For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you.
Anne Lamott
I am fortunate to have a beautiful good friend who captures thoughts like these and keeps them together "for Fiona" and then sends them on. She knows so well what moves me and makes me think; and makes me smile.
I received this one this week and loved it. We ran away for a few days - a mini-break to re-charge our batteries - and I received it whilst we were up the coast. It made me smile because the one thing we did before leaving was go to one of the secondhand bookshops in town and buy 7 books just to be sure we would be OK whilst we were away. On top of the 3 or 4 other books we had as options - for three days away!
The other thing we packed was wine - says a lot really, but we felt prepared for the worst the weather might throw at us!
I really loved the description of small, flat, rigid squares of paper - so true so simple yet I've never thought of books that way. What she goes on to say about the unfolding worlds rings true, and is a source of ever-wonderment to me; that so many folk can put so many thoughts down in such a way that we are carried away to different worlds.
And that books can make you cry, fear, get fired up, laugh out loud, smile quietly to yourself - that ability to move people is one of their greatest gifts. To take us out of our world and our understandings and show us other places and other ways.
Anne Lamott
I am fortunate to have a beautiful good friend who captures thoughts like these and keeps them together "for Fiona" and then sends them on. She knows so well what moves me and makes me think; and makes me smile.
I received this one this week and loved it. We ran away for a few days - a mini-break to re-charge our batteries - and I received it whilst we were up the coast. It made me smile because the one thing we did before leaving was go to one of the secondhand bookshops in town and buy 7 books just to be sure we would be OK whilst we were away. On top of the 3 or 4 other books we had as options - for three days away!
The other thing we packed was wine - says a lot really, but we felt prepared for the worst the weather might throw at us!
I really loved the description of small, flat, rigid squares of paper - so true so simple yet I've never thought of books that way. What she goes on to say about the unfolding worlds rings true, and is a source of ever-wonderment to me; that so many folk can put so many thoughts down in such a way that we are carried away to different worlds.
And that books can make you cry, fear, get fired up, laugh out loud, smile quietly to yourself - that ability to move people is one of their greatest gifts. To take us out of our world and our understandings and show us other places and other ways.
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| ©2008 Fiona Dempster Ancora Imparo - I am still learning |
Good morning Fiona, Anne Lamott is one of my favorite authors and I have read her book BIRD BY BIRD twice...
ReplyDeleteand I also copied out a LOT of quotes from that book.. I hope you are having/had a wonderful refreshing break... with wine of course!
Books, time away, wine, your best friend along too...what could be better.
ReplyDeleteAs always a great quote, and a post that resonates with me. I just love a few chosen words strung together in an interesting way. Enjoy the break, and the wine.
ReplyDeleteStack of books, crate of wine, good company......sounds like a recipe for a great trip!
ReplyDeleteIt's good there are still so many of us out there who feel this way about books as physical beings, as worlds to unfold. Sometimes I look at my shelves and think there are so many options, how amazing that if I set aside a few hours I can be transported to so many different places, and be filled with such different emotions depending on the book I choose! Just having them there for the choosing is a joy.
ReplyDeleteAah yes.... books, wine, quiet time with someone you love.... what more could one ask for. And now I am pondering upon the many books that have been able to sing to me, comfort and quiet or excite me.
ReplyDeleteThanks all - so true that with good books, good company, good wine the world is a better place!
ReplyDeleteDonna - she looks like an interesting author, so I will follow up.
Leslie - got it in one!
Jo - yes, words strung together can be tantalising...
Yes Annie - it's a good start and should see one thru!
G/TT - so true about that transportability factor of book; it's a constant source of amazement to me how words written by other engage with our brains such that we feel carried away - a wonder indeed!
Robyn - so true. I don't need much more than that, and like you, its interesting to reflect and ponder on those books that grabbed you, changed you, made you smile...