Welcome to Elder Muse

The narrative, poetry, prose is all memorable. Buy it, read it, learn.

Aviyah, am blessed to be one of your dear friends. My words can barely touch the span of emotions I felt while reading your book. Thought I’d share on Amazon exactly what I shared with you -

“There were so many pieces of your book that I just loved. So many I loved because it was purely you. So many I loved because I saw me in you.

Others, a bit plain; like a quiet resting point between the profound.

This is the first book I have been able to read since Ted passed away ( 2 hrs ago) and will be remembered as a stepping stone toward life.

I love you!!!! ❤️

The author's courage, strength and insight presented in journal form and spanning a number of years imparts deep and sometimes very personal insight to the reader. It demonstrates that no matter how traumatic and overwhelming our grief, it is possible to "Choose Life." While reading, we join the author on her journey. She articulates how sometimes seemingly insignificant events in our lives and brief glimpses at memories can direct us to acceptance and ultimately joy. I did not intend to read it in one sitting, but couldn't put it down. Beautifully written.

I was plunged into the world of hopeful despair that consumed the writer after the death of her wife of 18 years. Writer Mary Aviyah Farkas uses language and metaphors masterfully to convey pain, anger and joy The mixture of poetry and prose makes for a fascinating read. I particularly enjoyed her explanation of the jars that Margaret kept and how the author relates to them after Margaret died. By taking us through the intricate workings of her mind, the reader experiences her grief and her coping mechanisms. Her dry sense of humor is peppered throughout. An example is her passage about gardening—“Any working with my hands (gloved, thank you)” or “the inflamed muscles yelling at me.” She beautifully describes where she receives joy, helping the reader learn by example. “I get joy talking with my friends. They feed my mind, they feed my heart and soul.” This book gives us the spiritual ammunition to cope with the last remnants our tired world.

Reading Aviyah Farkas' book is like being held in the arms of Love and Faith. She is a passionate and compassionate writer. She reminds me again and again, be grateful for your life, be generous to yourself and to all living beings you encounter. This book is a gift. Read it.

A moving chronicle of one woman's difficult journey from grief to acceptance. Should be helpful to those who've suffered grievous loss, therapists, social workers and staff at hospice centers.

Beautifully written and inspirational. The personal revelations and wisdom shared by this author helped me immensely to deal with my own losses and road-blocks.

I am loving this book. I have gained many nuggets of wisdom, from reading this heartfelt autobiography. I really connected to the author’s journey, and I highly recommend this book.

Overcoming Deepest Grief, A Woman's Journey, Grief, Acceptance, Gratitude and Joy

As I read this beautiful story I felt the love Aviyah had for her partner, for her sister, the deep commitment that she has for her family and all those she cares for. The love she shares for others is written on every page of this important, meaningful book. Thank you so much Aviyah.

By the author's deep spiritual quest for deliverance from layers of profound grief upon grief. It was a cathartic experience for me to be so absorbed in such a personal story.

Highest rating! Ms. Farkas takes us on her long personal journey from her deepest grief over the loss of her wife, dearest sister, and two dear friends to a place of acceptance, gratitude, and joy. Written in a largely chronological style, this book will impact you with a powerful story that one will not soon forget.

This book is about saying Yes to life in the midst of tragedy. Reading and experiencing Aviyah’s writing cracks my heart open. Memories, dreams, and stories resurface about my life and the lives of other dear ones. Thank you, Aviyah, for sharing you and your writing. My life is touched and enriched. This book is wonderful in the first reading and better with each subsequent reading. It is rich with commitment and love and support and enthusiasm for many. I so hope all who are seeking a path through the depths of tragedy find this book.

Not since Sylvia Plath bringing confessional poetry to the forefront have I read a work so poignant, exposing the raw anguish, grief and ultimate joy as Aviyah Farkas leads us in Overcoming Deepest Grief - A Woman's Journey - Grief, Acceptance, Gratitude and Joy. Her journey portrayed in narrative essay, reflection and poetry exposing the trauma, personal loss, self discovery and rebirth finding her uniqueness and path forward offers strength, blossoming to hope. Highly recommended for those transitioning through a life change, dealing with loss and grief and looking to develop gratitude and joy so removed from Ester Greenwood’s alternative in The Bell Jar.

Beautiful beautiful work by the author. Many inspiring ideas to get back to joys of life is refreshing to read especially for those who have suffered a major traumatic life event. Since these ideas are presented in the form of a true life story sprinkled with poetry, making them a very effective communicative tool

I was very touched reading this book, it moved me in so many ways. It was uplifting and sad, to read about finding the author's wife dead, and all she went through. This is a very honest and open story of her life. To be that open about your life, makes Aviyah a hero. I so appreciate this book, it really made a difference in my life. This is a wonderful, spiritual story of someone's walk through life.

This book is a gem: riveting, introspective, intellectual and inspiring. The author's amazing penmanship allows the reader to actually immerse & feel her story speaking from the heart. I could not put it down. This book is a must read!