It is when events continue to replay over and over in the mind like a TV rerun and they cannot turn it off...
If I feel edgy, overwhelmed or stressed I go for a walk.
Walking is very helpful when gaining perspective on a situation that is evolving and needs to be addressed.
More often than not these things just slip away on their own as the walk progresses and are quickly forgotten.
How much time does one want to waste trying to figure out what could have been said when a rude or ill mannered person takes a liberty that ruffles one's feathers?
Have you noticed how manners have all but disappeared?
Simple everyday kindness, pleasantries and greetings have been replaced by people staring into their Smart Phones.
I think we need an app for manners...perhaps there is one, I wouldn't know, but honestly people can we not pry our eyes away long enough to be polite, perhaps smile and greet each other?
I am slightly miffed when I see a group of people sharing a meal together and all of them are busy texting.
Are they texting with each other instead of chatting?
It's a little thing but it kind of makes me crazy!
Walking helps me let things go...
I take my IPhone on my walks but I bring it along so I can take pictures for the blog...
I am not busy texting.
Do you make time for a quiet bit of reading each day even when you're busy?
I neglected my love of books when I was extra busy at school...
even though I was promoting them through my job I was not heeding my own advice!
Books have become a big part of my daily routine than when I worked as I now have the luxury of time.
Surprisingly I have started reading genres that I would have never gravitated to until recently...
Louise Penny was a fortuitous discovery and one that has delighted me no end.
Books can transport us to exotic locations, educate us, shock or enlighten, bring us to tears in rapture and joy as well hobble us with despair as the bitter taste of our tears spill forth in sadness.
The local branch of the public library has been a godsend.
Reading good books without having to invest in every book that one wants to read makes so much sense.
The online site showcases new book titles and allows you to reserve books even before they are in circulation so one needn't miss out on what is new.
Researching authors is so easy now that most have their own sites and many are on facebook.
Award winning novels are listed by the prize titles Orange, Booker, Governor General, Pulitzer, Giller, Canada Reads, as well as by country and by year.
Having worked in school libraries for many years I suppose it is natural that I am so passionate about books and it surprises me that many people do not enjoy reading.
Fostering a Love of literature starts early...with bedtime stories.
Parents, nannies, care givers and grandparents all play a part.
Pick up a book and read to those wee ones...
or read to a shut in or someone who is in hospital.
It's such a simple thing to do and such a lovely way to pass the time.
I am not sure that I can envision life without books...
but then again why would I want to?
Stepping off the soap box now...
Who are your favourite authors?
What are you reading?
(other than my blog post)
I need to go for a walk and let these thoughts wash away as gentle as the ocean breeze on this glorious morning.
Be Present in the moment and savour today's gifts.
Hostess
48 comments:
Do you find you still finish all the books you read? That's the one thing I notice has changed for me. If I don't find a book compelling, I'll just put it down. I never used to do that, always soldiering on to the end. I wonder, is it age or is it Internet-brain?
This is a lovely post. You can stay on the soap box ... You say it all with such grace. I also walk daily, often twice a day. It has brought healing to my body and soul. I take my iphone with me for safety. I have a maltese and sadly we have been attacked.
I so agree about the lack of kindness. I do wonder if FB, IG, twitter, etc is making us more selfish and self focused? Even blogging. I am currently taking a rest from it and turned my comments off because some of them are wounding.
After 15 yrs home educating my children and engrossed in books daily, I now have the freedom to just read for me and so I have been reading all of the Jane Austin books. I am currently reading Emma. My daughter is an honors English major at UC Berkeley and loves books and the written word on paper! She was the editor in chief of the campus newspaper and I am grateful to know that she will advocate for books and the newspaper and journals, etc to never disappear!
Your photos on your walk are so peaceful. Thank you for sharing your heart. xxo Kerrie
I love those rock gardens. Yes, walking is an excellent way to let those "tape loop" thoughts roll away. I never have the kind of time I'd like to read, but try to carve out at least a couple of hours each week for another few chapters.
I did the guided walk today in Devon (8 miles!!!). Last night, at dinner I met another retired teacher-librarian from B.C. What a small world! I can not imagine a world without reading. Right now, I am reading a book that I picked up in St. Ives about a London woman who moves to Cornwall. It's called Home To Roost. I always like to read local books when I visit a region. Do you ever read Goodreads or Book News? I have found so many new titles on literary websites.
Isn't it great when you no longer need to replay tapes in your head? Have a good walk!
Your blog is so comforting to read! As a mother of two small children (7 and 5), finding time to read can be difficult but as my kids get older it is becoming a wee bit easier. However, I have realized recently how much I missed it and how for me it really is about self-care to make time for reading. It helps me feel a bit more balanced, in touch with myself and a better wife and mother when I do make time for the things that nourish me. Walks fit into that category as well! I'm learning to push the guilty feeings away when I do these things because I know that I (and my family) are better for it when I do make the time to do them. Helen
I'm a big reader. I just finished The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt; wonderful! I like the mystery series by Elizabeth George and Deborah Crombie. Also the works of Kate Atkinson.
I can't imagine life without books. There's always a few on the go around here. Just now it's Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, Mastering the Art of French Eating by Ann Mah, and I just finished four mysteries by Agatha Christie - ones that I had not previously read.
Walking is a wonderful way to release stress. I've even read that walkers return home smarter (more able to perform on tests) than non-walkers. Perhaps this summer we can meet for a walk somewhere.
Interesting - I probably only finish half the books I start reading (or less) - if they're not compelling, I don't want to be bothered at this age, wasting my time slogging though. Honestly I think I give a book about 30- 50 pages at the most, and if I'm not engrossed, I give it away.
Wonderful post and I also find this constant texting going on around me irritating. When we go out to dinner, we often see other couples at a table not talking, but just looking and tapping on their phones! A resort we go to fairly often has one pool where no cell phones are allowed and I must say I relax more, when others aren't on them, and I don't hear that constant noise of texts being returned. I am reading more now than I had for awhile. I loved The Goldfinch, re-read One Hundred Years of Solitude after GMM's death, and am now reading the new Anna Quindlen bok "Still Life with Bread Crumbs" which I am enjoying. I also knit for relaxation, and walk and swim laps - like meditation for me, and definitely quiets that "busy brain" business.
With all the great books out there if a book does not grab me or hold my interest i do not waste any time struggling to get through it! I found Weird Sisters to be odd and donated it after only 3 chapters! (it could be our age!)
Hi Kerrie,
I am saddened and distressed to hear that you have been attacked while walking. I applaud you for pressing on despite this unpleasant experience.
Jane Austin was such a gifted writer...I love her books too and you have obviously passed on your love of books to your daughter!
Tape loop sounds much more accurate a term...if memory serves you work in television or the film making industry so I defer to you Pseu!
I have not spent any time on Goodreads or Book News...both good tips thank you Madame. Your walk must have been picturesque and invigourating long that scenic coastline...Home to Roost sounds like a book both Mother and I would enjoy. I'll see if I can reserve that at the library.
Hi Helen,
You are living in a very busy time of life...there is so much to do as a parent.
I read mostly children's books when my two were young!
I think that book clubs are marvelous for busy people as it "forces" you to make the time to read...I have yet to join a club but may reconsider if the opportunity arises.
I appreciate your comment as I know how important it is to take care of yourself in order to be able to give to those who depend on you.
Learning to push guilt away is a brilliant skill...keep up the good work Helen!
I am about to achieve a life goal--I am on volume 7 of Proust's A La Recherche....I started about a year ago. Next, I will re-read Moby-Dick, which was wasted on me back in college. My husband is quite expert on both Proust and Melville (strange duo!) so I have an in-house guide who can answer all my questions. I'm trying to get him to read a few of the "classics" I teach.
Dear hostess
Do read The Razor's Edge for Danni B P 's book reading 31 May it's a ripping good story and so easy to read and very thought provoking.
You might enjoy the gentle and charming books by Alexander McCall Smith (the Number 1 detective agency et al) he is easy to read and has written many different series of books.
I wonder too if you might enjoy Elly Griffiths. She is writing a series of books about Ruth Galloway who is a most likeable protagonist with some fascinating characters in her books. In fact I am sure you would like her books.
Sue
Busy brain. That nails it. It usually happens about 3am.
Kathleen
I, too, walk, garden and read for peace of mind. I have always been an avid reader and I read at a literary level that satisfies me. That is, I don't read "beach books". I think it's great if others do! I read and reread classics, non-fiction, plays (esp. Shakespeare) and poetry. Some really good mystery or detective books, sometimes... I really cannot sleep without a good-night story!
I love books and always have. I can remember being in fourth grade bicycling to the base library at least once a week to get books and then struggling back up the hill with my basket full. I have eclectic taste in literature, but among my favorite authors are Amy Tan, Anne Tyler, Doris Kearns Goodwin (for excellent works of history) and, recently, Sue Monk Kidd.
I've read Donna Tartt's first novel and most of Kate Atkinson's books which are quirky and charming.
A walk sounds delightful...Pondside might like to join us too as she is an avid walker.
I met up for tea with a friend who is also reading Anna's new book...I must add it to my list. I loved to swim laps but the pool where I used to go was an ozone friendly pool and now is so heavily chlorinated I stopped going.
I think it is quite interesting that a pool would be cell phone free....like the old days when pools were smoke free!
Proust! I am impressed.
I popped by and saw that Dani was reading that novel...I have my nose firmly planted in another book right now but if I can pry myself away I may join in as it does sound like fun!
Oh I have had some of those "wake up calls" too...I find them so annoying.
That's when I use some Yoga breathing techniques...
I like to mix up my reading too and a few beach books do find their way into my hands especially in summer....books on french life and style, the classics, it's all a jumble of styles.
I wonder if you like Sue Monk Kidd if you'd like Gail Anderson-Dargatz...she is a local writer and I have enjoyed her books.
I taught myself how to read when I was four...since then books have always been a huge part of my life, for learning skills, acquiring knowledge, and for enjoyment. My favorite place to go is my library and I am very fortunate to have a great one! It is hard for me to understand people who don't like to read...they are missing so much.
Lovely post. Texting drives me crazy also (I live with a teenager, need I say more?). I used to spend my bus ride home from work catching up on texts and emails and it didn't allow me to 'wind down' so I've consciously stopped. As for books, I just finished reading Anne Marie MacDonald's 'Fall on Your Knees'. I thought it was a good read-dark in a lot of ways (about family secrets) and thought provoking. I am now reading Andrew Davidson's The Gargoyle. Just started it. My favourite author for awhile now has been Wally Lamb. Lovely picks from your walk!
I confess I have no idea how to text, to take download or post to Instagram, on my iphone.
As a new entrepreneur,that's a bad thing, so I'm planning to hire someone to teach me.
I'm a supporter of books, and although I do have a Kindle ( authors make more money from Kindle sales) I will never give up collecting books. I specifically built a library in our house, so my "friends" would have a home. I only wish it were large enough; to not have to sacrifice a comfy reading chair for a ladder.
One day I realized that I didn't need to finish a book that I wasn't enjoying. Then I wondered what took me so long to reach this epiphany!!
Me too! i've tried and failed many times before.
I do enjoy your blog though I usually have little to contribute in the way of comments (I am sure you have hundreds of delighted reader just like me) but I do enjoy books.
I had a miss-spent youth reading mostly best sellers so missed out on many of the older authors! These days I’m catching up on the works of Anthony Trollope and find old, very small hardback editions in the charity shops and these are the ideal size and weight to take with me on the train.
My favourite author is Anita Brookner though she is not prolific and is getting older so may not write for much longer. I ration myself to one of her novels each year.
I hope your doubts about the value of your blog have gone away with the remnants of your nasty infection/ virus and you’ll continue to please your readership with snapshots of your life. Thank you so much.
Juliet, Thames Valley UK
I love to go for a walk to clear my mind too, pretty gardens are a good distraction, although it is not as lovely where we live as your district.
I belong to the local library and use it well, only buying books on amazon for my reader when they are on special as in Australia/NZ we have to pay 3-4 times the price they get offered to US and Canadian readers. My budget doesn't stretch to books anymore, and I was glad to downsize and give away the ones I had.
Do you belong to goodreads? I find that many of my friends recommend so many good books and I like to read skrishnasbooks.com for contemporary recommendations and http://www.passagestothepast.com/ to look at upcoming historical novels. There are so many good books out there at the moment, spending an afternoon at the library is always fun.
Julie Q
Thank you for the suggestion. I will check out her books.
It's been awhile since I read Lamb's and MacDonald's books but they are very well executed works. Must investigate The Gargoyle...have you read any Kate Morton? She has several novels and they are quite popular and are set in and around lovely homes and gardens.
It's true...I feel the same way now!
Your book room sounds vast!
I had to learn to text as it is the way my adult children communicate...I found taking pics on the IPhone easy once you do it you'll be hooked! I rarely take my camera with me anymore.
Love to read and hold a real book, my husband reads books mostly on his IPad.
Reading popular authors in your youth does not seem like a waste to me...there are the classics which have stood the test of time and are easy to find in second hand shops and libraries...I have read Brookner...didn't she write that lovely and evocative Hotel du Lac?
The comment gave me cause to pause and reflect and I think it helped me more than hurt me...surprising how things like that can be good for one's growth.
I meant to add too that "a lively sewing group" sounds like fun!
Hi Poppy Q,
Why is it that everything is so expensive in Australia? I read several blogs from women who regularly comment on the high cost of food, magazines, books and fashion. What do you think?
Libraries, books sales and thrift shops are where I get most of my books since retiring...our bungalow is so small that there is little space for book storage anyway. Thank you for mentioning those three sites...will check them out!
What a beautiful photo - I love all the laburnum out in our part of the world right now. And such a lovely post too! As a GVPL employee it's always nice to read nice things about the library! I just started Molly Wizenberg's new memoir called Delancey. I'm a fan of her blog (Orangette) and her restaurant in Seattle (same name as the book), so it's fun to get the backstory. Also very much enjoying A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki.
Rebecca
Hi Rebecca,
I popped over to read a few of your blog posts and see that we live in the same city. It's always nice to read another local blog!
I read Molly's first book and have read her blog, I'd love to eat at her restaurant!
Thank you for your book suggestions.
Oh, I adore Louise Penny's books, too, and I'm eagerly awaiting her next one! I read in an earlier comment that you read "real" books, not on a Kindle or iPad, but I'm loving getting free e-books from my library through Overdrive.com. I read 10-12 books a month, and it adds up when I buy them from Amazon, so free books are a happy thing! Another plus -- when I travel, I can download a new book as soon as I finish one, without having to lug along several books!
I like the "busy brain" comment. I often have that trouble. Your description is so apt. You have such good ideas.
I have terrible busy brain. I read to quiet my mind at night but need to get out walking more. Thanks for the reminder.
Glorious photos . . . would love to know the name of the tree in yellow . . . Oh my, what I site.
I couldn't agree more . . . people are becoming controlled by a cell phone and missing delicious warmth and sharing . . . A walk each day serves us perfectly . . . and calms the soul . . .
Lovely post and good thoughts - as well as fabulous photos. I know what you mean about manners - yesterday a friend and I were entering a store, both of us obviously "of a certain age", and 8 healthy young people came rushing through the door - not a one of them considered that it would have made our walk more pleasant if they would have backed up a little and held the door for us.
After the last one was through the door my friend said - in a very sweet voice, thank you all for holding the door for us. 8 heads swiveled around and looked at us - we smiled - some of them looked embarrassed. Maybe a sweet reminder will help them to think the next time they are rushing about - and besides - one day they will be "us" - waiting patiently to enter and hopefully the young people at that time will hold doors for others.
A good walk is a wonderful way to clear the mind - even today in our lovely spring rain - wash away the cobwebs and fill us with the wonder of nature.
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