Musings

Musings defined: ponderings, reflections, meditations, contemplations.
I aim to share experiences, past and present, with the goal of learning and appreciating what life presents.

Sunday 22 May 2011

Books, books and more books

The most fun thing I did this week was sort books - all kinds of books, divided into about 25 categories.  Sometimes I felt compelled to read bits of the books to identify their correct category.  Fun.  Or even read bits to other volunteers.  Yes I volunteered to help prepare for the Friends of the Library annual used book sale.  Thousands of books are already set out ready for sale.  They are priced from $2 to 10 cents each.  Those in the know expect over $2,000 will be raised June 3rd and 4th.  A photographer appeared Saturday morning and when the women hesitated to pose for the camera, I did.  Now I'll be famous.  (I'll see if I can send you the photo later.) But it is fun to see what other people read.  Many of the books are donated by older people cleaning out their home.  I helped a retired teacher bring in 20 boxes of books she bought for her classrooms k to grade 4.  The category of books with the greatest number is novels but they are divided into 5 categories.  Next most numerous are children's books.  Carroll helped too.  We had first choice so of course we had to bring some books home, like the large coffee table book, "Over Canada, An Aerial Adventure" and a number by and about C.S. Lewis.  We will pay on the honour system.

So why should I write about books?  I and Carroll have always loved books.  I have spent a greater percentage of my paycheck on books than most people in this world (Can't prove that except by the long receipts from bookstores, with Seagull Books my current favourite.)), and can easily lose myself in a good book.  I love reading the local newspaper too, but not magazines as much as I used to.  I have found joy and satisfaction and even knowledge and insight in my reading. 

Now I put expectations on myself to write my own book; starting with my biography.  I am doing it - but very slowly.  Writing this blog could be a step in the right direction.  In terms of effort and energy required I put watching TV as requiring almost no effort.  Up a step is reading the newspaper, reading news and blogs on the internet, reading novels, and then reading non-fiction.  It is a bigger jump to writing: emails, leaving comments on other's blogs, my personal journal and this blog, my biography and lastly editing stories from tape recorded with my camcorder.  I am happy that others in the family are writing journals, blogs, children's books and even one book published by Sydell.  Congratulations to you all.

I believe developing a love of reading is a gift we can bestow on our children by reading to them.  I believe we can grow closer to God by reading the words of His prophets.  I believe we can become even closer by writing and sharing what we glean from the scriptures and good books.  Let me know how you are doing in your reading and writing.

3 comments:

  1. I would love to "help" out at a book sale! Buying books for 10cents a piece is pretty fantastic. Let me know in advance next time. :)

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  2. Thanks for passing on your love of books to your children. I don't know what I would do without them!

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  3. I as well read a lot of books, though I have been slowing down of late to spend more time in the great outdoors. but I definitely feel the urge to read again and again.

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