Spring Reads That Are Meant To Be Shared

"It was not the sea that was cruel, but the people." ~ The Lifeboat

Here's what I'm not: a cook, a house decorator, a runner. Here's what I am: a reader, a novice birder, a lover of the library.  

When Mother's Day arrived on Sunday, the children were quick with hugs and wishes for a fun filled day of reading and birding. I'm blessed with knowing they know me, and they accept and love me as I am. They don't focus on what I'm not - they cherish what makes me their mom. At least, that's my hope.

"Love is the only thing that cannot hurt your neighbor; that is why 

it is the answer to every one of the commandments." ~ Letter of Saint Paul

The library does the same thing - they cherish our individual passions and ideas. Rather than push the latest fashion or agenda, they offer a variety of old and new. I see them as the anti-agenda, a place to escape what others are either wanting or expecting of me. Best of all, the emphasis is on sharing rather than spending. 

"Word by word, the language of women so often begins 

with a whisper." ~ When Women Were Birds

Please share - what borrowed beauty are you reading right now?

xoxo Michele

Why buy happiness when your library shares it. Free music downloads through Freegal.  E-books, audio-books, and digital downloads are at your local library, just visit here or your local library website for complete information.

The Great Gatsby And Guardians Of Greatness

This is a repost from 2011 - perfect for the just released movie.

The Greats

Watch: The Greatest Game Ever Played

Listen: The Great Ella Fitzgerald

Read: The Great Gatsby

Drink: Michael Jackson's Beer Companion

We went to Asheville this past weekend. 

And were inspired by greatness.

   

The grandeur of the mountains.

The beauty of a door.

The majesty of stone.

The craftsmanship of artists.

Asheville has inspired

 aristocrats, activists,

artists and authors

since its inception. 

Photo Courtesy of the Grove Park Inn

Oh, and golf.

The movie is a family favorite.

Okay, it is mine. All mine. Love it. Can quote it.

But I won't. You're welcome.

 I used to play back in the day when I was 

single and carefree. And had spending money.

And a defined waistline.

Now when we go to Asheville, I drink beer.

That doesn't sound too good, does it? They 

have so many great local beers it is hard to choose. 

Michael's beer companion is a trusty guide. 

The Great Gatsby is timely, considering all that is

going on in our big beautiful world. A classic summer read.

And Ella, she is timeless.

 Introduce her to your children today.

The trip would not have been possible without 

these great people, my children's grandparents. 

The Library - guardians of greatness.

xoxo Michele

Where I've Been...And A Few Mother's Day Ideas

I've been everywhere except in front of the computer. Life has been happily rolling along without time for posting. Please forgive me. Last weekend included our local library book sale. Remember how I said I don't buy books unless I've read them first? Well, I make an exception for William Faulkner. Because my brain might surprise me and magically become smart enough to understand his brilliance at any moment. 

Kinda like my oldest, who goes to bed and magically reappears each morning several inches taller. A season of new growth is happening inside and outside of our home. This mama's heart is freshly pondering the mysteries of life and hoping to discover some of its secrets by quietly observing the beauty all around us. This spring feels like a gift; my present is to simply watch with youthful eyes and a curious spirit. It's how we grow.

The Bower Bird

Also, I'm finishing up a great read about Gussie, a (fictional) young girl in need of heart and lung transplant but finds daily joy in the beauty of the natural world around her. Did you know the (factual) male Bower bird will search high and low for blue objects (flowers, buttons, paper, shells, berries, etc.) to decorate his bower in the hopes of wooing a female? Check this out.

My hubby could have saved a lot of money while we were dating and just wooed me all the way to the library. No worries - now we spend less and share more.

Support your local library by sharing their borrowed beauty in honor of Mother's Day - here are a few ideas.

My laptop allotment this month is brief, but you can always find me on Instagram.

xoxo Michele

Why buy happiness when your library shares it. Free music downloads through Freegal.  E-books, audio-books, and digital downloads are at your local library, just visit here or your local library website for complete information.

Borrowing Is Beautiful

Casual Vacancy

Wolf Hall

Bring Up The Bodies

Mountains Beyond Mountains

Strength In What Remains 

Books from the library are meaningful home adornments. The fact that I can change this group of great reads every week without the hassle of a yard sale, or storage space, is what separates the library from any other place on earth. They love to share my favorites, like this one, again and again.

Borrow the beauty. Keep the knowledge. Library.

xoxo Michele

Why buy happiness when your library shares it. Free music downloads through Freegal.  E-books, audio-books, and digital downloads are at your local library, just visit here or your local library website for complete information.