Reading truly inspires writing

I have wondered today about the fact that I love history. I'm reading Agatha Christie's autobiography. It is full of history from a first-hand look. What I'm wondering about is the fact that I never talked to my own grandmother about history that she lived through. We were talking about things I found funny and interesting in Mrs. Christie's book. Then I told how my grandmother quit school because of the great depression. I don't know if that's why or exactly the whole story. Counting my grandmother would have been 6 in the great depression. At least, at the start of it. Obviously, I need more details. I wonder how many times we miss perfect opportunties as writers. I love watching people, but I hardly use them for my writing. I believe that is where I make a mistake. My characters would be more alive if I concentrated more on people. I have made the suggestion of people-watching for a weekend activity. The family isn't so game. I believe I'm going to try again. However, that isn't truly my point. I think we take for granted the people in our life. Many have lived through things that we only read about in books. Well, things I read about. I get so engrossed with descriptions of the time period. I never thought that my grandmother could tell me some firsthand events. I only rolled my eyes through her stories. Now I would give anything to hear them again. Now, I will pump my mother. She has endured through some major life events. I don't mean things that we all must cope about, but the events we read about in history books. My mom was alive with the shooting of JFK. She lived with the sensation of the Beattles, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and many others. I am already enjoying the things she shares. Mind you, I do have those choice relatives I never want to speak too, but the good ones are worth the time. I hope I never take advantage of the fine vault of information I can receive.