What a fitting title! What a gruelling account of Manon Gaudet life as a white woman in New Orleans in 1828. But how much more cruel and it was if you happeded bo be born with black skin. Manon's life was so raw. She was owned and frustrated by her primitive type husband but she in turn was jealous and spiteful towards her slave servant Sarah. Survival was all they could both hope for in a land where disease was rife and the Negroes were treated like animals. Neither trusted or respected each other amd so lived in constant fear of reprisal and murder. Yet Manon tried to analyse herself and her surroundings, was ready to admit her family's wrongs and even learned to tolerate and even show signs of affection fot Walter the deaf son of her servant Sarah and her husband.
The scene and the charactors are well set and the story moves along with pace and tension. I wanted to find out what happened next and I am so glad that I have so many friends with black skin who I look up to. Where and when I was born is is not my doing but I am delighted to live at a time when the President of the United States is a black man. Is that because as an Irish person I remember that I read the signs 'No black, no dogs, no Irish need apply, posted on some houses to let?
Tuesday, 22 December 2009
Friday, 18 December 2009
Beautifully written!
The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry. What a book!Rosanne in the Irish Times, (who reviewed my autobiography) comments: 'It's a story to treasure..' and d'you know that is so true. I normally pass on books...but this not this one. I just turned to the first page and savoured the opening words: 'The world begins again with every birth...'.... how lovely. Personification, metaphor but no cliches. I want to steal his images! If only I had thought of them. Sebastian takes time and dwells on feeling, emotions and descriptions without slowing the pace or being verbose. It all is so well written and so touching. Who ever would have thought that a story about a hundred year old woman in a mental hospital in Sligo would have such an appeal.
I can't help contrasting this book with 'The Shack' by Paul Young. Two friends recommended this book so I purchased it only to be disappointed. Maybe because it has religious overtones they thought that because of my covent existance it would appeal to me...? But perhaps it was precisely because of my 33 years as a nun that I felt it was far too contrived and I would willing give this book to anyone who would take it. Would you like it? The New York Times appears to consider it is popular and after all there are over seven million copies in print!
I can't help contrasting this book with 'The Shack' by Paul Young. Two friends recommended this book so I purchased it only to be disappointed. Maybe because it has religious overtones they thought that because of my covent existance it would appeal to me...? But perhaps it was precisely because of my 33 years as a nun that I felt it was far too contrived and I would willing give this book to anyone who would take it. Would you like it? The New York Times appears to consider it is popular and after all there are over seven million copies in print!
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
I am now on twitter! I'm not quite sure how it works really! My nephew, Mark has reminded about blogging so that's why I am on this page. I have just managed to insert a photo of myself on my profile.
Today I cycled to yoga and thoroughly enjoyed the journey and the exercises that Monika gave us to perform. She is an excellent teacher and we are all amazed that she brings new ideas to every lesson she gives. I feel so much more agile when I have had a session with her. At 65 I am now probably the eldest in the class and still do almost all the exercise. I value my health so much more when I remember the days way back in 1995 when I was diagnosed with cancer. How fortunate I am to have recovered so well.
Since last July and even before that I have given so many talks on my autobiography 'Dropping The Habit'. Only this morning I received a thank you card from the lastest group I addressed in Godalming saying how much they enjoyed the talk I gave to them. That is so encouraging. If only I could find an agent for my novel 'Dream On'now!
Today I cycled to yoga and thoroughly enjoyed the journey and the exercises that Monika gave us to perform. She is an excellent teacher and we are all amazed that she brings new ideas to every lesson she gives. I feel so much more agile when I have had a session with her. At 65 I am now probably the eldest in the class and still do almost all the exercise. I value my health so much more when I remember the days way back in 1995 when I was diagnosed with cancer. How fortunate I am to have recovered so well.
Since last July and even before that I have given so many talks on my autobiography 'Dropping The Habit'. Only this morning I received a thank you card from the lastest group I addressed in Godalming saying how much they enjoyed the talk I gave to them. That is so encouraging. If only I could find an agent for my novel 'Dream On'now!
Thursday, 30 July 2009
Serious Fun! Cortijo Romero July 18-25
What a super experience and to think I decided to go on the spur of the moment just because the price was right....it had been reduced because there were not enough takers! How rewarding it was to have Kinny Gardner as our leader. He has such a distinguished career in classical and modern dance, opera and the theatre. Just look at his website www.krazykattheatre.co.uk. That's impressive but what is even better is that this highly talented man is so generous with his sources and time and is sensitive, caring and approachable.
There were 18 of us on the course....18 very interesting and easy to be with folk. I was the eldest aged 64 but some seem to be in their twenties and all ages up to mine.
Cortijo Romero is a beautiful venue and so well run by excellent friendly and experienced staff. The timetable while forming a structure for the running of the place is flexible and because each of the participants can opt in or out of anything at anytime it runs smoothly.
I took part in the yoga lessons at 8.30 on the roof each morning and also the Spanish lessons after breakfast most mornings. Although I have never been in such heat I was able to keep to the shade and enjoy the swimming pool in the late afternoons. I had a super massage too from Brenda Blade. The vegetarian meals were so tasty and varied and fruit was in abundance.
I can't believe I danced and clowned around so much. I blame Kinny for that. "Shall we? Let's" What an invitation!I really miss the group now and try to explain to others just how wonderful it all was. Where did all these friends appear from? Did it all really happen. I will keep an eye out for Kinny Gardner's performances from now on.
There were 18 of us on the course....18 very interesting and easy to be with folk. I was the eldest aged 64 but some seem to be in their twenties and all ages up to mine.
Cortijo Romero is a beautiful venue and so well run by excellent friendly and experienced staff. The timetable while forming a structure for the running of the place is flexible and because each of the participants can opt in or out of anything at anytime it runs smoothly.
I took part in the yoga lessons at 8.30 on the roof each morning and also the Spanish lessons after breakfast most mornings. Although I have never been in such heat I was able to keep to the shade and enjoy the swimming pool in the late afternoons. I had a super massage too from Brenda Blade. The vegetarian meals were so tasty and varied and fruit was in abundance.
I can't believe I danced and clowned around so much. I blame Kinny for that. "Shall we? Let's" What an invitation!I really miss the group now and try to explain to others just how wonderful it all was. Where did all these friends appear from? Did it all really happen. I will keep an eye out for Kinny Gardner's performances from now on.
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Talks about my autobiography
I have been so busy going to different venues talking about my autobiography 'Dropping the Habit' that I have forgotten to blog! It has been such a rewarding experience and so varied too. From speaking to ladies in the Guild of St Helena in Sandhurst to travelling up to the Irish Women in Birmingham and going to the various Womens' Institute groups...... it has all been enriching and rewarding. Why? Because I am always made to feel so welcome and people seem to be genuinely interested in the very different type of life I led from the age of 14 to 47. 32 years in the convent is half my life now. Is it any wonder that I was thoroughly institutionalised. I suppose the greatest loss I experience is that I never formed close relationships with my immediate family. Because they have lived their own lives for so long they seem to forget that I am the eldest and sometimes need to be included. Still, I am fortunate in having opportunities now that I thought I would never have had.
Sunday, 5 April 2009
Art success
My friend Linda Adams won the prize for her art in Cranleigh today 5th April and we are delighted! The Art Centre displayed the work of the Maritime Arts Group in this beautiful centre. My friend Valerie Wells travelled up from Chichester to meet us there. We mingled with the friendly group of those of us who had been invited to this private viewing. Each painting had something special to offer. The standard was high and so it was very difficult to prejudged which one would be selected as a winner. Maybe, I am biased when I say that there is something very fresh and inviting in my friend's protrayal of boats but I am delighted that her's was singled out and acclaimed as special. Well done Linda Adams!
Linda, Valerie and I toasted Linda's success in the'Asks'restaurant! We sat and chatted and put the world to right over coffee and tea. Reluctantly, Linda eventually drove home but Valerie and I stayed and caught up with what had happened to each of us since we last met. It's my turn to pay for the meal next time Val!
Linda, Valerie and I toasted Linda's success in the'Asks'restaurant! We sat and chatted and put the world to right over coffee and tea. Reluctantly, Linda eventually drove home but Valerie and I stayed and caught up with what had happened to each of us since we last met. It's my turn to pay for the meal next time Val!
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
No dogs! No blacks! No Irish!
What a man! What a speech! What an achievement on this amazingly historic day!
I don't know what it is to have black skin but I am Irish and in 1955 when I landed in Shepherd's Bush London, as a ten year old I did not know why being Irish meant I was not welcome.
Why did English people put up signs 'No dogs. No Blacks. No Irish'?
Were they were scared of loosing their jobs, their homes and their way of life to folk who professed different religions, cultures not long after two world wars?
In Persian Obama translates into 'he is with us'. 'I have a dream' has come true today, 20th January 2009, because a black man has entered the White House. My Kenyan friend, Charlotte, remarked that, even if Obama achieves nothing else he has already changed history just by being welcomed as president of the United States of America.
'The ground has shifted beneath our feet' and 'we will extend a hand if they unclench their fist' together with 'we must pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off'.
These are significant remarks from a promising new African American President as he and his family take possession of the White House. As an Irish Catholic with Italian and French ancestors I take courage from a man of mixed race with Ronald Regan when he said 'it's Morning again in America'.
I don't know what it is to have black skin but I am Irish and in 1955 when I landed in Shepherd's Bush London, as a ten year old I did not know why being Irish meant I was not welcome.
Why did English people put up signs 'No dogs. No Blacks. No Irish'?
Were they were scared of loosing their jobs, their homes and their way of life to folk who professed different religions, cultures not long after two world wars?
In Persian Obama translates into 'he is with us'. 'I have a dream' has come true today, 20th January 2009, because a black man has entered the White House. My Kenyan friend, Charlotte, remarked that, even if Obama achieves nothing else he has already changed history just by being welcomed as president of the United States of America.
'The ground has shifted beneath our feet' and 'we will extend a hand if they unclench their fist' together with 'we must pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off'.
These are significant remarks from a promising new African American President as he and his family take possession of the White House. As an Irish Catholic with Italian and French ancestors I take courage from a man of mixed race with Ronald Regan when he said 'it's Morning again in America'.
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