Mary Erle's Common Place Book

      I found this  poem in the newspaper today and I was reminded of my best friend whom we laid to rest and was overwhelmed with grief. Alison was such an incredible person and she did not deserve to die in the way that she did. That terrible sickness snuck up on her and sucked the life right out of her. I blame that horrible Dr. Dunlop and that wretched girl he dragged into his and Alison's relationship. There was always something wrong with that girl, I knew it from the moment I saw her face down in that hospital bed. And Dr. Dunlop, he should be punished for what…

     Today I again received the unsettling news that my art has not been selected by the Royal Academy. It is disheartening because I spent six long months working on my submission, and I aspire so greatly to become a prosperous artist. As I walked up to the office to look at the names all I could imagine was mailing Vincent and telling him the wonderful news. How glad he would be for me, surely he would come home immediately to share in my excitement. In my disappointment, I took a walk and ended up at The British Museum. They have the most beautiful pieces of art there,…

     Today has been a very difficult day. Today we buried my father in his final resting place in Highgate following my rather draining week as I mailed my father’s colleagues and informed them of the tragic news. After losing my mother so early I thought God would give me more time with my dearest father. He was my greatest inspiration. I will never forget the long days spent with him as he worked on his research, yet I am grateful he was able to finish all of his work on his book before he passed and that I was able to be around for it. I worry as we move forward in our…