Positively Summer

Summer is my time to decompress. I love to sit on my back deck watching sailboat races, catching sight of migrating Orca whales, spotting Bald Eagles soaring overhead and just breathing in the beauty. It's a balm for my soul.

So that I don't miss a thing, I'm listening on Audible, rather than reading this book.

It was written by Julian Fellows in 2005, before his success creating Downton Abbey for television. It's described as a comedy of manners that blends social critique with character and story.
I love listening to the narration by Richard Morant. His rich English accent adds to my enjoyment.

This quote, in the description on Amazon, is why I thought it would be fun:

"The English, of all classes as it happens, are addicted to exclusivity. Leave three Englishmen in a room and they will invent a rule that prevents a fourth joining them."

One of the major character's is Lady Uckfield. She's described as "the most socially expert individual...who combines a watchmakers eye for detail and a madam's knowledge of the world". Her son Charles observes that "she has an image of studied perfection"

"It pleased Lady Uckfield, always, to give the impression that everything in life had been handed to her on a plate. This was no truer for her than it is for the rest of the human race, but she preferred to be on the receiving end of envy, rather than pity"
"...she found her own problems as dull as she found everybody else's".

What a refreshing concept!

As I thought about how that felt to me, I realized we seem to be a society that loves to share our pain with everyone. Girlfriends get together and try to one-up each other for who has the worst story to tell. Everyone commiserates and the victim feels soothed. Longtime couples get together and before long the discussion turns to what's wrong with us. Our latest health challenges take center stage. How depressing it all is.

I've spent the last 9 months jettisoning people from my life who constantly complain and find fault with situations. Negativity is a complete energy drain. It's counterproductive, soul-destroying and a waste of precious time.


I would much rather spend time with happy people who focus on the positive, Celebrating what's going well in our lives. Sharing our dreams and hopes for the future. Positive energy.

That's not to say I'm not supportive and kind to people who are suffering or in pain. I just want to move on from it quickly...to the joys we have around us. Happiness is contagious.

"I will not let anyone walk through my mind with dirty feet."
-Mahatma Ghandi