About Me

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I am a retired English teacher and department head, the mother of three grand mother of four, and have been married to the same man for 52 years. I subscribe to Dr. PM Forni's concept of Civility. I was born in South Philadelphia and grew up in the 'burbs. I love soft pretzels and cheesesteaks, the Phillies, the Eagles, and San Diego. I love being Mom, Aunt Kathy, Nona Kathy, and Teacher. I spend a lot of time in my gardens in the spring and summer, and in the winter I plan what I'm going to plant. I also am an avid reader and photographer.

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Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Remember Me?

I've been outside potting all my leafy friends (not finished, yet, should be soon), going to the gym, preparing dinner for our bookclub (spinach ravioli; cucumber, tomato, Spanish olive, mushroom, onion, chick pea, salad;  focaccia; blueberry cobbler and benne wafers for dessert), and scrubbing floors and bathrooms to prepare for said event.  We discussed Pat Conroy's South of Broad.  I hosted as this was my choice and for me, a re-read; the book is that good.  The fact the story takes place in one of my favorite places on earth, Charleston, SC, is a bonus.

What's interesting is that while I immediately picked up the foreshadowing, the complexity of the plot and sub-plots, the amazing characters, I did not characterize the book as "dark", while all  the others did.  Later, I told my husband what the seven women had emphatically said.  His comment, "Of course it is; it's very dark".  

So what is it about me that this comes as a revelation?  I don't disagree, but in the main character, Leo King, I saw such richness; such amazing strength and hope and compassion.  And at the risk of sounding dilusional, maybe that's just the way I am.



19 comments:

Linda Reeder said...

OK, your absense is excused. Sounds like you've been very busy and very productive.
Sorry, but I can't help with the book - haven't read it. But after reading about that food, I'd like to be in your book club!

Mage said...

I have it at the store. Perhaps I should grab it.

Anonymous said...

Maybe you are. Not judging... just saying maybe. But then so am I. LOL

Di

Purple Flowers said...

I was just thinking about you today. Have some sad news about our front garden, but can't talk about it yet until I see what exactly the construction crew is going to do - ugh!

Your menu for your book club reads DELICIOUS. I do think of you as having amazing strength and hope and compassion. You are a special person.

Unknown said...

I haven't read South of Broad yet but I finally got a copy. I am looking forward to reading it especially since I remember how much you enjoyed it. It's been a long time since I read anything by Pat Conroy. I guess this one's dark, uh? :o) I'll let you know how I find it!

Your book club sounds like a fun one. I like that you do a fun, delicious dinner, too, rather than simple snacks (or nothing at all!)
You have some books that pique my interest on your Shelfaru shelf. I'm going to look some up.

Sally Wessely said...

I have missed you, but it is nice to see you posting again. You have been very busy. You sound like me. I take on such things too. I decide to host an event and then I'm in a frenzy getting things baked, mixed and served after I've been cleaning, scrubbing and rearranging. It is always very fun to do this though.

I will have to go back and re-read South of Broad. I loved the book, just as I do anything by Pat Conroy. I guess he always writes things that are a bit dark. Mostly, though, I didn't see this book that way. I also really liked Leo King. I remember the hope and compassion messages in the book. I will have to read it again.

Did I tell you that I loved Straight Man? Thanks for recommending it.

Lena said...

Sometimes what other people consider dark, I consider intense and enjoy it so much.

I will have to check out the book some day.

You sound wonderfully busy! Enjoy your book club meeting!

Anonymous said...

I haven't read the book so can't really say either way but perhaps some lively discussion at your book club will shed some *light*. Enjoy your evening with them all, they are certain to enjoy all the lovely food you are preparing.
So nice that you are able to be out doing a bit of gardening too. Our Spring is still nothing to write home about unfortunately.

Still remember when you should up a day early with your cake for book club :)

Sweet Virginia Breeze said...

Can't wait to see pictures of your Flowers. I read South of Broad when it first came out and enjoyed it. I don't remember it as being "dark".

Kimberly said...

Cannot wait to see pictures of the fruits of your outdoor labor later on this summer! I am intrigued by your book description and may have to download it to my Kindle.

Kay said...

Hmmmm... the food alone would make me want to go to your book club.

KiraAJ said...

Hope ur well :) i know its been forever but im now playing catch up! Rockfish huh never heard of it looks familiar though...does it have a very strong flavour? Your daughter caught a beauty of a fish! I use to fish alot when i was younger :) i havent been fishing since i landed back here in australia...lol the bait makes me wanna gag...maybe after bubs arrives? i will take my son fishing seeing daddy isnt a fan! :) Your book club menu sounds amazing! Keep that up they might just say yes to any book u suggest so u can host all the time ;) anyway glad ur well!

Cheryl said...

All I remember of the book was that I loved it. I wish Pat Conroy was more prolific!

Tracy said...

Kathy,
I wonder if you are someone like me-you see the positives in people and in situations and focused on the characters strengths rather than the dismal?
I haven't read the book but actually I have it; it was given to me as a gift and I just haven't gotten around to it yet...now I'll definitely have to do that~

Unknown said...

Happy Mother's Day!

I hope you have a wonderful & relaxing day!

Unknown said...

Happy Mother's Day!

I hope you have a wonderful & relaxing day!

Seth M. Ward said...

"I am whatever you say I am, if I wasn't then why would I say I am, in the papers, the news everyday I am, radio won't even play my jam!"

I'm sure you're like WTF is that? lol It's an Eminem song!

Nothing wrong thinking that you embody characteristics of a certain character or another individual.

Dinner sound great!

Seth M. Ward said...

UGH, did my comment not post.....

Cobalt Violet said...

I have been m.i.a. these days too. I understand!
Hope you have a beautiful Mother's Day!