Books change lives
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The joys of reading
“The best moments in reading are when you come across something – a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things – which you had thought special and particular to you. Now here it is, set down by someone else, a person you have never met, someone even who is long dead. And it is as if a hand has come out and taken yours.” ~Alan Bennett, The History Boys I’m a lucky reader with an active book club in my own neighborhood. Once a month, I get to walk down the street or around the corner to a friend’s home to discuss a novel or memoir that I might…
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Celebrating freedom
“Lock up your libraries if you like; but there is no gate, no lock, no bolt, that you can set upon the freedom of my mind.” ~Virginia Woolf, A Room of One’s Own Wishing you a safe and happy Independence Day with time to reflect on all the rights, privileges, and freedoms you cherish and never take for granted. What freedoms do you value most? ~CL
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Reading
“Reading is a discount ticket to everywhere.” ~Mary Schmich, journalist Today’s quote reminds us that anyone who loves to read is a fellow traveler. Reading opens us to new worlds and ideas — just as touring a foreign country introduces us to different scenery and culture. Likewise, reading a good novel, biography or memoir can coax us out of self-absorption or loneliness — and away from our worries. If you’re stuck in a waiting room, for instance, a good book or magazine will help you pass the time. And as any book club member will agree, books are wonderful conversation starters. Why not visit your local library or book store…
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There’s a word for it
“When we love someone, we share things with words. We share poems. We share songs. We share our favorite books. Because if we can make enough language bridges between the two of us, our hearts and minds will begin to know each other better.” ~Martha Beck Cleaning out my desk last week, I ran across several folders stuffed with old greeting cards, notes, and letters. Some were from friends and family. There were Mother’s Day tributes from my son, letters of comfort sent after my mother died, Valentines from my husband, thank-you notes from friends. Another file contained encouraging letters from readers of my early newspaper columns — some typed,…
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Women need a break
“By and large, mothers and housewives are the only workers who do not have regular time off. They are the great vacationless class.” ~Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gift from the Sea Universities across the country are gearing up for spring break — some as early as the first week of March. While I have no plans for a beach getaway next week, just reading the words “spring break” makes me want to sniff a bottle of coconut oil. Few people need a vacation more than caregivers and moms with young kids. In Metro Parent, I shared a memory of my visit to Captiva Island, where Anne Morrow Lindbergh wrote her classic seaside…
