Olive Kitteridge

 

Modern Fiction   Physical Book

Oh Olive.  I think that is the title of book two in this series, and it is exactly what I want to say to Olive who I really got to know reading this book.  It is not really a novel, but thirteen short stories in which Olive appears.  The thirteen stories all have plots and characters of their own, but also give us a deep dive into Olive and tell us her story, too.  It really is unique and clever writing.  It is really unlike any other.  It won the Pulitzer Prize.  Who do I think I am trying to review it?  But Olive became personal to me.  At first, I really didn’t like her.  But I came to know her and understand her and even love her.  Like her?  Not really, but I did come to love her.  She became a living, breathing character.  It is powerful, memorable writing.  Now, what to rate it?  Hmmm.  I guess no one cares but me, but I do care.  I want to be fair.  It’s not a 5.  I didn’t like it that much.  But it’s way better than a 3.  I guess that leaves 4 stars. Yes, 4 stars seems right.

Be Kind

 

Be Flexible

This has become one of my mantras for working in the sealing office at the temple.

 

Let Go of the Past

 

Pray for Husbands

 

How Does God Often Meet Our Needs?

 

Just Listen to Those Beautiful High Tones

 

Just Listen to Those Beautiful High Tones

I share this story to illustrate how impactful our words can be on others.  When I was in high school, I was in the Madrigal choir.  I was in the choir as an alto.  One day I was singing for my teacher, Mr. Condon.  He had me sing higher and higher.  He stopped me and said, “I think you might be a soprano, Kay.”  He tested me further and seemed delighted with his discovery.  Shortly thereafter he gave me a soprano solo in one of our songs (Crescent Noon.)  As I sang it for the first time in rehearsal, he said to the group, “Just listen to those beautiful high tones.”  My spirit soared.

Those seven words have made a huge difference in my life.  From then on, I started singing soprano.  His words gave me courage to audition for parts and choirs, and to continue singing.  Singing still brings me so much joy.  It didn’t take much effort for him to say those words, but, to me they have made all the difference.

Use your words to build others.  You may make all the difference in their lives.

Budapest, Hungary

Because the ship could go no further down the Danube because it didn't have enough water, the company offered a bus tour down to Budapest, Hungary.  This was just the day after we joined the ship. Ken went on the tour.  These are pictures he took on that day.

Hero's Square

Vajdahuny Castle

National Library

Hungarian Parliament Building

Taken from the Margaret Bridge looking back at the Parliament Building

Hungarian Academy of Sciences

This is the Man at Work statue back in Bratislavia (these pictures got out of order!)

These are called Mozart balls.  They are little chocolates.  We had each been given one on the flight to Vienna.  Ken found some to buy in Bratislavia.

Back to Budapest: St. Stephen's Basillica

St. Stephen's Basilica

Budapest Eye.  Much like London's eye.

Herend Tree of Life Fountain in Jozsef Nador Square

Another fountain in that square

Buda Castle

First bridge connecting Buda and Pest, creating Budapest

Devin Castle