It's lovely to read this background to your reading and its lockstep connections to the events of your life, Matthew. I've nowhere near as strongly forged or as consistent a relationship with books, but there are many which have helped me through times of difficulty and many more which have made me believe in my own creative abilities and the power of the written word.
Matt, thank you for reading. It means a great deal when someone I admire takes the time to read my words and appreciate them. I am relishing this season where I have the opportunity to reflect on the many varied threads of my life. I consider myself blessed to have this opportunity. All the best my friend.
Thank you for sharing your journey. Your voice gives permission to so many. I love how you have embraced the challenges and adventures of your lived experiences, the haunting memories, both good and bad, and allowed them to shape and inspire you. Much love and continued confidence to you🫶🏼
It takes a bit of courage to delve into the personal as you've done, and you've done so here sufficient to show us the shadows and the light that have marked your journeying. That you have gone through so much, especially in your teen years, and been able to hold on to what matters - family and your love for them - are a testament to your strength and grace, Matthew.
What exciting and enriching experiences you have had throughout your life/career, Matthew. I am married to an ex RAF pilot and I can understand the challenge that "moving on" to civilian life presented. Your passion for reading has gently and beautifully shown you the path ahead and made you an engaging writer. Enjoy every minute. Thank you for sharing... and for the Tolkien, too.
Christina, thanks for your kindness. It is always nice to have others read my words who have experienced similar transitional experiences. I am grateful to have you here as a reader.
Military service and David Eddings. Now that’s a connection that we share! I remember writing avidly for the Seeress of Kell to come out while I was still in training in 1991. I read it in a day.
Cams, that is awesome! I have read the Belgariad and Mallorean books more times than I can remember. I was introduced to Eddings work with the Sparkhawk series and then a friend told me the Belgariad was better. All of his books have remained lifelong favorites.
I didn't realize you had been in the service. That is a cool connection. Would love to hear more about it some time.
Coming back to the ‘Stack after quiet times with the grandkids, this is the perfect (re)read, Matt. Your storytelling is compelling: at times matter of fact in a way that emphasises the tough times; but gentle, reflective, and meaningful too. So many folk will read this and see in the lines - and between them - permission to move forward, to discover new pathways, to recalibrate priorities to put loved ones (humans and books alike) to the forefront. Love your journey and the way the words have found you so you can share it with us. Onwards, my friend.
Barrie, I appreciate you as a reader and a friend. Thanks for encouraging me at the beginning of my writing journey and for remaining a steady presence throughout. Grateful for our friendship. Many blessings.
For me, it is the same, but also I appreciate how you make me shift a little towards a more considered form of reading and thinking. Much needed as I tend to whizz through life, a butterfly settling on the odd leaf as I go, rather than sitting longer
All those tiny moments that shape a life, books, animals, different places and all the challenges they bring, you write of them all with such a calm voice Matthew. I am really enjoying reading these essays - Thank you 🙏🏼
I shall save this for the beach later today.
Many thanks Will! Hope you and the pup are enjoying the holiday.
It's lovely to read this background to your reading and its lockstep connections to the events of your life, Matthew. I've nowhere near as strongly forged or as consistent a relationship with books, but there are many which have helped me through times of difficulty and many more which have made me believe in my own creative abilities and the power of the written word.
Matt, thank you for reading. It means a great deal when someone I admire takes the time to read my words and appreciate them. I am relishing this season where I have the opportunity to reflect on the many varied threads of my life. I consider myself blessed to have this opportunity. All the best my friend.
Thank you for sharing your journey. Your voice gives permission to so many. I love how you have embraced the challenges and adventures of your lived experiences, the haunting memories, both good and bad, and allowed them to shape and inspire you. Much love and continued confidence to you🫶🏼
Thank you so much Charlene. I really appreciate this. Thanks for taking the time to read and encourage me with your support.
💕
It takes a bit of courage to delve into the personal as you've done, and you've done so here sufficient to show us the shadows and the light that have marked your journeying. That you have gone through so much, especially in your teen years, and been able to hold on to what matters - family and your love for them - are a testament to your strength and grace, Matthew.
I share that love of reading that sustains you.
Maureen, thanks for taking the time to read. I appreciate it. Writing is cathartic. Having others read and appreciate my story is a wonderful gift.
A moving journey now in your words ... .
Thank you for the kind words Mary. I hope you are well.
Thank you for sharing this essay. ❤️ Reading brings so much solace. Glad to have met you through your writing. You have a gift.
Many thanks Zina. The feeling is mutual. I am grateful for our friendship.
What exciting and enriching experiences you have had throughout your life/career, Matthew. I am married to an ex RAF pilot and I can understand the challenge that "moving on" to civilian life presented. Your passion for reading has gently and beautifully shown you the path ahead and made you an engaging writer. Enjoy every minute. Thank you for sharing... and for the Tolkien, too.
Christina, thanks for your kindness. It is always nice to have others read my words who have experienced similar transitional experiences. I am grateful to have you here as a reader.
My pleasure, Matthew. Glad my empathy came through my message. Keep writing. (you might like my ISLAND OF REFLECTION. Perhaps?) https://open.substack.com/pub/christinamigonebenfield/p/the-island-of-reflection?r=47awag&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Military service and David Eddings. Now that’s a connection that we share! I remember writing avidly for the Seeress of Kell to come out while I was still in training in 1991. I read it in a day.
Cams, that is awesome! I have read the Belgariad and Mallorean books more times than I can remember. I was introduced to Eddings work with the Sparkhawk series and then a friend told me the Belgariad was better. All of his books have remained lifelong favorites.
I didn't realize you had been in the service. That is a cool connection. Would love to hear more about it some time.
Coming back to the ‘Stack after quiet times with the grandkids, this is the perfect (re)read, Matt. Your storytelling is compelling: at times matter of fact in a way that emphasises the tough times; but gentle, reflective, and meaningful too. So many folk will read this and see in the lines - and between them - permission to move forward, to discover new pathways, to recalibrate priorities to put loved ones (humans and books alike) to the forefront. Love your journey and the way the words have found you so you can share it with us. Onwards, my friend.
Barrie, I appreciate you as a reader and a friend. Thanks for encouraging me at the beginning of my writing journey and for remaining a steady presence throughout. Grateful for our friendship. Many blessings.
For me, it is the same, but also I appreciate how you make me shift a little towards a more considered form of reading and thinking. Much needed as I tend to whizz through life, a butterfly settling on the odd leaf as I go, rather than sitting longer
Beautifully told piece, Matthew. I remember reading the original. I enjoy seeing you blossom as a writer.
All those tiny moments that shape a life, books, animals, different places and all the challenges they bring, you write of them all with such a calm voice Matthew. I am really enjoying reading these essays - Thank you 🙏🏼
A beautiful reflection, Matthew. Your courage and gentleness shine through. Books have always been my escape, too.