Metaphorically speaking, a world without borders is where we see ourselves when we read; literally, though, I am speaking of the closing of what was once the second-biggest book superstore in the U.S. during it's 40th year of business. A few months ago I talked about the dying use of hymnals. Unfortunately, I realize now that there is a dying use of the written word, whether in church, bed, car, hammock, or bathroom (admit it, surely you've read a book in there at least once!). With an e-reader called the Nook, Barnes and Noble is barely keeping it's head above the water in this tough economy, competing with the likes of Kindle, iPads, and others like it. But even still, I find it sad that society is doing away with paper, in favor of all this "cool" technology.
Remembering Books
I remember, as a child, being asked to do something and responding "just one more page?" What does one say today, on these e-books -- "just one more scroll down?"
I remember, as a child, reading myself to bed, and after reading several chapters, finally deciding to stop at the next page that ended with a period. What does one do today? Just finish at the end of a chapter? How boring is that!
I remember, as a child, the joy I received in getting books for Christmas, and the sadness that would follow because I read them too quickly!
I remember, now an adult, the cases full of books I own, and the years it took accumulating them. The floor-to-ceiling case given as a birthday gift to a 13 year-old girl, because her little 3-shelf case wasn't enough any longer.
I remember my books, weathered with love and aged with care, and find it curious that other little girls do not boast the same fond memories, and the happy shelves full of books!
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It seems fitting to list the books that help make my shelves complete, and have shaped me over the years. The books that have taken me to such exotic places as Minnesota, Prince Edward Island, Wisconsin, England, the fictional River Heights, the Appalachian mountains of Tennessee, and ancient Baghdad, just to name a few. . .places I can say I've been, even if only through the doors of books.
The Betsy-Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace
Anne of Green Gables series by Lucy Maud Montgomery
Little House on The Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene
Christy by Katherine Marshall
Seven Daughters and Seven Sons by Barbara Cohen and Bahija Lovejoy.
When sharing my distress and sadness with my wonderful, caring guy, he said "don't worry, our kids will know what books are." Needless to say, that made me smile. I'm glad he appreciates books. Maybe not to the same extent I do, but he nevertheless sees the value in owning a collection, and reading books.
Do you have fond memories of books? Have they been a friend to you when no one else wanted to play with you, or when you needed an escape from others? What are your more memorable books? What makes them special?
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
Hapy Birthday!
(No need to send me birthday wishes, my birthday was at the end of May, I'm just catching you up on what I did)
My birthday was amazing! I had a four-day long celebration of my birth.
Day 1:On Friday (day before B-day), I ate breakfast with my fiance, who surprised me by flying all the way from South Carolina to be with me, at Chick-fil-A. I believe it was his first time eating breakfast at CFA. . .and he didn't even eat chicken. Haha. He ate a Bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit. :) Later that evening, after my dad got off work, my parents and my love made the trip into Houston to see the Astros play in Minute Maid Park. I can't even remember who they played. It was exciting in the begginning, but they ended up letting the other team not only catch up, but get a ahead in the end. There were fireworks, but we watched them as we left. Nate and I planned on getting up at 5 am, so we couldn't stay. It was overall an amazing experience. We were closer to the action than I have ever been at any pro sports game. Still not sure how he did. He still has both of his arms and legs. ;)
Day 2:Saturday, May 28th, 2011 marked the 22nd year since my birth. I woke up Nate (he's not a morning person), who was sleeping so peacefully on the couch, and we made the 45 min. drive into Galveston to watch the sun rise. We didn't quite make it to the beach before the sun came up. It was rising as we entered the island. So, praise the Lord that He designed the rising of the sun to last more than a minute or two, or I would not have gotten the gorgeous pictures I did! It was beautiful. Nate and I had an amazing time. We took pictures of the sun rise, waves and clouds, read some scripture together, and and even sang some hymns. We also did some beach walking, shell searching, wave splashing, and sun bathing/beach napping (we only got about five hours of sleep after all!). So, at about 10-ish, I believe, we walked to a Denny's across the street for breakfast. When casually mentioning my birthday to the waitress, she informed me of their birthday special. I ended up getting my grand slam for free!
Day 3:Sunday evening I went bowling with Nate, and another friend of mine. It was only the 3 of us (my friend's mom was there, but just to watch and cheer), and we were able to bowl 6 games in 2 hours! I lunge deep when I bowl, and my legs were so sore for almost the rest of the week! I didn't win any of the games, but it was fun, and brought back memories of how I went bowling every week with friends from my work when I was in high school. After we were done bowling, we went to James Coney Island. It's a hot dog diner. It was fun, and almost the whole time we talked about the end times, what the Bible really says, and that crazy kook in California.
Day 4:Right after I got home from work and changed clothes the entire family went into Houston to eat dinner at California Pizza Kitchen. I had been wanting to eat there ever since I fell in love with their line of frozen pizzas. We all got different pizzas. Mom got a BLT pizza, I had BBQ bacon and chicken (I think that's what it was), Nate had pepperoni (of course), Shannon had garlic chicken, and I can't remember what Dad had. It was delicious. Mom, Dad and I all shared slices of ours with each other, and everything I tried tastes good. Before we headed back to Friendswood, we drove through the rizty neighborhood near CPK, which is apparently where the elder Bush's live. I'd like to say we stopped in for tea, but for security's sake, they don't hand out their specific address to just anyone. We had fun admiring thehouses mansions, but it was during this time that my head and stomache started hurting. It was not long after we got home that I ended up throwing up. . .in the doorway of the bathroom. Nate is so wonderful. He helped me clean it up. I am so blessed to have a guy who loves me as much as he does. So, with the exception of throwing up, I had a prety enjoyable birthday weekend, and almost wish is was my birthday again tomorrow. ;)
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My birthday was amazing! I had a four-day long celebration of my birth.
Day 1:On Friday (day before B-day), I ate breakfast with my fiance, who surprised me by flying all the way from South Carolina to be with me, at Chick-fil-A. I believe it was his first time eating breakfast at CFA. . .and he didn't even eat chicken. Haha. He ate a Bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit. :) Later that evening, after my dad got off work, my parents and my love made the trip into Houston to see the Astros play in Minute Maid Park. I can't even remember who they played. It was exciting in the begginning, but they ended up letting the other team not only catch up, but get a ahead in the end. There were fireworks, but we watched them as we left. Nate and I planned on getting up at 5 am, so we couldn't stay. It was overall an amazing experience. We were closer to the action than I have ever been at any pro sports game. Still not sure how he did. He still has both of his arms and legs. ;)
Day 2:Saturday, May 28th, 2011 marked the 22nd year since my birth. I woke up Nate (he's not a morning person), who was sleeping so peacefully on the couch, and we made the 45 min. drive into Galveston to watch the sun rise. We didn't quite make it to the beach before the sun came up. It was rising as we entered the island. So, praise the Lord that He designed the rising of the sun to last more than a minute or two, or I would not have gotten the gorgeous pictures I did! It was beautiful. Nate and I had an amazing time. We took pictures of the sun rise, waves and clouds, read some scripture together, and and even sang some hymns. We also did some beach walking, shell searching, wave splashing, and sun bathing/beach napping (we only got about five hours of sleep after all!). So, at about 10-ish, I believe, we walked to a Denny's across the street for breakfast. When casually mentioning my birthday to the waitress, she informed me of their birthday special. I ended up getting my grand slam for free!
After getting home and relaxing for a tiny bit, Mom, Nate and I saw the movie Hop. It was an adorable movie, even if it was all about the Easter Bunny (Easter's Santa Clause, if you know what I mean). And tickets at the dollar theater are $1.50, not a dollar. And they rob you blind at the refreshment stand. But I guess that's the same as any place you go to be entertained (an Astros game, for instance).
Day 3:Sunday evening I went bowling with Nate, and another friend of mine. It was only the 3 of us (my friend's mom was there, but just to watch and cheer), and we were able to bowl 6 games in 2 hours! I lunge deep when I bowl, and my legs were so sore for almost the rest of the week! I didn't win any of the games, but it was fun, and brought back memories of how I went bowling every week with friends from my work when I was in high school. After we were done bowling, we went to James Coney Island. It's a hot dog diner. It was fun, and almost the whole time we talked about the end times, what the Bible really says, and that crazy kook in California.
Day 4:Right after I got home from work and changed clothes the entire family went into Houston to eat dinner at California Pizza Kitchen. I had been wanting to eat there ever since I fell in love with their line of frozen pizzas. We all got different pizzas. Mom got a BLT pizza, I had BBQ bacon and chicken (I think that's what it was), Nate had pepperoni (of course), Shannon had garlic chicken, and I can't remember what Dad had. It was delicious. Mom, Dad and I all shared slices of ours with each other, and everything I tried tastes good. Before we headed back to Friendswood, we drove through the rizty neighborhood near CPK, which is apparently where the elder Bush's live. I'd like to say we stopped in for tea, but for security's sake, they don't hand out their specific address to just anyone. We had fun admiring the
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Yes. . . I'm still alive!
This post is dedicated to Amanda and LeAnne, and all the other silent followers who have yet to make their voices known.
I realized that I have let my followers down by not writing on my blog these past few months. But to be honest, until not too long ago, I didn't realize that anyone other than my wonderful fiance was even reading what I was writing. Not that everything you write should be for the sake of others, but it was a bit discouraging to read other people's very interesting blogs and see that they had 100+ followers. But of course, you have to write interesting entries, so that people will want to "follow" you. And you should also be regular with your postings, so that your followers will know that you have something fresh to say everyday (give or take).
I got that job I had mentioned. I have been working at Chick-fil-A since the middle/end of March. I am so thankful for the 3 years I had at Six Flags. I learned so much while I was there. Knowledge that I would take with me to Chick-fil-A. I am also thankful for my mother, who has instilled in me a godly work ethic.
As far as the rest of that wish list I wrote out on March 17. . .
I know I could be closer still to my Lord and Savior; I still have twenty pounds to lose; I have not learned any new craft (although, after payday I need to get the supplies to whip together a craft I'm already skilled in as a promised gift to a friend), but the road is slowly being paved for me to go back good ol' Bob Jones to finish my education. Which is pretty exciting, because I'll see my fiance pretty much everyday. But also a little on the scary side, considering that it's been two years since I've been there and I won't know hardly anyone except for a few seniors. There have been so many changes at the school, that were barely just getting started when I left. Ha ha. . .I still remember my dad saying "The day they get co-ed dorms, you're outta there!" Thankfully that hasn't happened yet. :)
And we'll see how going to school full-time, and working part-time coincides with planning a wedding. I'm still not sure of where to have the reception. and should probably call about my dress to get that going. (check out dollycouture.com. . .adorable dresses!) Agh!!! so much!
Scripture Reading Update:
I just finished Joshua today. I know. pathetic, right, I was in Deuteronomy way back in March. You'd think I'd be in II Kings or something by now. But I guess the important thing is that I did in fact read my Bible today. And that I will read it tomorrow. . .
Have to work at six in the morning, so sweet dreams everyone.
P.S. Most of the next few posts will be about my summer. and a big learning experience I had involving money (more on that later).
I realized that I have let my followers down by not writing on my blog these past few months. But to be honest, until not too long ago, I didn't realize that anyone other than my wonderful fiance was even reading what I was writing. Not that everything you write should be for the sake of others, but it was a bit discouraging to read other people's very interesting blogs and see that they had 100+ followers. But of course, you have to write interesting entries, so that people will want to "follow" you. And you should also be regular with your postings, so that your followers will know that you have something fresh to say everyday (give or take).
I got that job I had mentioned. I have been working at Chick-fil-A since the middle/end of March. I am so thankful for the 3 years I had at Six Flags. I learned so much while I was there. Knowledge that I would take with me to Chick-fil-A. I am also thankful for my mother, who has instilled in me a godly work ethic.
As far as the rest of that wish list I wrote out on March 17. . .
I know I could be closer still to my Lord and Savior; I still have twenty pounds to lose; I have not learned any new craft (although, after payday I need to get the supplies to whip together a craft I'm already skilled in as a promised gift to a friend), but the road is slowly being paved for me to go back good ol' Bob Jones to finish my education. Which is pretty exciting, because I'll see my fiance pretty much everyday. But also a little on the scary side, considering that it's been two years since I've been there and I won't know hardly anyone except for a few seniors. There have been so many changes at the school, that were barely just getting started when I left. Ha ha. . .I still remember my dad saying "The day they get co-ed dorms, you're outta there!" Thankfully that hasn't happened yet. :)
And we'll see how going to school full-time, and working part-time coincides with planning a wedding. I'm still not sure of where to have the reception. and should probably call about my dress to get that going. (check out dollycouture.com. . .adorable dresses!) Agh!!! so much!
Scripture Reading Update:
I just finished Joshua today. I know. pathetic, right, I was in Deuteronomy way back in March. You'd think I'd be in II Kings or something by now. But I guess the important thing is that I did in fact read my Bible today. And that I will read it tomorrow. . .
Have to work at six in the morning, so sweet dreams everyone.
P.S. Most of the next few posts will be about my summer. and a big learning experience I had involving money (more on that later).
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