Between the Lines

STiLL LEARNiNG

Laura here: Before I left on a business trip in February my local library let me know a book I had requested was available. This non fiction story was about a grown daughter’s journey with her father after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Not the light reading I was looking for—I’d read it later. I decided it was too close to home right now as I have been caring more and more for my mom as her dementia takes more and more of her independence.

At the airport the next day still wanting a good read for the flight I picked up the first novel that ‘spoke’ to me from the shelf. Still Alice by Lisa Genova, the title was intriguing— there was so much said and unsaid in those two simple words. What would make her no longer Alice? I am also attracted to fonts and the design of the books and particularly liked the ‘play on words’ of the title printed in caps except for the small ‘i’ in each word: STiLL ALiCE. All these ‘green lights’ led me to read the inside flap to discover it was a story of a woman with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Yes, I got the message and bought it!

The author took a risk with this book as the main character tells her own story told from her faulty and undependable point of view instead of from her loved one’s points of view. This makes for a realistic, heart rending, wholly believable character and storyline. Fiction usually serves to entertain but a well written successful story can enlighten a reader in unexpected ways as happened to me as I read Alice’s journey. I was able to empathize with my mom’s struggles from the inside instead of as an observer. I experienced the fear and doubt that she does and was reminded that inside the elderly body I see is a young woman filled with dreams and passions.

Reading this book was a powerful awakening for me to be empathetic, more patient; I also listen closely now with my wise self instead of the ears of a dutiful daughter. I’m learning to be my mom’s friend and memory keeper—and feel honored to be entrusted with her treasures. Together we are finding the gift inside the tragedy; bless you Lisa for sharing Alice’s story.

Aggregator analysis...or is it paralysis?

Kathy here: With 10 weeks of experimentation under my belt, today I report back to you about my newsfeed aggregator adventure. Picture me logging into my email each morning; clicking open the digest; and then clicking open my mind for what has arrived in my mailbox from cyberspace the day before. Some days the updates are short; some days the updates are a bit too long...it doesn't matter. This process of dipping my toes into pools of information, commentary and art exhilarates me every time. Likewise, the format has helped delineate my current learning in a bunch of ways!

Here's how:
*Remember the original intent was to get me/keep me up to speed with new tech toys and terms. Has it worked? Absolutely! As I work through the digest, I keep running lists of bits that beg for definition or additional investigation. For instance, I now know about zombie computers...and Joomla...and Gravatar...and mashing.
*The links in the digest are live. My web extends directly out of the context that led me there fostering deeper understanding and encouraging more discoveries.
*My "Must Read" list has never been richer thanks to the reviews and recommendations...with full graphic beauty...that the digest delivers to me.

The paralysis mentioned in the title? Well, that stems from my now-near-automatic tendency to add a site to my list. I'm up to 15 entries. But, one must draw the line somewhere, right? Otherwise, this discreet little tool will become a weighted thing that fails to serve. So, I just deleted Career Renegade and TED: Ideas Worth Spreading.  How are you, not just managing, but flourishing amid this bombardment of information? We can use all the help we can get, can't we?