I Love Books

I love to read books. I even love to see and feel books. That is why the thought of going to a Kindle isn't very appealing to me (yet). There are several bookshelves in our home that overflow with all kinds of books. I usually have at least three or four books sitting on the small table by my bed. I have belonged to a book club for eight years. It's called Serendipity and was started in 2002. In all those years, I have only missed one meeting, and that was due to traveling (which I consider a great reason to miss book club). We meet once a month at each other's homes, have wine and dessert and discuss our study questions on the monthly selection.

Through reading books, I have learned so much about life, other cultures, new words and ideas, and myself. There are certain books that can transport me, especially ones that are set in the late 1880s to early 1900s. I can actually feel myself going back and when I am done reading, I have to come back to reality almost like time traveling.

Thoughts for the day: A House without books is like a room without windows. Heinrich Mann

Books are the bees that bring the quickening pollen from one to another mind. James Russell Lowell

Tis a Gift to Be Simple

We just returned last night from a visit to Amish Country. My fascination with the Amish actually began as a young girl. I remember asking my dad if I could be Amish to which he replied, "you have to be born Amish." My interest was renewed when Brian and I married. One of his first gifts to me was a book called Among The Amish. We then visited Long Prairie, MN and eventually our interest brought us to Harmony, MN..Cashton, WI...Canton, OH...and Shipshewana, IN. I think much of it has to do with the idea that a group of people could actually adhere to this lifestyle for such a long period of time. I'm not naive to the pitfalls of their existence such as shunning, lack of hygiene, etc. However, as with any group of human beings, there are good and bad manifestations. I feel such peace when I'm among them that it's often quite a culture shock to come back to reality. I totally understand how not having automobiles, televisions, and electricity can keep families and communities more connected.

So since I can't be Amish, I will just have to continue to visit their communities as much as possible.

Thought for the day: Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity. I say, let your affairs be as two or three, not a hundred or a thousand.... Simplify, simplify. Henry David Thoreau