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Sophie Blackwell's avatar

What struck me was how the breaking point wasn’t the grief or the years of holding everything together, but the moment the oil ran out. It’s always something small that exposes the scale of what we’ve been carrying. There’s a kind of honesty in that—when the life you’ve built finally tells you it’s time to put something down and step into the next version of yourself.

Eleanor Anstruther's avatar

Yes, this exactly.

Emily Charlotte Powell's avatar

And just like that, a lady of London once more.

Sally Jupe's avatar

Oooh I know what that whole b....y Mothers Day thing feels like with one of mine in the past, and then you think, well he didn't invent it! I think sometimes we need things to get to a crescendo like that for the 'next' move in our life to happen. And....... it probably is in the charts 🔮 😉

Love the chinaware! Here's to a wonderful next phase of that life Eleanor ☕️

DMC DMC's avatar

You go girl, that's the idea. Spin, turn, stop, look, listen and then spin again. May you find much joy in your new/old haunts. Peace, love and understanding. David

Melissa Forsyth's avatar

How exciting .... thankfully also not too far to escape to the countryside.. I really don't think I would handle city living these days .. my nieghbours most certainly would loathe it !

Eleanor Anstruther's avatar

Yeah, I’ll be back and forth a lot…

Eleanor Anstruther's avatar

Yeah, I’ll be back and forth a lot…

Lucy Hearne Keane's avatar

I loved Patrick's Mother's Boy.

Eleanor Anstruther's avatar

Yes! Me too. And in which case you’ll feel the same for Love Lane.

Anna Schott's avatar

Exciting! Nothing like a fresh start.

Eleanor Anstruther's avatar

A fresh start! Who is this me who lives in London?? We shall find out…

Kay's avatar

Wishing you all happiness in this new phase of your life.

Spring is a great time for new beginnings.

Victoria Ogilvy's avatar

New Beginnings 💫 Good luck ⭐️The imploding and dropping of all the plates in preparation for putting new ones up, on a new wall, with heating and familial cups. You will create something extra ordinary as you always do, and of course your beautifully raised, loving sons came through…they’ve been mothered well X

Julie Gabrielli's avatar

Welcome home. A fresh start in simple surroundings sounds lovely.

Sara Santa Clara's avatar

All the best in your new beginning! I miss London sometimes though it feels like a million years ago since I lived there… I wonder how I would feel about it now.

Looking forward to tomorrow- I confess to not knowing your guest. Yet :).

Eleanor Anstruther's avatar

Ah, you’re in for a treat! He’s a classic novelist, his work will long survive him as has that of Graeme Greene etc. He’s of that calibre. A class act. The two we’ll be discussing - A Place Called Winter & Love Lane - are recent forays into auto fiction, the stories of his ancestors brought to life. But the majority of his canon is pure, wild and brilliant fiction. I would suggest starting with Notes on an Exhibition.

Sara Santa Clara's avatar

Excellent, thank you for the tips!

Feasts and Fables's avatar

What a wonderful move … ‘in the nick of time’ from the sound of it. Yep, oil running out would do it for sure. Patrick Gale, new kettle, back in the ‘hood. Sounds like Spring to me.

Elaine R. Frieman's avatar

Glad your children came through for you. ❤️🫶🏻

Deirdre Lewis's avatar

Happy London day. Can’t wait to visit!

kabs's avatar

I dream of moving back to London one day when my daughter is all grown up. I’m not far, but still… I’m far. How exciting for you to be back in the city.

Looking forward to the Patrick Gale live. I saw him at an event recently and got myself an ARC of Love Lane so will read that first.

Eleanor Anstruther's avatar

I always think his novels are like having the window open on a spring day, the spacious quality of them, and Love Lane is no different. What a treat for me to get to ask him about it. I’m happy you can join us.

Susie Mawhinney's avatar

Happy new beginning again… embrace- enjoy- breathe out! X