Sunday, March 11, 2012

Where to from here?

I've been writing about the experience of losing Harvey and learning to live on my own for a little over a year now. My first post after he died went up on 16 January 2011.

What I need to work out now is, do I go on with this blog in the same way? Or do I broaden the focus a little and use it more as a writer's blog where I try things out?

I don't have to decide right now, and in fact I'll be away again from next week until the end of March (I was lucky with the timing - it perfectly suits a visiting academic couple to look after the house for me). So I won't make any decisions about it until I get back. But I would really appreciate any comments and thoughts you would like to send me about what you want to read here. (Just bear in mind that because comments here are moderated, they may not appear till I get back and put them up.)

Meanwhile, today I went to a book launch in the same local hall where we launched Harvey's last two books, and also had afternoon tea following the private funeral on 31 December 2010. The publisher, Steele Roberts, was the same one that had brought out Harvey's anthology, These I Have Loved, in October 2010. In his speech today, Roger Steele moved me greatly by recalling that occasion and paying a gracious tribute to Harvey. Thank you so much, Roger. It felt like a kind of gentle closing of a circle.

5 comments:

  1. Annee, I like that you're toying with the ideas for a while longer. You're obviously not ready to make a decision quite yet. Hows about you look for signs. I love the way that happens for me when I'm deliberating over something. On a personal preference level - I'm wanting both from you. I have recently farewelled my father who died exactly six months to the day after my Mum. They'd been married for 65 years so I'm more than kindv interested in this intriguing grieving process - what an interesting phenomenon it's turning out to be for me given there is no book of rules. I also know how much i enjoy reading your insights and wise words on the stuff of life in general. I know that whatever tack you take in the future of this blog - I will surely continue being an avid reader. Thanx - Pamela

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  2. Anne, do keep going. The second year of grief is different from the first, and it's so valuable to be charting this process.

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  3. Your blog is very valuable Anne. Both in the form of the last year and also whatever is to come. The v fact you feel this new set of possibilities for the blog might suggest new unfolding experiences in how you are living as 'widowed', as still sometimes 'learning to live on [your] own', as still finding how Harvey weaves through your life, and as a reflective woman moving forward into each of your days with all manner of human emotions. I for one would value continuing to hear about this!

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  4. I think that as long as you are feeling the process, it is valuable to share it here. Grief and learning to live differently cannot be bundled into a 'best before' date like a block of cheddar cheese. Your blog is very special and I often recommend it to bereaved family and friends.

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  5. Anne do keep going if you feel able to do so. your blogs have been so valuable and special to me personally and for many others too I am sure.

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