Evening Reading: A New Book
Good Morning!
Whew has it been a week for me! I am still working on micro-managing my daughter and it has been tough. I have been practically doing Algebra with her. A few days ago we had a Google meet with her teacher that lasted about 3 hours! I have never done Math that long a day in my life! But I love my kid and want her to succeed.
As you can see from the photo above my book finally arrived! It took longer than a week to get here but alas it’s finally here. I have started to read it and it is wonderful. I still can’t believe that Alexandra wrote this back in the 80’s.
photo credit Melnychuk Nataliya
Each week I would like to share little tidbits from the book. I have only read a few pages and I found so many wonderful “nuggets” that I had to share them. The first thing that Alexandra discussed was rituals. I talked about this on the blog a few times ( see here and here). She said, ” Instead of rushing through our lives to get somewhere- instead of saving up real living for later- I think it’s important to remember that each single day is all we have. Single days experienced fully add up to a lifetime lived deeply and well”.
I like that…. lived deeply and well…
photo credit Anthropologie
She went on and talked about rituals and making every day lovely. But I have to share one small story that she discussed. She talked about her friend who has made bill paying into a ritual. She said, “She puts Brahms on her stereo, she placed an arrangement of flowers on her desk, she dresses in a fresh blouse and skirt so she is actually ready to mail her bills (keep in mind no online bill-paying) as soon as she’s finished. She has elevated a necessary task- bill paying- into a ritual through the details surrounding how she does it”.
I love that small story and I am sure that there are many in this book. I also noticed that at the end of each chapter she has a section called ” Grace Notes”. I am sure that I will be sharing those. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the everyday!
I was hoping you would blog about this book. I ordered it too,and I'm on the 1st chapter on Rituals. Oh it is a wonderful reminder to make the mundane beautiful. Very inspiring, easy to read material.
Have a great weekend, Mrs. Shockley!
Mya
Hi Mya,
I am enjoying the book so far. I hope you are too! It is so nice to read in the evenings. It's like a mini escape. I hope you had a great weekend.
Thank you for another inspiring post Mrs Shockley.
I love that concept, it really reminds us to live our best lives and to be our best selves. I also have a quick story to share, I hope you don't mind.
One day I was complaining to my sister in law that I had to pay my bills and that I always seem put it off for some reason and she replied – be great full that we are able to pay our bills. It was was such a simple passing comment but it has stuck with me for a long time. We must remember why we are paying these 'bills' and be grateful we are blessed enough to be able to. Take care, Prue
Hello Prue,
Always feel welcomed to share stories. I love to hear them. And your sister in law is right! I feel that way too sometimes but especially now with businesses closing and people losing their jobs being able to pay your bills is a blessing. I try to keep that in mind every time I begin to grieve about what is happening. Chin up!!! Thank you for sharing Prue!