read a lot more too.
I have to say that I already think you are one of the best people I have met Gina!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about Jan 1st being such a difficult day to start resolutions!
Lucy x
Like Lucy said, you are already someone I admire (and so is she, for that matter). Your work is beautiful, I'm really priveleged to have 'met' you in 2008. Just keep doing what you're doing!
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Ooooh! I love that! I am a strong advocate of the thought that we can only hope to inspire others through our own actions, however large or small .. The internet has enabled more people to do this more easily and more frequently than we probably ever thought or believed was possible before we knew what it was .. It's amazing. Life is amazing. xx
ReplyDeleteI LOVED The Road Home; it was our second book club book, and I thought it was wonderful, then Mr DC read it too and we had long discussions about our different perceptions of Lev and his experiences. It's one of the few books everyone at the club enjoyed. Glad you liked it too!
ReplyDeleteAnd resolutions? Not my strong point at any time!
Gina, You have no pounds to loose!
ReplyDeleteThe picture on the cover of the book inspires me, as you may have guessed.
I think balance is the word, as my mum always tells me " a little of what you fancy can do you no harm"
I have to agree with Kayla coo and Lucy. Have a great 2009, you are already admired so you're halfway there. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! Very sensible to not turn over a new leaf until the trees and tinsel are cleared away.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to add that book to my 'to read' list.
Celia
x
That's a great paragraph. And a good mantra to live by. I'm not much given to grand resolutions - the little by little approach seems to work better for me.
ReplyDeletewhat lovely words - as am about to go food shopping may just have to call in the bookshop! (any excuse) - i agree with the others, you are a lovely person and a very talented one and it was a pleasure to meet you in person and am looking forward to doing so again.
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What a great thought for the year. I'm with you on the resolutions thing - they only lead to disappointment!
ReplyDeleteI totally admire you and all you do. You inspire so many people Gina :-)
xxx
I'm listening to that book on audio, as I knit and really enjoying it...
ReplyDeleteDon't change Gina you are lovely the way you are and your crafting is amazing. Jane x
ReplyDeleteI like this sentiment - if we all tried a little harder to be like that....
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Happy New Year! What a good sentiment for the year - my resolutions always seem to fail pretty early.
ReplyDeleteI agree with 5th Jan resolutions - I think it should be official thta resolutions are made then. Still way too many temptations on the 1st Jan!
Hi Gina! Happy New Year to you too! Where in Dundee were you? Wonder how close we actually were? Although I wasn't back in Dundee until the 31st so perhaps not close at all!!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! I agree about the resolutions, the 1st is just to soon. Thanks for stopping by my blog and I feel very lucky to "know" you.
ReplyDeleteThats a lovely inspiring paragraph. Thank you. Have a happy 2009
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like the perfect resolution, and I will look out for that book as it sounds good. x
ReplyDeletethat is the best resolution I have come across...
ReplyDeleteWhat a thought-provoking post - thank you. The wonderful thing about a resolution like that is that there is some slippage allowance which makes failure impossible.
ReplyDeleteI hope that 2009 is a year of wonderful creativity for you with exciting opportunities to develop your ideas.
Thank you for all your comforting messages - I often think of Joe when I worry about MasterM.
Thanks for sharing this book Gina. I am always looking for new books to read and this definitely looks like one for my list.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the paragraph you shared.
A very thought provoking post.