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Always the Lure... of Books - Part 1
Posted On: 01/18/2021 16:14:41

We’ve said our final farewell to 2020… such a memorable year! Have you kept an updated journal, did as much as possible for yourself, and followed the rules as best you could? Have you remembered to have a thankful heart when you wake up every morning?

We don’t have a big house, but during of weeks of ‘isolation’, I started to visit the room at the end of the hall that isn’t used very much, except to stash items that I won’t often need or even look at. It is our ‘Library’, initially intended to be my office. It’s a nice room, has a couple of comfortable chairs and a TV that isn’t hooked up now. The closet was “converted” to a small desk, but not big enough to accommodate the stuff that I like to have within my reach when I’m using my computer. During our times of “isolation", and trying to entertain myself during the day, I decided to try and tidy our collection of books and music. Even though I now prefer to read on my tablet, Kobo reader, or computer because of the challenges of my “senior” vision, many of the titles brought back wonderful memories of past delights. I’ve never been much of a fan of fiction novels, but delight in personal life experiences written and published by gifted authors who can be referred to as ‘word-smiths’!

Because I enjoy good humor (without the use of common ‘4-letter’ expletives), I spotted a collection of books by Erma Brombeck, such as ‘The Grass Is Always Greener Over The Septic Tank’. That was a prize, being that we were new to ‘country living’ without the services of city utilities. I have several books by Peter Jenkins, best known for his first book (I think), titled ‘A Walk Across America’, followed by ‘A Walk West’ and ‘The Road Unseen’. I’ve never been much of a “walker”, preferring to ride whatever mode of transportation was available, so to look at the world through Peter Jenkin’s eyes was a real treat. A series of books (‘All Things Bright & Beautiful’, ‘All Things Great & Small’, and ‘All Things Wise & Wonderful’ ) by the animal veterinarian, James Herriott, became even more special when we were able to visit his clinic in Thirsk, England. We were also introduced to Michael Palin while travelling, and have collected several of his travel picture books, including ‘The New Europe’, that are now great reminders of places that we have been privileged to visit in person, or still have in our “Bucket List”. Being a “Royalist” most of my life, my collection of table-top books on the Royal Family has overflown to a cardboard box in the storage garage. My husband enjoys biographies, and anything that supports his two major hobbies… vintage tractors and collectible telephones.

A large section in our library covers meaningful subjects in our spiritual journey, by authors you may recognize. Lee Strobel, started his series of books with ‘A Case for Christ’, Donald Miller wrote ‘Blue Jazz’, and an early book by Phillip Yancy is ‘What’s So Amazing About Grace?’. We also have books by C.S. Lewis, Max Lucado, Josh McDowel, and Brian McLaren… all with thought-provoking and challenging topics.

I’ve written enough for this week, and will be working on Part 2 for next week, or whenever I am able to be here on The Hill. In the meantime, be well... stay safe... and remember to be thankful.

Life could be a lot worse!

Tags: Books Travel Library Collections



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Viewing 1 - 10 out of 10 Comments

01/22/2021 20:34:33

I knew we were kindred spirits.  I have also read and treasured several of the books and the authors you have named.  I will wait until part two to find out who else we have shared.  Thank you for sharing a peek into the treasures.  I will be looking up the ones I do not recongnize.  I remember Erma for sure.  My mother and grandmother never missed her TV show, her radio show, her column, or one of her books.  She was truly funny about everyday things.  You already know how much I enjoy the funny side of anything.  Love the blog.



01/21/2021 22:42:30


Beth777 wrote:
...

... Thanks again for sharing your blog on books. ♥ 

Thanks so much for your comment, and your suggestion. I have a feeling that my husband had read that book. Being a 'Royalist', I still have the scrapbook that I made with newspaper clippings and pictures of Queen Elizabeth's Wedding and the Coronation. It has been well preserved in a box of our storeroom. 



01/21/2021 22:34:05


refid wrote:

... Unfortunately I have frequent migraines., and they don't let me live my life to the fullest...so that is why I stopped writing.

I do remember when you did some writing. I'm sorry that you have the continuing health challenge, but I'm always happy to see you online. Thank you for your friendship and your comments.



01/21/2021 22:31:24


rsise wrote:

I enjoy Erma Bombeck and James Herriott, too. Growing up I remember Bombeck having a regular piece in a local paper. I would read that even before Dear Abby! lol

I was like you... Erma got my attention even before checking out the comic page. Thanks for your comment.



01/20/2021 08:12:34

Hi Mona, enjoyed your blog as always. Yes indeed, we should all be thankful each day.  I was privileged to know an older gentleman through my job at the bank. He was barely literate and often needed help filling out a deposit slip.  Each time I greeted him with good morning, how are you? His reply was always "I'm gonna be thankful."   He'll never know how that simple phrase blessed me each time he said it.  

I too, am a devoted bibliophile, there's your big word for the day. haha. I do enjoy fiction but will read just about any book as long as the subject matter is of interest to me.  Thank goodness for my kindle because as you said, age related vision issues have made it difficult to read regular or small size print.   My local library has a leave one/get one book program and I love that idea.  You bring a book from home that you can donate and you take one of theirs to keep.   

I remember Erma Bombeck's column fondly that appeared in our local paper.  She was so funny and her columns always brought a smile.  If you enjoy biographies, might I suggest Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival.  The author is Laura Hillenbrand.  It inspired me in so many ways!

  I find the Royal family quite interesting as well and am a fan of The Crown on Netflix, which begins with young Elizabeth's coronation and goes forward from there.  

Thanks again for sharing your blog on books. ♥




01/19/2021 11:34:41

Thanks for letting us know, wonderful writing. Right, things could be worse, we have to praise the Lord for what we have,,,

Unfortunately I have frequent migraines., and they don't let me live my life to the fullest...so that is why I stopped writing.



01/19/2021 09:30:16


nightfall wrote:

Some great books you mentioned above. I love Erma Brombeck. Her view on life is so humorous. I've also read the James Herriott books you mentioned. It was a long time ago so now I will have to track down those books from my library.

Thanks so much for your comments... My husband's father was raised in the same area as James Herriot, and had his papers in Animal Husbandry (before a veterinarian). The Herriot books gave an insight to our family.



01/19/2021 04:19:09

Some great books you mentioned above. I love Erma Brombeck. Her view on life is so humorous. I've also read the James Herriott books you mentioned. It was a long time ago so now I will have to track down those books from my library.



01/18/2021 22:16:19


momtocam wrote:

Thanks Mona..always a delight to read your blogs. I've gotten tons of books scattered around my house. Some are even stored outside in our shed. I've been an avid reader since grade school..will turn 59 this year. My prayer is one day we can add on to our home or either sell this house and buy a bigger place..thus allowing me a room for just a library of sorts. New year, new beginnings, and yet, a new time to be thankful and yes, remember things could be worse...Hugs -:) Lisa NC

Thanks, Lisa, for your comments. I'm beginning to think that we have to 're-discover' treasures in our own home; things that we've forgotten that we have. I feel sorry for those who think that they have to complain or criticize many things. I discovered a new delight in things that I have taken for granted. I keep telling myself to enjoy each day as best I can.



01/18/2021 19:03:01

Thanks Mona..always a delight to read your blogs. I've gotten tons of books scattered around my house. Some are even stored outside in our shed. I've been an avid reader since grade school..will turn 59 this year. My prayer is one day we can add on to our home or either sell this house and buy a bigger place..thus allowing me a room for just a library of sorts. New year, new beginnings, and yet, a new time to be thankful and yes, remember things could be worse...Hugs -:) Lisa NC




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