Love this—the description of big extended families nudging each other around and great kitchen smells. And those last few lines—I so identify. I sometimes romanticize these scenes, tho’ my dad moved us from my ancestral hometown when I was 8, but in reality I like my solitude. I would flunk extended family-hood. Thanks for another thoughtful and humorous piece.
Me, too. I think of myself as a loner who sometimes gets lonely. It was hard for me in GB because I had to make friends which requires a lot more mingling and social effort than I prefer. Back in Oswego I have known people for decades, so I get included...just because.
It's remarkable how these qualities of being remain for the most part. It's the small talk that takes its toll. I think it's easier if there's something going on that's not explicitly "social." Also if someone else finds the sociability easy and can take the lead. Thanks for the Danticat!
Can’t live with them, can’t live without them. One of your best! Trying to remember where grandpa went to college. Did he play basketball? I love your excellent adjectives.
Grandpa was the manager of the basketball team at CCNY (class of 1924). A collection of very short guys. Didn't really play. Then he went to Harvard Law School (class of 1927).
Vivid and thought-provoking, as always. And I loved that last line!
There used to be hunched over old men looking through loupes all over the place. Straight out of Antwerp and Prague.
I've seen them. It was long ago.
I can’t get enough of your writing, Susie. You have such a gift. Thank you once again.
Thank you in return. It's a great pleasure to reach people every week.
You’re welcome. Yes, easier if someone else takes the lead. And social occasions with lots of folks are not my thing—unless necessary.
Love this—the description of big extended families nudging each other around and great kitchen smells. And those last few lines—I so identify. I sometimes romanticize these scenes, tho’ my dad moved us from my ancestral hometown when I was 8, but in reality I like my solitude. I would flunk extended family-hood. Thanks for another thoughtful and humorous piece.
I'm a real solitude junkie. I'm trying to expand my repertoire but mostly I like my quiet, my books, my memories.
Me, too. I think of myself as a loner who sometimes gets lonely. It was hard for me in GB because I had to make friends which requires a lot more mingling and social effort than I prefer. Back in Oswego I have known people for decades, so I get included...just because.
It's remarkable how these qualities of being remain for the most part. It's the small talk that takes its toll. I think it's easier if there's something going on that's not explicitly "social." Also if someone else finds the sociability easy and can take the lead. Thanks for the Danticat!
Do you fix the link, or do some of the crowd make adjustments to your leanings? Just wondering.
Thanks – I knew about Harvard.
Can’t live with them, can’t live without them. One of your best! Trying to remember where grandpa went to college. Did he play basketball? I love your excellent adjectives.
Grandpa was the manager of the basketball team at CCNY (class of 1924). A collection of very short guys. Didn't really play. Then he went to Harvard Law School (class of 1927).
Gorgeous writing. Fascinating history. You paint vivid pictures with your words.
Thanks. They are a great subject. Very colorful group.
Wow! Just wow, girl! Beautifully evocative as ever.
Thank you, Suzanne. I love to make contact with the inner logic of things.