Week two discussion of A Summer in Europe

[MarilynBrant33]

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whiteginger wrote:

I'm glad Gwen is finally getting to know the Brits, but I'm awfully sorry to see the "Britsicles" go.

LOL, Whiteginger!! 

The Kiss
How do you feel about this

FINALLY!  " . . . and that was a bloody fantasdtic kiss."

I'm SO glad you liked it!!!!!!

Gwen is what I call a "parser."  She parses, disects, analyses every situation to death so that by the time she has decided to act, the time for action is often over.  Yes, I think she has realized this before and perhaps, even, vocalized it to herself.  Again, she is parsing.  She has already decided to "let loose and not care what anyone thinks," but now she's rethinking her rethinking.  I just want to shake her and say, "Get on with LIFE, girl!"

I love this description so much...a parser... I will remember that term, it's very fitting! And, yes, she needs someone to shake her and say just that. Zenia, Aunt Bea and Emerson are doing their best, but they could probably use some help, LOL.

How appropriate that she chose "Simple Gifts."  And the fact that this is a song her dad taught her, says that music is not just notes to her:  music is emotion and passion.

It really is.

~Marilyn

[aprilh]

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Catherine111 wrote:

Here is “Hamish’s Chess Set.”

The board turns into a pouch to carry the pieces.

Catherine

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Catherine, that's an amazing chess set! You are extremely talented! Thanks for sharing it with all of us!

[MarilynBrant33]

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aprilh wrote:

I'm loving the relationship that's building between Gwen and Emerson. He brings out the best in her. When Emerson is around, Gwen seems to open up a little more and let her guard down. In the beginning, she felt self-conscious when talking with Emerson, that anything she said to him might not sound smart enough since she had never really traveled before. After having got to know him in the last few weeks, some of her self-consciousness has melted away and she is able to give him honest answers without feeling like they aren't good enough. Whether they remain friends, or their friendship turns into something more, I think Emerson is going to have a lasting impact on Gwen's life.

I think the trip is partly responsible for Gwen's "ah ha" moment. She's in a new environment and is seeing and experiencing things she has only read about before. Seeing the S&M Club members being able to sing in public (on the plane and on the gondolas) and not caring what anyone around them thinks has to make Gwen realize she needs to live in the moment and not care about anyone else's opinion. I believe that Emerson is another reason for Gwen's "ah ha" moment.  Since she's met Emerson, she's started to feel more comfortable in her own skin. He has introduced her to so many new things and just being with him has made her relax and just be herself.

It was a little surprising to me that Gwen let her feelings toward Emerson take over. This was something she would normally never do. Don't get me wrong, I was glad that Gwen gave in to her attraction to Emerson. It was clear they were drawn to each other and he was obviously interested in her. It was just a matter of time before Gwen gave in to her feelings. I think she's starting to realize that her relationship with Richard isn't everything she wants it to be and that she needs to explore her relationship with Emerson to see what she might be missing.

I loved the kiss between Gwen and Emerson. It was so romantic! I had been waiting for that moment to happen and wasn't disappointed!

I think Gwen has always known that she lived more in her mind. It just took her trip to Europe and meeting new people to open her eyes and realize that she might need to make some changes in areas of her life where she might not be as happy as she could be.

Gwen believes she played the violin for Emerson because she trusted him and I agree. For Gwen, she needs to be able to trust someone before she opens up to them, especially about her passion for music. Playing the violin for Emerson was like baring her soul to him. I found it interesting that Gwen had never really broached the subject of her passion of music with Richard. She felt that Richard wouldn't understand this passion and therefore she never really talked about it with him. Emerson in contrast shares her passion for music. Since meeting Emerson, Gwen has been realizing what has been missing in her relationship with Richard. I can't wait to continue reading to find out what she decides!

Thanks Deb for the great pics! I really enjoy getting to see all the places we read about!

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April,

I'm seconding your thanks to Deb for the pictures!! She chose some lovely ones and I've been meaning to compliment her on that, too!

I'm so glad you mentioned the way Gwen's self-consciousness is melting a bit. Being around people like Emerson and the Club members, who are so naturally uninhibited, helps that along. And, at some point, I think she begins to answer their questions more bluntly, too, out of sheer exasperation. (I've had that experience with a few extraverts in my life, LOL.) Something I hoped to convey was that their friendship was a mutual gift -- that, just as you said, Emerson brings out the best in her, and she also brings out some good qualities in him. Other people (like Thoreau and Aunt Bea) are quicker to see this than Gwen herself, though.

And I agree with you completely that, for Gwen, playing the violin for Emerson is like baring her soul. To share something from her private world is intensely personal and revealing. Yet, she's also keeping some secrets from him. Openness is hard for her, even though she's made some strides...

~Marilyn

[dhaupt]

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MarilynBrant wrote:

Just wanted to pop in quickly and say that we were having big lightning storms here tonight!! A couple of trees in the neighborhood snapped like twigs in that wind... Thankfully, we didn't lose power but, to be safe, I had to shut the computer down for several hours. I've just turned it back on but it's nearing midnight and the rains are threatening to start again. If that happens, I'll add more tomorrow .

~Marilyn

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Marilyn I'm glad you're all okay. whew it's been a crazy weather year everywhere, I used my airconditioner in March and it never usually goes on til the end of May, then we had a cold snap but luckily my early spring blooms had already bloomed and were on their way out.

It will be 90 degrees by this weekend.

[dhaupt]

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Mountain_Muse wrote:

5. The Kiss

The Kiss, what can you say.  Even after 34 years of marriage, to the same man, mind you, an unexpected kiss can melt me at the knees and curl the toes back to the ankles.  I swooned with Gwen, and then felt that guilty pleasure with her... I loved how she realized that Richard's kisses had never had that effect on her..... HEY GIRL, time to wake-up and smell the roses.  Personally, I like my husband's kisses to still go ZING!

6. In chapter 7 Gwen thinks something that pretty much defines her  “….but she was a woman who knew she lived too much in her mind.”
Did she always know this, do you think since she vocalized this even just to herself that she’s contemplating change.

You can't affect change until the light-bulb goes on.  Based on how chapter 7 is rounding out, change is on the burner and definitely has a few bubbles in the bottom of the kettle.  

7. Gwen plays the violin for Emerson

Ahhhhhhh.  Emerson has given Gwen freedom far beyond any romantic notions.  Emerson has awaken a sleeping beauty.  He has set free so many emotions, thoughts, and expanded her willingness to open that door to explore beyond the safety of her small world she established when her mother died and finished slamming when her dad passed on.

Emerson, as evidenced by Gwen's conversation's with his brother has got under HIS skin like no one else seems to have been able to.  Emerson  says he will never settle for one relationship -- big bet with the bro --  Bro sees a big win in this game of chess -- for himself in their battle of who's right, and ultimately knowing that Emerson may have found the right person and the right fit for his self.  Hmmmmm  

All that to say, the Gwen that Emerson saw playing that violin, and the gift he gave her with the private and very personal opportunity to re-awaken that wonder of one-ness with music and joy from her youth was a ultimate romantic gift, for it was a gift of selflessness, a gift of caring, a gift of helping someone re-discover joy.  I think Emerson is just discovering true joy for himself, also.  He's giving from a deep well that does not require money or property, for that is not what Gwen needs.  He is giving discovery, release of self enprisonment, and ultimately joy and true freedom to live life at its fullest.

I feel that Gwen got a glimpse of that during those brief moments.  I know how she feels.  I can remember going into a store of grand pianos one day and swooning in joy.  As I was the only patron in the place the owner, after visiting for bit offered me carte-blanc to enjoy his inventory.  I could not resist.  Each instrument had a unique voice, some bright and tinny, some dark and somber.  I came upon one beautiful fruitwood 7 foot grand and sat down, the tone was warm and gentle with a gentle stroke to the keys.  Every chord I played resonated through the instrument and up my arms and into my being.  It was ecstasy.  I closed my eyes and started playing, just composing music as I sat.  The piano drew the music from deep within and soared from the deep low notes to the high tones that rang with clarity.  I don't know how long I sat and played, Time did not exist.  Finally, I heard a noise behind me and paused.  There was a group of people behind me in the store listening and I realized that the piano had also been miked to the outer mall.  The music stopped and much like Gwen, I quietly thanked the owner and withdrew.  

That was not a performance it was a love affair between two souls - mine and the grand's.  

Marilyn, I do believe there is more than a little of you in this book.  For only someone who has lived and felt some of what you write about can even begin to express the emotion and thought process behind the love affair between musicians and their instruments, artists and their canvas, or try to type out what a mathematician's mind is actually thinking.  You are phenomenal!!

Muse

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what an eloquent way you say things Muse, thanks

[dhaupt]

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seattle07 wrote:

Hi everyone,

Catherine-your chess set is amazing and I like how it converts into a bag to carry everything. I read A Discovery of Witches and really enjoyed it. Can't wait for the next book.

Marilyn, thanks for posting the links for math and music.

1. Still loving the book and enjoying the characters. I feel like I’m travelling along with Gwen-enjoying the sites and getting to know the other characters better. I like how some of the chapter titles are similar to A Room With a View.

2. I think the trip is responsible for Gwen’s ah ha moment. She’s operating out of her comfort zone (Gwen hasn’t travelled outside of the U.S.) and she’s meeting interesting people.

3. I think Emerson is a Renaissance Man-he’s musical, he’s well read and able to quote various writers, mathematical and also prone to strong emotions. I agree with everyone that he's good for Gwen & vice versa.

4. I wasn’t surprised because I don’t feel that Richard is right for Gwen. I think she needs someone more like Emerson-exciting and exasperating. I think she should accept her attraction for Emerson (within a certain limit) instead of spending the rest of her life wondering what if. This is an interesting question, because if it was Richard who was travelling and wanted to act on mutual attraction, I would probably think that he’s a pig.

5.  Hooray, they kissed! I thought that it was a pretty romantic scene.  I was also glad that Gwen took charge of the situation and told Emerson that it couldn’t happen again.

6. I think that Gwen has always known this about herself-she knows that she’s an introvert and she’s content to observe. It sounds like after her mom died, Gwen and her dad had a quiet and reflective life-no more violin lessons, music, etc.

7. Gwen trusts Emerson and also wants to share/prove that she has musical ability. She’s enjoyed his piano playing and wants to share some of her musical background. She’s also willing to risk embarrassment-maybe she’ll be joining the group sing-alongs by the end of the trip!

-Seattle

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Thanks Seattle, I loved how you called Emerson exasperating

[dhaupt]

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whiteginger wrote:

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dhaupt wrote:

Week Two
A Summer in Europe

In week two we learn a great deal more about the Edwards brothers, we travel from Italy to France to Venice, Budapest and Vienna. We see some incredible sights and learn some valuable lessons. Now let’s see what Gwen learned.

1. Thoughts or further opinions?

I'm glad Gwen is finally getting to know the Brits, but I'm awfully sorry to see the "Britsicles" go.

2. In Chapter 5 Gwen has another “ah ha” moment …”it occurred to her that she had spend much of her life preoccupied by the perceptions of others and that for once she shouldn’t care about anyone’s opinion.”
How much is the trip responsible for this realization, or is it

Although she is still with a small group of people she knows, these are not her peers--they're the S&M club--and she has now stepped out into "the world" where she is a much smaller piece in a much bigger puzzle.  I know she feels that everyone will be looking at her if she acts silly, but she can also rationalize that this trip is the perfect time to break out of her shell.  After all, in a few weeks she will not be seeing these people on a daily basis.   I think Gwen's feeling so strongly attracted to Emerson is the bigger reason for this change.  If she were attracted to another man just like Richard, she wouldn't have to change.  Since she is attracted to something/someone different, I think she realizes that there is another side of herself she hasn't yet explored.  

3. Gwen compares Richard’s “cold shoulder” to what she thinks Emerson’s reaction to the same situation would be, she then compares Emerson to a modern day Renaissance Man.
Do you agree

He is learned in and a lover of the arts, sciences and philosophy--sounds like a Renaissance Man to me!  

4. Gwen decides to accept the attraction she feels for Emerson even if it’s only for the duration of the trip
Did this surprise you

Momentarily, I thought she might follow the S&M club's advice and have a "fling."  But  it seems she's going to simply be "friends."  I wonder with her physical and emotional reactions every time he gets near her how long that will last. 

5. The Kiss
How do you feel about this

FINALLY!  " . . . and that was a bloody fantasdtic kiss."

6. In chapter 7 Gwen thinks something that pretty much defines her  “….but she was a woman who knew she lived too much in her mind.”
Did she always know this, do you think since she vocalized this even just to herself that she’s contemplating change.

Gwen is what I call a "parser."  She parses, disects, analyses every situation to death so that by the time she has decided to act, the time for action is often over.  Yes, I think she has realized this before and perhaps, even, vocalized it to herself.  Again, she is parsing.  She has already decided to "let loose and not care what anyone thinks," but now she's rethinking her rethinking.  I just want to shake her and say, "Get on with LIFE, girl!"

7. Gwen plays the violin for Emerson
What did this say to you

How appropriate that she chose "Simple Gifts."  And the fact that this is a song her dad taught her, says that music is not just notes to her:  music is emotion and passion.

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Thanks ginger

I'm still laughing at

FINALLY!  " . . . and that was a bloody fantasdtic kiss."

[dhaupt]

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aprilh wrote:

I'm loving the relationship that's building between Gwen and Emerson. He brings out the best in her. When Emerson is around, Gwen seems to open up a little more and let her guard down. In the beginning, she felt self-conscious when talking with Emerson, that anything she said to him might not sound smart enough since she had never really traveled before. After having got to know him in the last few weeks, some of her self-consciousness has melted away and she is able to give him honest answers without feeling like they aren't good enough. Whether they remain friends, or their friendship turns into something more, I think Emerson is going to have a lasting impact on Gwen's life.

I think the trip is partly responsible for Gwen's "ah ha" moment. She's in a new environment and is seeing and experiencing things she has only read about before. Seeing the S&M Club members being able to sing in public (on the plane and on the gondolas) and not caring what anyone around them thinks has to make Gwen realize she needs to live in the moment and not care about anyone else's opinion. I believe that Emerson is another reason for Gwen's "ah ha" moment.  Since she's met Emerson, she's started to feel more comfortable in her own skin. He has introduced her to so many new things and just being with him has made her relax and just be herself.

It was a little surprising to me that Gwen let her feelings toward Emerson take over. This was something she would normally never do. Don't get me wrong, I was glad that Gwen gave in to her attraction to Emerson. It was clear they were drawn to each other and he was obviously interested in her. It was just a matter of time before Gwen gave in to her feelings. I think she's starting to realize that her relationship with Richard isn't everything she wants it to be and that she needs to explore her relationship with Emerson to see what she might be missing.

I loved the kiss between Gwen and Emerson. It was so romantic! I had been waiting for that moment to happen and wasn't disappointed!

I think Gwen has always known that she lived more in her mind. It just took her trip to Europe and meeting new people to open her eyes and realize that she might need to make some changes in areas of her life where she might not be as happy as she could be.

Gwen believes she played the violin for Emerson because she trusted him and I agree. For Gwen, she needs to be able to trust someone before she opens up to them, especially about her passion for music. Playing the violin for Emerson was like baring her soul to him. I found it interesting that Gwen had never really broached the subject of her passion of music with Richard. She felt that Richard wouldn't understand this passion and therefore she never really talked about it with him. Emerson in contrast shares her passion for music. Since meeting Emerson, Gwen has been realizing what has been missing in her relationship with Richard. I can't wait to continue reading to find out what she decides!

Thanks Deb for the great pics! I really enjoy getting to see all the places we read about!

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you're very welcome April

I think I was surprised that Gwen let her emotions take over too, and I bet Gwen's surprised too

[dhaupt]

Just wanted to let all of you know I'm opening a spoiler thread today so Catherine you can breathe again

Also The Discovery of Witches was an amazing novel and it's funny that we were talking about it yesterday because this

Shadow of Night  was waiting for me when I got home last night

it's been fun chatting about our trip with all of you and may I just say that

Marilyn you make this trip the best.

Thank you all!!!

[Catherine111]

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dhaupt wrote:

Just wanted to let all of you know I'm opening a spoiler thread today so Catherine you can breathe again

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Hooray!

I also want to comment briefly on what ReadingPatti said . . .

That beauty can be found in the most simplest of things. Like a flower or a sunrise, sunset. That you need to just experience what you are seeing and not prejudge what you have heard or learned  before you got there.

That statement is one of the wonderful things I took with me from this novel.  I have also been reassessing my own relationship with my husband.  No, don’t worry, I haven’t called a divorce lawyer.  I’ve been thinking about the ways my husband brings out the art/beauty in me and vice versa.  I will go into more of that on the spoiler thread.

Also, thank you for all the lovely comments about “Hamish’s Chess Set.”

[MarilynBrant33]

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dhaupt wrote:

Just wanted to let all of you know I'm opening a spoiler thread today so Catherine you can breathe again

Also The Discovery of Witches was an amazing novel and it's funny that we were talking about it yesterday because this

Shadow of Night  was waiting for me when I got home last night

it's been fun chatting about our trip with all of you and may I just say that

Marilyn you make this trip the best.

Thank you all!!!

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Deb,

*HUG!!*

Thank you for being our tireless and always thoughtful tour guide . Getting to take this trip with you all is such a pleasure...

And now I have yet another novel to add to my TBR list -- Shadow of Night sounds wonderful!

Off to check out the "Spoiler" thread and very relieved we have a storm-free night up here. Hope it's a peaceful one where all of you are, too.

~Marilyn

[Mountain_Muse]

I could not resist a little math humor that came my way this morning.  BTW, I love George Takei who shared this with me. 

Muse

[dhaupt]

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Mountain_Muse wrote:

I could not resist a little math humor that came my way this morning.  BTW, I love George Takei who shared this with me. 

Muse

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Thanks Muse and from a Star Trek star you know it's scripture

[seattle07]

Hi Muse,

Thank you for the morning laugh. I nearly spit out my tea, too awesome!

Seattle

[MarilynBrant33]

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Mountain_Muse wrote:

I could not resist a little math humor that came my way this morning.  BTW, I love George Takei who shared this with me. 

Muse

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LOLOL, Muse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I *love* this! So hilarious...I'm forwarding it to several family members right now who I know will appreciate it.

Thanks for the laugh!

~Marilyn

[Mountain_Muse]

So glad you guys enjoyed it, too.  I cracked up.  I could just see one of the crew quipping that at someone at a most inopportune moment, if it ever became appropriate.

Muse

[MarilynBrant33]

So, after I shared Muse's funny math cartoon with three family members, one of them sent me this one in return:

Gotta love math humor .

~Marilyn

[dhaupt]

Thanks Marilyn for that Math Humor, went right over my head LOL

Well we're almost to the end of week two and next week no one will have to worry about spoilers.

I hope you who are reading with the schedule are ready for some excitement, some romance and some more great sightseeing adventures too.

I'll leave you with one of Marilyn's pictures of her trip to Venice

I'll be checking in during the weekend and be ready on Monday for our last stops

[Mountain_Muse]

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"Ah, but around here,  pi are round, cornbread are square. And you don't have to get a college degree to figure that out". --  so my dad kept telling when I would come home schpeilling all my newly learned knowledge from school.  Lol   

Loved the response.  

Muse

MarilynBrant wrote:

So, after I shared Muse's funny math cartoon with three family members, one of them sent me this one in return:

Gotta love math humor .

~Marilyn

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[dhaupt]

My girlfriend will be on vacation next week so she took me out for my birthday today

we went to

• 

and I had

Carmela’s Chicken & Caesar Salad 

and for desert  - chocolate Gelato