John Lennon, dead forty years yesterday. Much missed. As I do with my friend Bob Handforth, I often wonder what John would make of this or that in the world. Brilliant men with so much to give, gone far too soon.
Taught two Zoom classes yesterday; the second one ended with us toasting each other and our year together with wine and cheese. Yes, not together, but almost, close enough for now. I'm sure next year, when we've all been vaccinated, we'll get together but still keep the Zoom component for those who can't make it over. Best of both worlds, no?
I'm going to start a list: What Brought Me Joy This Difficult Year. Stay tuned. But in the meantime, I sent out several Xmas essays to the student writers yesterday and will post them for you too. One is by Truman Capote, one of my favourite pieces of writing ever, one by a former student, ditto, and one by me.
So on this dark and gloomy day, here's the essay I read on CBC twenty-three years ago. No idea why the two pages are two different sizes. The mysteries of Blogger.
Lovely essay, Beth. Always a time for gatherings, even when those who fill our thoughts are no longer with us, or else absent, or estranged.
ReplyDeleteFor sure, Theresa; we are a family that loves to feast. As I note in the piece, there was always a "familiar family tension" in our big gatherings. So though I miss almost everyone who's dead or absent, the small get-together this year will be a wonderful relief.
ReplyDeleteThat was a delicious read. So many tantalizing flavours! Now I'll be humming Good King Wenceslas to myself for the rest of the day. No problem. It's my favourite carol. Cheers. Alan in Switzerland.
ReplyDeleteOur annual Xmas pageant at Riverdale Farm is of course not happening, so I will miss singing carols with the neighbourhood this year, including the one about the good king. Merry Christmas to you, Alan!
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