Read...
Read about history and philosophy and prose.
Read mysteries, novels, fiction and who knows
you may love this reading and all that it holds
good things for your mind
great things for your soul.
Read sonnets and love poems and
give them away to people you love on a random day.
Read in the spring in a warm sunny place,
on a bench by a lake ,
on the beach,
or in a swing.
Read in the winter when there's not much to do,
grab a book and a blanket and coffee fresh brewed.
Read to the children famous nursery rhymes
and to the elderly in nursing homes who have too much silent time.
Read things that inspire and stir up your heart read stories of courage when yours falls apart.
Read scripture and prayers,
read of faith and hold on.
Read of truth and endurance when the whole world seems wrong.
Read of love that survives and strength that prevails.
Let your dreams take flight let your thoughts set sail.
You may love this reading
and all that it holds
good things for your mind
great things for your soul.
by COHolley

 

When I went to the Library to check out the book "Moby Dick" the librarian walked me over to the book shelf and pulled out a tiny paperback book and said " this one was donated, there is no return date on it, keep it until you are through with it" I don't suppose I looked like a "real" reader...someone who is passionate about books.
Who would except such a classic in a tiny paperback form? Its like asking a true southerner if they would like plain tea or sweet tea, at which point I gave her just such a look ...and asked don't you have a larger volume? She handed me the wonderfully large hardback book that made my passion for books smile like Sunday Morning. I would have never chosen this book had it not been for my son and we are both enjoying reading it. The writer Herman Melville is genius. It is a real adventure that you can step away from the computer with and hold in your hands and turn the pages anxiously awaiting what is to come. Reading the classics is a gift to yourself.

Books and Roses. Two different venuse but they both are like a melody to the heart. One is like a gentle warm Bass that gathers you up and rocks you like a front porch swing and the other is like a melody that dances on a gentle breeze and comes to rest on your cheek like a kiss from someone that you love.

Today I was sitting at my computer and I heard conversation approaching my house...it became louder and louder the closer it got to my front door. A smile started to appear across my face. I knew exactly who its was, you see, these same two delightful african american ladies come to my door every so often. They tap tap tap gently on the door their conversation is always louder than the tapping and they never skip a beat, eager to get to the next point that needs to be said. They never look at the door to see me peeking out of the lifted blind, they are busy discussing things and mingling their verbal intentions with " you know that's right!" , tilting the head and raising the eyebrows before saying "well, I'm tellin' you" . Their presence is always brief, they never knock twice and like a dance they do from memory they walk off to the next house still talking and enjoying each others company. Always left behind is a reminder of my salvation that they tucked in the door that usually falls out with the first gentle wind and finds a place along the seasonal flowers at my entrance.
If I ever answer the door I suppose they will mark me off their list and I would miss hearing them coming towards my door and I would miss experiencing the excitement they have for each others company. These two dear ladies will never know the joy they bring to unopened doors. What sweet spirits they are. When your heart is set on good intentions you leave blessing trailing behind you like ribbons in the wind. When God calls just go.....He's working , you may not always see the results.

Beauty fades, and its important to have something in your spirit that can shine through and take its place.. The eyes of people favor the beautiful but the heart of people favors the kind. I can only hope to be something of value to behold when all is said and done.