Comments for London Lives

Comment on Breaking the Barriers by Alex Urban

Alex Urban — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 21:54:51 +0000

Thank you Jennifer. Your comments are always so informative and helpful.

I knew other young girls who used to faint too, so yes, I think it’s relatively common.

Agree about the transformative experience of reading aloud. Among my own reading group, we send work for feedback, which is important, but reading aloud to strangers was a different ball game! All good, anyway.

Comment on Breaking the Barriers by Jennifer

Jennifer — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 21:46:39 +0000

I recently told someone that I used to faint all the time when I was a kid (often fainted or nearly fainted in church), and they were surprised. I was surprised that they were surprised – I had a friend who was subject to same; I think it’s relatively common for young girls.

Way to go on reading your writing aloud! I teach courses in writing, and when some students find out at the beginning of the sememster that there will be a ‘story circle’ during each class in which people will share their writing aloud, I am invariably met with one or two looks of horror. Also invariably, for at least some, the first time one reads his/her own writing aloud is a transformative experience. Sharing one’s work is critical – I think – to the creative process; critical to one’s growth as a writer. And as you say, the support and feedback is priceless.

Congratulations on your draft!

Comment on New Places by Alex Urban

Alex Urban — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:45:40 +0000

Thanks Jennifer: Yes, being “afraid to fly” seems scarier than the actual flying, I think. I think I’ve managed to make a decision, but i need to work backwards to take the steps to make it happen (I hope).

Comment on New Places by Jennifer

Jennifer — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:52:54 +0000

The new pubs sound great! I had a day off yesterday too, and sipped a few drinks at a local – which is not charming at all, but close. I should have walked off my beaten path.

And I too am wanting to dip a toe in re: work changes. I try to remember what a friend said to me once when I was waffling over moving on and equating it to that precipice: “Afraid to fly?”

Comment on Soft Sunday by Alex Urban

Alex Urban — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 10:15:05 +0000

Yes, domestic things can be suprisingly comforting and provide more inspiration than we imagine sometimes.

I shall continue to find new streets to walk along in 2011.

Comment on Soft Sunday by Jennifer

Jennifer — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 22:15:43 +0000

What a beautiful post. It’s funny, but I have recently resolved to start taking roundabout ways when I’m walking, and get into streets I don’t get into. What better way to know a city?

There is something wonderful about embracing the domestic, isn’t there? Peaceful, I guess.

Comment on The Way We Go by Alex Urban

Alex Urban — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 19:17:40 +0000

Thanks Jen! It was a wonderful discovery after a frustrating day.

The beautiful sleeping man woke up after a while and I had to avert my gaze elsewhere

Comment on The Way We Go by Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 16:45:15 +0000

I love this post. I love how you came around to that poem – it made ME feel calmer after reading of your frustrations.

Oh, and I’d like to show this post to the loud complainers who think Toronto’s transit system is the only one in the world with holdups and diversions…

Comment on Reflective Graffiti by Jennifer

Jennifer — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 21:41:32 +0000

Now there’s a story…!

Comment on Aberystwyth by Alex Urban

Alex Urban — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 18:02:30 +0000

Thanks! It was great and I look forward to going back.