Thursday, February 26, 2015

Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real.........books!


As I rearranged my room a few weeks ago, I unearthed some books that I haven't seen in awhile.  For a home schooled mom, books can mean all sorts of things..they bring back specific years of life with her children, or what she was thinking about at different times, or remembrances of a really fruitful haul at the local book fair.  Books are everything to a home schooled mom.  They comfort her, inspire her, remind her to keep going.  Here are a few that have inspired me or made me laugh over the years.  They sometimes have gotten me through some discouraging times, times when the nay sayers abounded in my life; they have delighted me in times of quiet with a good, hot, cup of strong coffee.  They have been the vehicle for spiritual friends like Teresa, John Vianney, Jeanne Jugan....to stretch out their hands from heaven and meet me here in spirit.  I would be so lost without my books.   They truly can be put in any category of PRETTY, HAPPY, FUNNY, or REAL.  

This book always makes me HAPPY when I pick it up.  It shows me a beautiful view of the natural world.

Emily Dickinson.........a contemplative sweetness.  When you read her life story, you come to appreciate how she kept the beautiful thoughts she had.  

An exquisite understanding of Our Lady.  My favorite spiritual book.

My best friend and spiritual mother.  FUNNY, too, in her very wry understanding of women living in community.  



 These are all books about the Martin family that were very truthful, and gave a REAL picture of their lives.  If you ever feel like your family has troubles, "unique" or troubled kids, etc. read these.  They are fantastic!




A very real portrait of how hard it is to die.........even for a SAINT.



If you have ever felt the icy sting of other people's envious words or actions, if you have ever felt like someone else has unjustly gotten credit for something you have done, read this book.  Here is the very essence of meekness laid out for us.  I love this saint! 






Pure, straightforward, no nonsense, get 'er done holiness!




My go to picture books when I am starved for beauty.








These two book were my life saver when I was a younger mom and life was filled with noise.  I would sometimes get an afternoon off and head to the botanical gardens in my city.  I would walk right to the middle of the English garden surrounded on all sides by trees and running water and I would be renewed by re reading these books over and over. 




Here is Leila's book.  It came to me when I was so missing seeing my mom.  She did all these things when I was little.  Leila's blog reminds me so much of my mom and the way she did things.  Thanks Leila, with all my heart! 

Ah, Lewis, no more to be said!



This is a gem of a book.  Just read it.  Fantastic! REAL, hopeful and full of persevering women!





So, that's all!  Thanks for sharing my love of books with me today.  Blessed Lent to all! 

6 comments:

  1. Beautiful books! I am intrigued by the Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady. I'll have to check that one out!

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    1. Hi Maurisa,
      It is such a lovely book. I hope you like it!

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  2. What a treat this post was for me today. I see some old friends and new possibilities. Thank you for sharing.One question..what book are the LOTR illustrations from?

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  3. Hi Theresa -
    The book is called: "Tolkien's World: Paintings of Middle Earth" MJF Books. Thanks for stopping by here! Have a good week!

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  4. Beautiful post! Books are the best!!! Love St. Teresa of Avila--she's my confirmation saint and best friend as well! I'll definitely have to look for the "Story Of A Family". I've never heard of of it. Have a blessed week!

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  5. Hi Kim! That book really gives some insight into Zelie Martin. I think you will love it!

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