Hello again and HELP please

13 years ago

It's been a few months since I've posted here mainly because up until a few weeks ago I was so depressed I couldn't read or listen to music or do anything pleasant.Baddish news about my eyes and other probs seems to take over everything I wanted to do.

Anyway so glad that everyone is still here - apart from feeling rather tired I feel Ok. managed to keep my Lit group going and just reading as a 'summer reading group' Wessex tales. We're starting our study group again September (all being well).

Anyway some kind informed angel here once gave a link to a page where one might find similar writers to those already read - you typed in writer's name and up came some great connections - prose, poetry, etc I wonder if anyone can remember this -I'd be so grateful.

Love to all

Jan

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Comments (21)

vickitg
13 years ago
jankin -- So sorry to hear about your eyes and depression. I hope the Lit group helped to keep your spirits up. I posted a link below that may be what you're looking for. Take care of yourself.

Here is a link that might be useful: Literature Map
J C
13 years ago
Hello jankin, so happy you have stopped by! I hope things get better. Having an activity like your Lit group is so comforting, isn't it? We will be thinking of you and sending good wishes your way.
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netla
13 years ago
Welcome back, Jankin. I had been wondering why you weren't posting.
I am sorry to hear about your depression. It is harder to deal with than anyone who has never had it could possibly imagine. I hope you are feeling better now.
carolyn_ky
13 years ago
Good to hear from you again, Jan. We missed you.
Kath
13 years ago
Hi Jan, glad to see you back, and I hope things will get better from here on.
Chris_in_the_Valley
13 years ago
Jankin, Glad to hear from you. I hope your very posting suggests life is improving. Frankly, I'm not sure who I'd be, if I weren't always reading. That must have been/be horrible for you.
woodnymph2_gw
13 years ago
Jan, so glad to hear from you again. When one is depressed, reading is such a marvelous escape. Hope you will keep posting here; we have missed you.
rouan
13 years ago
Jankin,

so glad to see you posting again. I am sorry you've been having such a rough time.

A suggestion - have you considered getting audio books to listen to for when your eyes are bothering you?

I hope you're feeing better soon.
rosefolly
13 years ago
Jankin, I missed your posts. I'm glad you stopped by. I hope things take a turn for the better soon.
lauramarie_gardener
13 years ago
Hello Jankin -

Sorry to hear about your situation. You're doing the right thing to get out with people, even if it's on the Internet.

One thing that helps practically everybody when they're feeling below par -- physically or emotionally -- is to get outdoors and exercise. Even if it's just for a walk around the block, it can pick up your mood and "get the blood flowing". I belong to a gym, go to workouts 5 days a week. It helps w/being unemployed and not knowing when my next job will come along! It's made a real difference. Even my latest bone density test showed that I've GAINED bone density since 2 years ago -- exactly when I signed up w/the gym! I guess exercise CAN strengthen your bones.

I hope you feel better soon.

Take care.
laura
ccrdmrbks
13 years ago
jankin,
you have been missed, and I am so sorry to hear the reason. I hope coming back to RP is both a sign that things are improving, and that you think we can help.
cece
jankin
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you everyone for the information, good wishes and advice.
My 'eye' problem is strange - for years I've had drops for glaucoma although I have almost 20/20 vision - it's what's going on behind the both eyes to the optic nerve that's the worry - what will happen next and they dont want to risk surgery unless absolutely necessary as it is so risky. Still I'm under the top surgeon at Moorfields! The drops are horrible they put up by already high BP which cant be treated normally because of the asthma. WHAT A WRECK (This can be checked out on facebook Jan Kinrade). The depression/anxiety meant that I couldn't focus on anything BUT I feel so much better now - thought I'd never feel OK again. And I know I should take more exercise - this would help in every way so thanks for reminding me - I still do all the housework, take the dog out, look after my 13 year old grandson who lives with us, run my Lit Group and local research so not too bad for a 72 year old has been.
I'm going to read Howard's End and As I lay Dying to start the year off in September. I notice that someone has written a book - The Secret History of As I Lay Dying by Stephanie Penrose - linking it to Aztec myths - and wonder if anyone has read it.
Loving thanks to all and happy reading
Jan
lemonhead101
13 years ago
Jankin-

You have been missed and I am happy to see you back although sad to read about your depression and the bad news about the eyes...

Still, hopefully, things will improve...

liz
carolyn_ky
13 years ago
Jan, please don't call yourself a 72-year-old has been. I prefer referring to myself as a 74-year-old still being, although I do enjoy good health for which I am truly thankful. I wish you continued improved health and well being.
veer
13 years ago
Jan, I agree with Carolyn; you certainly don't sound like a 'has been'. I wonder how many people over 60, let alone over 70, are running both a literature class and a home and have a 13 year old boy to care for full-time? I sure with that and walking the dog you are getting plenty of exercise . . . you and I probably come from the same school of thought that 'keep fit/gymnastics/PE/drill' was a form of torture ruled over by a sadistic female who had obviously trained in some gulag or stalag. I still think of the old school gym, with its wall bars, beam, ropes, horse etc as a modern day very large punishment cell.
I know eye sight problems can be a real worry but, as you say, you are under the best consultants at one of the top eye places in the world. Hang in there girl!
junek-2009
13 years ago
Jan,
I agree with Carolyn, you must not knock yourself, you still have lots to give and discover. I am the same vintage as Carolyn, I am 74 years young.
jankin
Original Author
13 years ago
Actually I dont think I really am a 'has been' it's a silly title - and it's great to discover there are other not so young as we were contributors - you all made me feel so much better AND Veer you have me to a 'T' - I used to hate my PE lessons but I do enjoy a good walk now and then - I lack the will-power to build a fitness regime into my life although I know it would help but thanks very much for the suggestion.
Tomorrow I go for my regular 'field vision' test - which like my vision is usually pretty good and hopefully will be stable.
Well back to reading - nearly finished Wessex tales.
Thank you all again so much
Jan
yoyobon_gw
13 years ago
Hi Jankin.....cheer up.....this too shall pass.
It is so good that we can all come here and connect.
Even though we've never met face to face , we can rely on this community for support.
How great is that?!

I wish you sunny days and happy moments.

As my wonderful, funny Dad used to say: " Don't let the loose end drag." ( whatever that meant!)
jankin
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you so much and I love your Dad's saying - I'm watching my loose end carefully from now on.
I do feel so much easier with myself come what may.
AND it is great to know you're all still here.
I've been sailing today (well watching my husband and grandson) it was very gusty so decided a comfy chair was the best position.
ccrdmrbks
13 years ago
I read somewhere that either Queen Victoria or the Queen Mum loved walking outside at Balmoral in all weathers because it "blew the cobwebs away." I love windy days-the feeling of freshness and lightness.
Except when it is dead winter cold, of course.
annpan
13 years ago
Seems that there are quite a few of us posters in their seventies. All seem to have the same motivation: to keep moving as best we can! It is hard to keep that "chin up!" all the time, especially when a "droop" feels more comfortable!
But do remember, we can be, and are, here for each other as well as discussing books.
:-) :-) :-) These represent a LOT of RP'ers smiley faces!!!

Hello again and HELP please

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