Not Logged in.
Book Jacket

The Narrowboat Summer


From the author of Meet Me at the Museum, a charming novel of second chances.
More about this book
Author Biography

Do you agree that sometimes it's necessary to change everything in your life? Have you ever had the opportunity to do that, or have you dreamed about doing that?

Created: 02/11/21

Replies: 17

Posted Feb. 11, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
davinamw

Join Date: 10/15/10

Posts: 3442

Do you agree that sometimes it's necessary to change everything in your life? Have you ever had the opportunity to do that, or have you dreamed about doing that?

Sally reflects: "After all, was it not important to change every aspect of her routines? How else would she be able to identify those hooks and burrs that held her, like the flag on a flagpole, free to flap about but not free to drift or soar?" Do you agree that sometimes it's necessary to change everything in your life? Have you ever had the opportunity to do that, or have you dreamed about doing that?


Posted Feb. 11, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
oraj

Join Date: 05/10/18

Posts: 12

RE: Do you agree that sometimes it's necessary to change everything in your life? Have you ever had the opportunity to do that, or have you dreamed about doing that?

At the time we moved aboard Ondine, our 42' sailboat, our younger son had just left for college, the house was empty, we were ready for new adventures. Life becomes simpler in a small space; allows for new thoughts, new ways of organizing time and challenges adjusting to what you give up.


Posted Feb. 11, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
suzi

Join Date: 11/13/19

Posts: 4

RE: Do you agree that sometimes it's necessary to change everything in your life? Have you ever had the opportunity to do that, or have you dreamed about doing that?

I don’t necessarily feel that Eve and Sally’s lives absolutely had to change so drastically. Small adjustments can sometimes bring great improvement. However, there are times when a complete refresh is the best way to move forward and get away from long-standing habits. It’s certainly fun to imagine!


Posted Feb. 11, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
catherynez

Join Date: 01/27/18

Posts: 98

RE: Do you agree that sometimes it's necessary to change everything in your life? Have you ever had the opportunity to do that, or have you dreamed about doing that?

Sometimes it is good to completely change your life especially if you have something traumatic happen to you. I haven’t ever done this. I am more resistant to change than always wanting something new.


Posted Feb. 12, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
katherinep

Join Date: 07/16/14

Posts: 374

RE: Do you agree that sometimes it's necessary to change everything in your life? Have you ever had the opportunity to do that, or have you dreamed about doing that?

Yes, I had a major change in my life, picked up my things, moved to a new house that I bought and started a new job in a completely new field. It was exciting--new location to explore, new friends to meet and a field I came to love more than anything in the world. Lived alone in my little house and had it just the way I wanted it, entertained when I wanted, stayed alone when I wanted. Sometimes, I wish I were back to that time again--lol


Posted Feb. 12, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
beckyd

Join Date: 07/31/19

Posts: 92

RE: Do you agree that sometimes it's necessary to change everything in your life? Have you ever had the opportunity to do that, or have you dreamed about doing that?

I agree with catherynez. Also I have worked diligently all through my adult years to keep my life organized and running smoothly. But on occasion, have wondered about having the luxury of being able to do whatever you want, whenever you want, without worrying about what am I fixing for dinner, who's going to let the dog out, etc. To concentrate on just what is at hand and nothing else (for a short time anyway) would be fantastic.


Posted Feb. 13, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
ColoradoGirl

Join Date: 05/16/16

Posts: 149

RE: Do you agree that sometimes it's necessary to change everything in your life? Have you ever had the opportunity to do that, or have you dreamed about doing that?

I'm with you Beckyd! I sometimes dream about completely changing things. I think after something big, like a divorce or death or other traumatic event, a change is what can get you out of the black hole.


Posted Feb. 13, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
BayParkReader

Join Date: 01/18/17

Posts: 21

RE: Do you agree that sometimes it's necessary to change everything in your life? Have you ever had the opportunity to do that, or have you dreamed about doing that?

I don’t agree that it’s necessary to change everything but when the opportunity arises it’s good to take a chance. I was raised outside Chicago and convinced a friend to move to Los Angeles, California after he returned from an annual visit and raved (again) how someday he was going to move there. I was newly divorced and unhappy in my job so he turned the tables on me and talked me into moving too. I was fortunate to have supportive parents (“if it doesn’t work out you can always come home”). I ended up meeting my husband and moving to San Diego where we’ve lived happily for 40 years. Thank goodness my friend and I encouraged each other to make the change or I’d still be in Chicago.


Posted Feb. 15, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
elise

Join Date: 04/22/11

Posts: 101

RE: Do you agree that sometimes it's necessary to change everything in your life? Have you ever had the opportunity to do that, or have you dreamed about doing that?

I think a lot depends upon the person. Some people thrive on change others do not. I have been at the same employer for 32 years and must admit that I am really looking forward to retiring from this job in a few years and trying something new. I am ready for a change!


Posted Feb. 15, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
tmmarti

Join Date: 03/12/20

Posts: 17

RE: Do you agree that sometimes it's necessary to change everything in your life? Have you ever had the opportunity to do that, or have you dreamed about doing that?

Wasn’t it The Little River Band that sang “time for a cool change”? Although it can be difficult, I think sometimes a change is just what we need to reenergize ourselves. Back in the day, I had a long term relationship that ended. And although I’m typically a quiet introvert who likes my routine, I was devastated and so I quit my full time job, moved to a new city, and enrolled in university. Although it was taking a huge chance, I never regret it. I made some lifelong friends, got my degree, and look back on that time in my life with memories that I’ll always cherish. Having had this experience makes the choices of the characters in the book more plausible to me.


Posted Feb. 15, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
sylviaann

Join Date: 01/14/18

Posts: 66

RE: Do you agree that sometimes it's necessary to change everything in your life? Have you ever had the opportunity to do that, or have you dreamed about doing that?

I do agree that sometimes it's necessary. I -alone- moved to the west coast from a small town on the east coast. I wanted something different. I went back to school, got a doctorate degree in a new field and never looked back. I met my husband here and have made shoo many wonderful memories. I sometimes do wonder what my life would have been if I stayed on the east coast. Definitely not as rich as it is today!


Posted Feb. 17, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
poniesnpearls

Join Date: 06/28/11

Posts: 78

RE: Do you agree that sometimes it's necessary to change everything in your life? Have you ever had the opportunity to do that, or have you dreamed about doing that?

Yes, I agree sometimes changing everything is the good/right thing to do. I'm dreaming about big changes as I type this and hope to turn those dreams into reality very soon.


Posted Feb. 17, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
barbarao

Join Date: 10/18/12

Posts: 29

RE: Do you agree that sometimes it's necessary to change everything in your life? Have you ever had the opportunity to do that, or have you dreamed about doing that?

Sometimes life presents a change from the expected in both bad and good ways. I found myself living in the Midwest after growing up and raising my family on the East coast. It was a cultural surprise to find myself starting over again with new experiences. Twenty years later I returned back to the East coast and once again found myself meeting new people and acclimating to another new area. Being open to change, looking forward and not comparing one over the other from a negative perspective, allowed for wonderful surprises and many new friends.


Posted Feb. 19, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
peggyt

Join Date: 08/10/17

Posts: 215

RE: Do you agree that sometimes it's necessary to change everything in your life? Have you ever had the opportunity to do that, or have you dreamed about doing that?

I don’t know about the necessity of doing it but it is good to know you can adjust to major change.
I spent a year in Mexico in a small town where I had to lean out an upstairs window to relight the hot water heater every day. You do what you have to do.


Posted Feb. 26, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
gvieth

Join Date: 02/26/21

Posts: 57

RE: Do you agree that sometimes it'...

I agree with peggyt - maybe not necessary, but good to know you can. I’m not sure big changes are ever easy, but can certainly be reinvigorating and affirming. I made a big move when I was 30 that was scary and hard, but since have moved 3 times and each time got easier. It can open your life up to so many rewarding opportunities.


Posted Feb. 26, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
flute4u

Join Date: 08/14/13

Posts: 50

RE: Do you agree that sometimes it'...

Changing everything sounds appealing, but there is also value in being steady and changing small things. I’ve lived in the same house for almost 50 years. My husband does not want to ever move, but when I retired I got involved in a knitting community that reinvigorated my life. It tapped into my handwork skills and creativity. I also connected with other women who were passionate about knitting and ended up working in a local yarn shop. Doors can open wherever you are.


Posted Mar. 07, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
louisee

Join Date: 06/29/15

Posts: 143

RE: Do you agree that sometimes it'...

Even though I'm not much for change sometimes you need it. I've only moved twice in my life - when I got married and when we retired. When I got married I moved from a small town to the suburbs of DC, 4 hours away from my family, and when we retired we moved to a beach town, 4 hours away from our sons and my family. It was/is very exciting to change everything. They are opportunities to try something different. The beach town changes every summer which I'm getting used to and is quiet the rest of the year. We enjoy both now.


Posted Mar. 24, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
djcminor

Join Date: 03/14/19

Posts: 208

RE: Do you agree that sometimes it'...

When I started to college and then later to graduate school, I went to universities where I knew no one when I started. In both cases, the change in my life was tremendous. I had to enroll in classes, figure out how to get around, and make new friends. My first job out of graduate school also involved moving to a city where I knew no one. I found that I can adapt!


Reply

Please login to post a response.