Big S, little s, what begins with S? (the titles of the books quoted herein)
"Mama, the more I know of the world, the more I am convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. I require so much!" –Marianne Dashwood, age 16 (ha!); Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility, p. 21
"The first thing that struck me was how the single women of my acquaintance were exceptionally alert to the people around them, generous in their attention, ready to engage in conversation or share a joke. Having nobody to go home to at night had always seemed a sad and lonesome fate; now I saw that being forced to leave the house for human contact encourages a person to live more fully in the world. In the best instances, the result was an intricate lacework of friendships varying in intensity and closeness that could be, it seemed, just as sustaining as a nuclear family, and possibly more appealing." –Kate Bolick, Spinster, p. 60
. . . .
Just some quotes from some things I am reading at the moment. I think the first is funny, ironic, and sometimes (often) feels true. The second I found interesting and I agree with in part. I find great fulfillment in the family relationships that I have (sister and daughter), and I am sure those of wife and mother bring an entirely different type of fulfillment and sustenance. I do think it is true, though, that my life is vibrant in many ways that are the direct result of this unique stage of my life, and I am grateful for that. (And peonies and a Dr. Suess reference (the title of this post) just because.)
