It's amazing what books can do. Words really open doors. I've started reading a lot again. In the past few months I've finished "Snow Upon the Desert," "Gilead," "The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt," My Antonia," "Giants in the Earth," and "Team of Rivals." My mind is now wandering around in "Theodore Rex." I am excited to open the pages of "1776" and "Jon Adams." There are many more. I am excited by titles and frustrated by lack of time.
I literally feel alive. When I close the pages, I can feel the stimulation in my head--the throb of learning. The books I've read have awakened my senses, revived a tired spirit, given me hope, and touched my heart. I'm sorry I waited so long to meet Abe Lincoln. Never have I read of someone so real, so intelligent, so compassionate, so honest. He's a modest hero who helped define equality in flesh and bone, and not just on paper. Lincoln was a man with vision, extraordinary patience, and the ability to work with friend and foe alike.
I also relate to the mood of "Giants in the Earth," the landscape, and the character Per Hansa. Life isn't easy. Some days I'd like to walk out on my job, eyes pointed to the west, always west. The more I learn about those who settled our state, the more I respect them. There's a lot of sorrow in the story. There's also depression and tragedy. Yet somehow I came away deeply touched. I know I feel broken at times, desperately lonely, and down on myself. But much like the characters, through grace I find the strength to pick myself up.
It's been a long winter for me. I'm ready for the rebirth of spring. I've got a lot to look forward too. There are many new pages to turn. I like when I slip my book-mark in for the night, and close my eyes. Like globes in a lantern, I can feel the glow in my head. These books have given me a lot of good things to think about. I think I know a little more about who I do and don't want to be. And somehow, reading Roosevelt and Lincoln and characters less in name, I find a little courage to go out into this world. This afternoon, the wind demanded to be recognized by all across this western prairie. But then a remarkable thing happened. Steel blue clouds crept in ominously from the northwest. They brought a gentle rain. We cracked some windows. The trees fell silent. Life feels refreshed.
I literally feel alive. When I close the pages, I can feel the stimulation in my head--the throb of learning. The books I've read have awakened my senses, revived a tired spirit, given me hope, and touched my heart. I'm sorry I waited so long to meet Abe Lincoln. Never have I read of someone so real, so intelligent, so compassionate, so honest. He's a modest hero who helped define equality in flesh and bone, and not just on paper. Lincoln was a man with vision, extraordinary patience, and the ability to work with friend and foe alike.
I also relate to the mood of "Giants in the Earth," the landscape, and the character Per Hansa. Life isn't easy. Some days I'd like to walk out on my job, eyes pointed to the west, always west. The more I learn about those who settled our state, the more I respect them. There's a lot of sorrow in the story. There's also depression and tragedy. Yet somehow I came away deeply touched. I know I feel broken at times, desperately lonely, and down on myself. But much like the characters, through grace I find the strength to pick myself up.
It's been a long winter for me. I'm ready for the rebirth of spring. I've got a lot to look forward too. There are many new pages to turn. I like when I slip my book-mark in for the night, and close my eyes. Like globes in a lantern, I can feel the glow in my head. These books have given me a lot of good things to think about. I think I know a little more about who I do and don't want to be. And somehow, reading Roosevelt and Lincoln and characters less in name, I find a little courage to go out into this world. This afternoon, the wind demanded to be recognized by all across this western prairie. But then a remarkable thing happened. Steel blue clouds crept in ominously from the northwest. They brought a gentle rain. We cracked some windows. The trees fell silent. Life feels refreshed.
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