Section 4 from Blossoms Gathered at Dusk

[jade_teacup]

Hey folks, here is this week's selection. Just a reminder, if you any of you want to share photos of yourself or your book or anything that has something you find interesting that relates to what we are discussing.

Comments

[mavis_of_amity]

When my grandma died, it was totally unexpected. She was in her 60's and her family had the history of living to their 90's. I was barely old enough to start remembering back then.

As it was so, I fortunately have one memory of her. It was when she gave me her old binoculars. Back then, it's just so I have a pair of old binoculars for my own enjoyment--like a toy. After her death, the object she gave me was what preserved my only, but very crystal clear memory of her. I may not remember her so well if she wasn't spoiling her grandchild rotten with such a wonderful, fasicating object I was amazed somebody would be giving me.

That said, we could remember without objects, but it's the special objects we are blown away over getting that made our memories all the more sweet.

[jade_teacup]

Thanks for the story from your own life, Mavis.

I really enjoyed hearing it and it truly relates to the selection.

That said, we could remember without objects, but it's the special objects we are blown away over getting that made our memories all the more sweet.

Very well said and very true. I can look back over my life such sweet memories.

[jade_teacup]

I think it is beautifully written, as well. I wish I had her way with words.

I'm sure you will. It is cool to imagine what life might hold and what we might remember. Though, I doubt seriously that life will hold any of the things I plan on it holding.

I'm usually very surprised.

[jade_teacup]

Very true! Sometimes I think our efforts to right wrongs only gets in the way.

[cucumber_maki]

Oh, this passage made me sad!

This opening passage was such a nice description:"When one is old and knows that the twilight of life has fallen, memories of the past seem to appear more often than guests of flesh and blood."

Also, they do say that smell is our strongest link to memories.

[cucumber_maki]

Also, although I hear often that we should try and decrease the amount of stuff we accumulate, this is a good example of how a simple object can mean more than it ought because it's kind of a placeholder or trigger for a memory or a person or a feeling.

[warped_factor]

This is a really beautiful, touching passage. It reminds me of when my grandmother and I go through her old things - things that belonged to her mother and grandmother. It's fascinating how certain objects can hold such powerful memories of the past!

[jade_teacup]

Yes. It is cool how some objects seem to me the keys to unlock old memories.

I have very little that is connected to my great grandparents and nothing beyond that. My family doesn't have very many heirlooms or photographs.

We were too poor.