22 Comments
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Saved by Grace's avatar

I love Love Me so much and recommend it to everyone. I read it and went straight back to the beginning and read it again. Although I'm 67, it's had a profound and positive influence on me and how I take care of myself and my body 🩷

Marianne Power's avatar

Wow what a gorgeous comment to read. Thank you so much. I just phoned mum to read out your note!! X

Simon B's avatar

I'm not a woman and I don't want to get caught with a copy under my arm at an Airport W H Smiths.You never know who you're helping, can't ask any more than that. Anne Lamott has been in recovery from Alcoholism for many years (as was the late Caroline Knapp). I wonder what you'll write about next? Bird by Bird Marianne...Bird by Bird ...

Marianne Power's avatar

Money is next topic, Simon. And yes bird by bird… thank you for reading. X

Tiffany Philippou's avatar

You always capture the experience of what it’s like to have an Irish mother and I’m so here for it. Thank you for sharing and your stories! I love 🧡💚

Marianne Power's avatar

Thank you! xx

Stephanie Theobald's avatar

Yes to Edna O'Brian and The Country Girls! The memory of the dying-the bra-black scene was ammo for many a naughty escapade and gave me confidence that you could break the rules- even if you were a girl.

This question of "Can you write about your parents while they are still alive?" is much on my mind at the moment, so I really enjoyed reading this. I guess it's Ok writing about yourself- once you've realised it's your life, but writing about things you find fascinating in THEIR lives feels a bit more complicated ethically and emotionally. PS your mum looks amazing. Hair like you! Keep writing - I really enjoy your newsletter SXXX

Marianne Power's avatar

and keep writing - I really enjoy yours too! And yes it's more complicated when it's about their lives, there's a lot I haven't written that I'd like to write... and I wonder if they might be more ok with things than we imagine? I don't know. xx

Paula Kavanagh's avatar

Fabulous piece! Thank you. Congratulations on the PB! And so lovely to see your mum’s obvious pride in you 😍

Marianne Power's avatar

Thanks, Paula. She’s been brilliant. Xx

Dominique Afacan's avatar

Love this piece AND the video of your mum and the quote from Glennon Doyle. xxx

Jenny Jacoby's avatar

Brilliant brilliant brilliant xxx

Marianne Power's avatar

Thank you thank you thank you

Emma Thomas's avatar

Gorgeous, you made me shed a tear...

Marianne Power's avatar

Ah thanks, Emma. Xx

Lesley Mulhall's avatar

You write from the heart every time and it always brings a tear. Irish mammies are so unique. ❤️

Marianne Power's avatar

Ah thanks Lesley. Mum’s lines write themselves.

Talia Loderick's avatar

Ahhhh big fan of your writing and hard relate to your relationship with your mum. "Don't you dare embarrass me" is basically what I learned from my Jamaican mother growing up. A message that runs deep to this day.

Marianne Power's avatar

Talia, thank you for reading. Those messages run so deep. It takes time to release them and live our own lives. Xx

Ana Queijo's avatar

Hi Marianne,

You probably know this, but lots of adults stress with the relationship they have with their parents, how it affects their decisions and daily life.

So, good on you to realise this! I also there yet and it feels so right.

And I don't love them less!...

Thank you again for you honesty.

Love from Lisbon, Ana

Marianne Power's avatar

Thank you, Ana.

Love to you in Lisbon. Mx