"Mones relates life to music throughout the novel. Have you ever had a metaphor or discipline through which you viewed all of life, even for a time?

"Mones relates life to music throughout the novel. Italian terms used to denote expression in classical music notation carry Thomas's feelings, all the book's central relationships begin with music, and Thomas's struggle for freedom is played out at the piano. Have you ever had a metaphor or discipline through which you viewed all of life, even for a time?

Living life through books and literature, observing, learning. Also, clearing an area and creating a beautiful, rich, diverse flower garden over time. The cycle of gardens corresponds to life cycles.

Ever since I started running in my teens, I've related much of my life to the practice of running. I also use river and mountain imagery a lot. I resolve to take up gardening this year, and I imagine, as it does for lindah above, that gardening will offer powerful metaphors in my life.

I have always said that the life of the adult is very difficult so I try to view my life thru all the marvelous things that I have experienced; having 2 wonderful girls who are my pride and joy, having incredible friends and family, having had a very successful and productive career and filling every moment with laughter because life with its difficulties is also funny and my books, they are my fantasy world.

Reading. Life is similar to a novel, sometimes we write the ending, often the ending is written for us.

I also relate everything to books. O. Henry says it best when he says "life is made up of sobs, sniffles, and smiles, with sniffles predominating..."; the best books reflect that.

Classical music and literature have served this function for me at most time of my life.