I usually buy your books in bulk. I end up giving them as gifts. Over thanksgiving I gave Still Life at Eighty to my niece. She hasn’t shut up about it. She promptly bought all your other books. I have another copy of Still Life wrapped and ready to go on a trip —I’m spending Christmas with my friend Lexi in KC, and you’re about to become her new favorite writer. Can’t wait to talk to her about polka dot dresses and lazy afternoons. Your writing is miraculous. The gift that never stops giving. xo
I love all your books … but I’ve never forgotten the story of the polka dot dress. Now that I’m of an age (ha) I think back with nostalgia about some of my clothes. My mother never believed she couldn’t wear what she wanted. At age ninety, she wore a swimsuit to the beach while vacationing with my 70 year old sister… who wore Bermuda shorts and a long sleeve rash guard top to hide her crepey skin. Oh to not care!
Thank you. Why not write about a piece of clothing that makes you nostalgic? I'd love to read it. As far as bathingsuits go, I'd actually ratgher just be naked. I'm not sure why. Kind of like thumbing my nose?
Amazing what memories will bubble to the surface like the effervescence of a bottle of soda. Now you've reminded me of a white sundress that buttoned up the front with large black polka dots that made me look like a Dalmation, but a sexy Dalmation. Sweetheart neckline and a cinched bodice flowing into a full skirt that floated just above the ankle ties of my espadrilles. I'm sure if I tried wearing it today, I'd still look like a Dalmation, but a lot less sexy.
Isn’t sort of magical to think of the bits our minds store and bring forth? From all the moments, all the emotions and stresses and sorrows and joys, little trinkets are kept. Like your polka dot dress. Wonderful!
I usually buy your books in bulk. I end up giving them as gifts. Over thanksgiving I gave Still Life at Eighty to my niece. She hasn’t shut up about it. She promptly bought all your other books. I have another copy of Still Life wrapped and ready to go on a trip —I’m spending Christmas with my friend Lexi in KC, and you’re about to become her new favorite writer. Can’t wait to talk to her about polka dot dresses and lazy afternoons. Your writing is miraculous. The gift that never stops giving. xo
so true!!! A wellspring of genius and comedy
I, too, have all of Abigail’s books to reread over and over
I love this! AND Liberty House. I lived on the UWS in 1980-81. I bought so many lovely things in that store. Love, love, love. xo
I bet we ran into each other there! Best store ever. Then it moved o to 112 and broaedway SE corrner, and I was a block away. Those were good days.
They sure were. Wait. Were you that woman trying on a polka dot dress? Omg!
Ha! What a delight to read just before I turn out the light. ❤️
I love all your books … but I’ve never forgotten the story of the polka dot dress. Now that I’m of an age (ha) I think back with nostalgia about some of my clothes. My mother never believed she couldn’t wear what she wanted. At age ninety, she wore a swimsuit to the beach while vacationing with my 70 year old sister… who wore Bermuda shorts and a long sleeve rash guard top to hide her crepey skin. Oh to not care!
Thank you. Why not write about a piece of clothing that makes you nostalgic? I'd love to read it. As far as bathingsuits go, I'd actually ratgher just be naked. I'm not sure why. Kind of like thumbing my nose?
well, my laughter (instantaneously) at your candor deserves haste!
Thank you, so glad you enjoyed it!
of all the people on substack, you seem to have become my favorite in a matter of days. thank you!
You may have been hasty. there are an awful lot of us around this amazing placwe.But believe me, I take it as a great compliment, and thank you.
Tell us your favorite people here!
How delicious!
Revisiting a past self in all her glory is a treat bestowed on those who live long.
Delectable tidbits that confirm moments of sparkle and brilliance.
It's fun to grow old and looking back, there wasn' much we didn't do at least once.
This is the best thing I read all day.
Thank you. I love that.
This is why I read. And this is why I write. Moments like this blow me away. Truth, woman!
Thank you, and ditto why I write
Me too, amazing.
I freakin LOVE you!
I love this!
Thank you,
you are so, so cool! love it!
It’s a gorgeous book and I love the new cover. ❤️
Amazing what memories will bubble to the surface like the effervescence of a bottle of soda. Now you've reminded me of a white sundress that buttoned up the front with large black polka dots that made me look like a Dalmation, but a sexy Dalmation. Sweetheart neckline and a cinched bodice flowing into a full skirt that floated just above the ankle ties of my espadrilles. I'm sure if I tried wearing it today, I'd still look like a Dalmation, but a lot less sexy.
Read this in your book, STILL LIFE AT EIGHTY, which I’m still reading and savoring! I love it!
Isn’t sort of magical to think of the bits our minds store and bring forth? From all the moments, all the emotions and stresses and sorrows and joys, little trinkets are kept. Like your polka dot dress. Wonderful!