As usual, I find myself with things to say that don't warrant an article all their own. I add them all to the stew I call a "dabble" and publish them together. Strength in numbers, right?
I've decided to not look upon this post-sweeps television season as rotten tv viewing season but instead, it's the beginning of the very best reading season. In the early evening I have nothing to hold me back, such as American Idol, when I want to take my book and read on the swing for a couple of hours.
Although I've talked to my sister Nancy on the phone two or three times every week since my mom died in December, visiting her last weekend and seeing for myself how much her physical condition has deteriorated hit me like "a ton of bricks" to use an old 
phrase. Since the tumor is on the right side of her brain, her left side is most affected. She walks as though recovering from a stroke. Her left arm and hand are useless. She has many other things going on; those are just most noticeable. Of course, me being selfish me, my first thoughts are, how can I do this again so soon, this heartbreaking grief so soon after losing my mom? Then I think of others who've lost entire families through accidents, and I know we can get through anything that we have to. I just really don't want to. In the photo Nancy is on the right. Her weight gain is due to massive steroid treatments.
I spend almost as much time online finding out everything I can about historical fiction as I do reading historical fiction. After fifteen or more years of reading mysteries, I pretty much knew just into which niche every author and book fit. I'm foundering in historical fiction, trying to dodge the potholes that I know are out there: inspirational historical fiction, historical fiction featuring talking animals and authors who play willy-nilly with accepted facts about the time and people who are the subjects of their books. But, I'm not complaining, it's fun!
Right now I'm reading The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn by Robin Maxwell. The title sounded as if the premise of the book might be a bit on the silly side, but online reviews convinced me otherwise. What did we readers do before Al invented the internet?
It's cliche` to say that historical fiction has opened a whole new world for me. In school I studied history in every form as little as I possibly could and still squeak by on the tests. Never in a million years at 16 did I think that at 54 I'd be reading about the Tudor Court for pleasure. Of course, at 16, I couldn't imagine even being 54. Heck, I still can't imagine being 54!
recommend this
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 16
Susan Carrol has a historical fiction series you might like. I can't remember the names of the books off the top of my head and my books are packed in boxes right now because I'm going to get my living room painted.
hahahahaha...I know the feeling...when I was a kid I thought 25 was old. NOw I'm 50 and wonder where all the years went and how in the world did I get this old...tho I'm not really complaining...just finding that aging is an unwanted by product of living : - )
Right now I'm reading a book that to me is a historical fiction, any time a writer throws in real places or things that occured in the story from the past...to me is historical fiction. I like the story of Anne Boleyn, sad but she was a tough cookie from what I remember.
Thinking of you and your sis...and family...it seems as we age more and more of those we love start having health problems....it's another nasty by product of living.
Hi Vicky. Good to hear your dabbles this morning.
I enjoyed seeing the picture of you with your sister. Sorry to hear that she's not doing so well.
You are looking good.
Thanks, Monica. I've decided (again!) to stop coloring my hair and see what's under there, so it won't be that dark for long. I've been seeing some silver streaks peeking through. Maybe it'll look nice.
hey my dear friend - I'm so sorry about your sister's health - my prayers are with her. You're a good person to visit her and talk to her on the phone so much.
I love historical fiction - I love to read period as long as it's good literature. Miz Vick, you're in my thoughts - talk later. Hugs, Salud
Grrrrrrr.....I tried to respond to each of you. The only response that didn't go through the submitting Twilight Zone was Monica's. I'll try again later when maybe Gather is feeling more magnanomous.
Vicky stay strong for your sister, she needs you desparately.
As for the historical fiction, hmmm, maybe one day.
I expected your sister to "look sick" and she really looks happy in this picture. I can only imagine how hard this is, I guess the best thing to try to do is live in the moment and not think too far ahead. I'm not good at taking my own advice.
As for the historical fiction, I don't like historical anything when I'm reading. I like things that are set in current times, but I'm really happy you've found a new genre...I love it when that happens.
I don't know if this reply will show up. I've tried to answer each of you with "reply to this comment" and all except for Monica's, they were just in submitting limbo. So sorry if I didn't answer you. I tried!
Like Sue, I expected your sister to look "sick" not as healthy as she does in your picture. I guess the medication makes her condition deceptive.
My sister-in-law is very ill, too. They just put her on the list for a heart transplant. She's had numerous surgeries and she's really in a lot of pain now. Her heart is having a hard time keeping up with her body's needs.
Yes, I feel I'll get a lot of reading and movie watching done over the summer. The TV sux.
I have felt an odd sense of relief now that there is nothing sucking me into the television. I have even started feeling an inspiration and motivation for writing again. As for historical fiction, it is my favorite genre. My favorite book last year was A Silent Ocean Away, and I just read the second part this year, but since it is the only book I have read this year, it is probably to early to declare it the favorite book of the year.
j-Frugal, it's a relief to me, too, to have American Idol finished and the Amazing Race over. Oh, and also Survivor. I've got a big stack of books here I'd like to read within the next couple of months. Maybe I'll even write a little more!
My reading tastes have changed over the years with periods devoted to one type and then a couple of years on another. I think this is good. I've experienced much, and I pity those who do not read, especially retirees. I always have something I like to do.
Vicky, I've been hooked on history, non-fiction, for over thirty years...
I imagine your sister was happy to see you and like Sharon says, she needs you. What you thought and felt was normal...we always think of ourselves and how we'll be affected...then feel guilty for it.
You being there for her is more than enough for her, I would imagine. You and your love and support will make all the difference in the world.