This was a fascinating read, although not thrilling. Imagine starting a renovation and finding a personal account of the village under the floorboardsThis was a fascinating read, although not thrilling. Imagine starting a renovation and finding a personal account of the village under the floorboards--better yet, scribed onto the floorboards themselves! Chapeaux to m. Boudon for his thorough research in tracing the backstory to tie all of the pieces together. How I would love to do this with my own family history in Windsor and Chanceford townships of York, Pennsylvania!...more
Chapeaux to a kickass, live-out-loud fun sense of humor who happens to be a woman! Who hasn't had a #MeToo moment, really--even among those of us who Chapeaux to a kickass, live-out-loud fun sense of humor who happens to be a woman! Who hasn't had a #MeToo moment, really--even among those of us who happen to be women? So what an encouragement to read an account of someone who keeps on marching to a different drummer without raging in bitterness, or even shining the shame spotlight on so many overgrown 12-yr olds? Life is funny that way, and I celebrate the tribe who chooses to laugh about, instead of laughing at....more
I learned several things through reading: 1. I want to learn more. One page to cover each of the 56 creatives isn't enough. Credit to Ms. Gosling, eveI learned several things through reading: 1. I want to learn more. One page to cover each of the 56 creatives isn't enough. Credit to Ms. Gosling, every one of them are brilliantly concise, and that must've required a fair bit of creative editorialising. It simply left me with a "but wait!" each time I turned a page. Not to mention (which I am right now), only 56 pages of text, with its partnering page of quirky graphic, as well as the brief introduction, have relegated this volume into the category of "loo library." 2. Each unique creative person finds his own unique method of creating. There is no one particular This Works, except simply: Get to work. Point well taken. 3. I recognise my own methods in many of these "successful" artists. What does "success" mean, and how do I get some of that?...more
Chapeaux! Hats off to Ms. Kawaii for standing naked and unashamed and revealing all. It takes a lot of courage to write honestly about one's life evenChapeaux! Hats off to Ms. Kawaii for standing naked and unashamed and revealing all. It takes a lot of courage to write honestly about one's life events for better-or-worse. We appear to be very different people, she and I, as I've reacted to similar situations in a far more introverted manner, but hey, that's what makes our world go 'round, and that's pretty cool. There's something very therapeutic about writing one's memoirs, and what an unmistakably fabulous blessing for her son their generations yet to come! How I wish my grandmothers (and all their greatnesses) would've done the same...and will I do the same for my darlings, or let them wade through the journals themselves (yikes!)? This obviously isn't Kawaii's first writing project, because although her story bounces backwards and forwards in time, it seems to flow effortlessly. If it's possible to compare a memoire to a canyoning excursion, then away we go! I like her style, and I'm curious to read her science-fiction....more
This was one of those books I just 'happened to' pick up at the right time...13 february...as we remembered living in the outskirts of Dresden 1998-20This was one of those books I just 'happened to' pick up at the right time...13 february...as we remembered living in the outskirts of Dresden 1998-2000. I had babies at then, and I still regret not bundling them enough to venture into the Altstadt for the evening memorial services. At other times, there was occasional mention of the horrific bombing and rarely did anyone bring up the Russian invasion. It was an extremely dark period, followed by the numbness of people wanting to forget a painful past. My time there was one of celebration in watching "the Stone Bell" rise from the ashes, and beauty coming out of struggle.
Noble's Dresden period is followed by similar human rights abuses in other prisons—Concentration camps under new management, really—as he was moved further east. It's basically a retelling of "I Was a Slave in Russia" with the assumption of a more Christian audience.
God bless the torchbearers—those who record what happened—for better and worse. We are, each and every one of us, capable of destruction and reconstruction. Lest we forget. ...more
I'd been looking for this book ever since I heard Mr. Noble speak to our congregation in Dresden, 1999. (Thank-you, amazon.)
It's chilling; both in knoI'd been looking for this book ever since I heard Mr. Noble speak to our congregation in Dresden, 1999. (Thank-you, amazon.)
It's chilling; both in knowing that it's true, and in seeing that our generation seems to believe the same thing won't happen to us. Unrestrained aggression creates chaos: Fact.
There's really nothing more I can say, because I don't want to look any closer. Noble records naked human depravity as a stark account. This is what happened. No condemnation. No "It can't happen here," and no "I would never do that." When your back's against the wall, you do what you can to survive. How can anyone save you if they can't reach you?...more
This was really quite interesting: I'd already assumed that Ms. Chanel's life was quite an adventure, but comprehensive biographies aren't always suchThis was really quite interesting: I'd already assumed that Ms. Chanel's life was quite an adventure, but comprehensive biographies aren't always such a dependable thrill ride. Madsen obviously did heaps of research, and managed to piece the bits together to highlight the crucial elements, dropping the unessential like dressmaker's pins to the floor (careful where you step).
I've bookmarked a half-dozen pages for my own furthered research: Movies she costumed, crucial style elements, personalities she clothed, and shoulders she rubbed. Here's evidence that she was inspired by those she inspired, and I'd give anything for a community like that! Aside from the wealth (not that I'd scoff it), Chanel was an artist who communed with artists--people who challenged standards, and grew with and from each other. No wonder she left her mark!...more
...Take that to mean what you will. This was an encouraging, enjoyable read, although I'Heartfelt, quirky and adorable.
Clever and highly enthusiastic.
...Take that to mean what you will. This was an encouraging, enjoyable read, although I'm disappointed that I've not come away with anything new. It's yet another perspective on artistic success and failure from yet another creative who's actually getting paid for it.
So, keep on doing what you're doing, eat, drink and be as merry as possible, and see you at the finish line....more
This was so lovely! The illustrations are absolutely fetching, and reading this was like peeping through a vintage window (with sumptuous draperies, oThis was so lovely! The illustrations are absolutely fetching, and reading this was like peeping through a vintage window (with sumptuous draperies, of course.) I don't recall reading any other designer's memoire that has revealed so much of his personal process, successes and failures. Mr. Hartnell must've been quite a character. I wonder if he was really so adorable, or if he may've had an occasional catty streak? In any case, he had an excellent understanding of the form and function of royal attire. He understood the theatrical aspects, yet managed to make his 'costumes' seriously stunning. Now more than ever, I want to nose through the V&A's collection for a closer look at the embroideries and couturier details!...more
My daughters met Mr. Kohnstam while on a visit with their grandparents a couple of years ago, and I finally picked it up for a read: 5-stars for unputMy daughters met Mr. Kohnstam while on a visit with their grandparents a couple of years ago, and I finally picked it up for a read: 5-stars for unputdownable. He's very close in age to our dear family friend, and who knows but they may have crossed paths 75 or so years ago. Lidie tells us very little about what she experienced growing up in Amsterdam, so I'm especially grateful for this memoire. Children see so much, and this world is often such a confusing place. So many things we'd rather forget, yet history reminds us that we must remember, and we must speak out! History is made up of our choices, and we often make the wrong ones. That's normal and excusable, but how can we make better choices when we refuse to pay attention? Lidie and I wept as we watched Trump deliver his inaugural address in January. She knows personally what hate speech instigates, and I have listened as those who seek redemption in the aftermath have learned. When we consider other people as anything less than ourselves, chaos and destruction are not far behind. Bless those who bless others; we have the choice to live and love —that's true conquering power....more
I'm glad that I read this. It wasn't fun, but it's expanded my world immensely! I'd heard about the struggles of the "Untouchables" and class oppressiI'm glad that I read this. It wasn't fun, but it's expanded my world immensely! I'd heard about the struggles of the "Untouchables" and class oppression in India, so what better way to gain understanding than hearing someone's family stories? Except not that I understand. Apart from knowing that human nature is fickle and cruel, I don't understand any of this! We have our humanness in common, but my upbringing was a world away. I really would've appreciated more "showing than telling." I hope that Ms. Gidla will continue to mature as a writer, because I see much potential for amazing insights on life....more
It was quite an honour be invited in for a chat with one of my favourite comedians, never mind that I'm the one who paid the "cover charge" and wasn'tIt was quite an honour be invited in for a chat with one of my favourite comedians, never mind that I'm the one who paid the "cover charge" and wasn't even allowed to get a word in edgewise for it. I appreciate his delivery of all things truthful from his point-of-view, and I understand that not all of life is a laugh, although I realise this was what I'd hoped from his memoirs. 5-stars for showing us how it really was (and still is, sadly) for those who choose to live outside the herd. I'm one of those, but as a married woman, I'm allowed to get away with dressing-up as I see fit.*
* There are A LOT of asterisks dotted throughout this book, which may possibly be annoying...or am I projecting? But I digress: I was in my 20s when I realised that make-up is a right royal pain in the patuccas. Yeah, okay, I look better for the selfies, but ugh, it's a layer of dirt that I just don't need. I loudly declared that when men started wearing the stuff, then maybe I'd relent. That was 1985. Thanks, Eddie.
I understand that, as a professing Christ-follower, I'm supposed to condemn his heretical stance, but on the contrary, I agree that the socialised rendition of god is a farce. Not to reveal any spoilers, it's pretty danged cool to see someone living life to the fullest extent—which is what I've found with every read through the Bible. If you're not living what you believe, then what's the point?
Is this a spoiler? "We can all do more than we think we can do. All I did was apply that to myself." ...Or is is a challenge? Thanks, Eddie!...more
5-stars to Vance for shining light into the dark corners of his life! That's a courageous enough thing to do, let alone putting it into words. I could5-stars to Vance for shining light into the dark corners of his life! That's a courageous enough thing to do, let alone putting it into words. I could identify with much of his struggle, although my roots are Pennsylvania Dutch through and through. I've asked similar questions of my home environment, and if anything, I've come away from this book with a reinforced mental chorus of, "Get moving, you lazy, good-for-nothing jackass, and git to doin' it yerself!" It all boils down to Growing Up, doesn't it? How can we grow up healthy when there's so much decay around us? We're surrounded by the irony of chaos and control—I won't explain here, savin' it for my own memoirs, I suppose. Spoiler alert, it has heaps to do with that Bible all our people have but so rarely read for themselves. "The people did what was right in their own eyes." History repeats itself again and again, we fall down and pick ourselves up again, we live and we love and hope to not batter one another too badly, right? Rejection and redemption and the grace to rinse and repeat—that's life as we know it....more
It was interesting to revisit this 23 years on; the more things change, the more they stay the same, and all the more occasion to repeat the phrase. WIt was interesting to revisit this 23 years on; the more things change, the more they stay the same, and all the more occasion to repeat the phrase. What will come out of Syria? Has the "Anne Frank of Aleppo" already been found, and how soon until the world gobbles up her words? What do we do with the cry of the heart? Who can answer? Who can save? Who can stop the "kids" at play when the children are caught up in the violence? This book makes me angry and disconsolate at my own lack of power, yet I appreciate that it needed to be written and remembered....more
It's been 23 years since I first read The Tears of My Soul (in Seoul) =0°
What is this magnetic pull toward these ongoing struggles against oppression?It's been 23 years since I first read The Tears of My Soul (in Seoul) =0°
What is this magnetic pull toward these ongoing struggles against oppression? Living in Seoul for four months in 1989 and again for two years 1993-1995, observing the fall of Communism while living in Munich 1990-1992 and the rebuilding of Dresden 1998-2000--there's something that's whispering very loudly in my soul that we are called to this life as a fight for freedom. Even in our wealthy western cultures, with the truth of our human comedy playing unabashedly before our eyes, we still attempt to lie and cover-up in denial of this pointless game we play for power and control at all levels and even in our closest relationships.
Perhaps what I appreciate the most about this stranger-than-fiction memoire is the pure truth that we do not choose to be murderers and monsters. Ms. Kim was taught to believe that her self-sacrifice would bring about a glorious future for her people--even more than her small struggling nation, but to restore a damaged and broken country--a unified Korea. Ideas and ideologies...
The redemption message is strong in this one. Although the consequences of our destructive actions leave repercussions that wound and destroy, hope breathes eternal. Not to give any spoilers, wikipedia confirmed that Ms. Kim is living more-or-less happily-ever-after. I share my heartfelt prayer that her family is somehow, somewhere living in peace. May every tormented heart experience life to the fullest extent! May we have the cœur(age) to overcome those who set themselves up as the gods of this world. And may both Koreas become one, and grow in life, love, laughter, joy, hope, peace and prosperity of every kind of goodness....more
This was a gripping, chilling read�5 star rating, because I couldn't put it down. Living in Seoul between 1993 and 1995, I had some idea of what was gThis was a gripping, chilling read�5 star rating, because I couldn't put it down. Living in Seoul between 1993 and 1995, I had some idea of what was going on in the North, and felt powerless to make a difference...except for prayer. I'm honoured to have joined with many nationalities of free people, both in the churches in Seoul while I was there and ever since then, whenever I encounter reports of the Hermit Kingdom. It's so hard to believe that this insanity exists! Why would anyone do this to his brothers? How strong is the human soul to keep going in spite of dishonour? And, unless someone is courageous enough to tell the truth, the rest of us continue to live in darkness. Thank-you, Lee SungJu, for shining your light. [Deep bow] I am praying for reunion and reconciliation, both between you and your friends and family, and the entire Korean peninsula....more
That's what I wrote after my first reading (27 July 2011, or was that when I joined goodreads? Seems like ages ago...or was it only yesterdayPowerful!
That's what I wrote after my first reading (27 July 2011, or was that when I joined goodreads? Seems like ages ago...or was it only yesterday?) I recall the mother issues more clearly than I do now—my experience was similar but extremely different. I was despised and insulted for so much that I didn't understand, (she certainly had the words to say it, and damn were they painful), but thankfully, I missed out on all the sexual mistreatment—physically, I mean.
What I clearly notice this time around is that I am one more generation of women who never learned how to be ourselves. Perhaps we really have matured in our gender roles from our mothers and grandmothers. And what a blessing that we're getting over the fear of analysis! It's only "shame" when it keeps you hidden, running, covering up. What freedom in discovering that I am fully human and so are you! If only I could've comprehended 50 years ago that the immature lash out when they feel threatened—and there's nothing more threatening than a mini-me being fully human.
I truly appreciate the way this story is presented; as a consolidation of years of struggle to arrive at maturity. It's a timeless time capsule of perspective into 1970 psychoanalysis and women's issues, as in "the more things change, the more they stay the same." Life's funny like that....more
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