I have bought a lot of books. Nothing unusual about that. I love books and love to read them…sometime.
Last weekend my daughter and I went to a book reading and signing at our favorite metaphysical bookstore, New Renaissance Book Store in Portland, Oregon. I’ve told you about this bookstore before as we love to go to their events or just browse the shelves. In case you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m pragmatic and a little hippy woo woo. I got there a little late in life. Maybe the mid 1980’s. I was the one that searched out new ideas from new friends and new books and brought them home. My first metaphysical bookstore to discover was called the Psychic Eye in Burbank, CA. I was in love. A few years later, it was my daughter’s first job after school.
The beginning of the line for the book reading
So this weekend, we went to see Donna Eden and her daughters. One of Donna’s daughter’s,(Dondhi Dahlin) had written a new book. Donna Eden wrote the forward and her daughter, Titanya Dahlin, wrote the afterward. It was a sold out event of over 70 people and we were packed in like sardines though no one minded as it was fun with very high energy.
Some great stories inside and quite entertaining.
These old buildings have very small rooms
We brought our books written by Donna Eden many years ago to be signed by her. They were in almost new condition. Why is that relevant? Because, like many of the books I have purchased over the years, I perused it, never fully reading or integrating the useful information into my life. I keep planning to find the time.
I’ve had this book for many years and never realized that another author I read wrote the forward. More corners
As I look over my shelves of books that tell me how to heal my body, life, relationships, spirit or write better in every way, how to cook a good meal, sew a better seam or decorate a prettier table, my father’s words come back to haunt me once again. They would be uttered whenever he was trying to teach me something and I wasn’t quite getting it.
“I buy you books and I buy you books but all you do is chew on the corners.” ~ James W. Liggett
It took me awhile as a child to understand what he was saying. Now it hit me full on. I buy these books and love the ideas in them. I am just lazy about doing the work to get the result from them. Resistance is ever present.
I remember daydreaming often of buying a bookstore and calling it Corners Bookstore just for the reminder of what books could really do if we quit chewing on the corners and got down to the meat of them and did the exercises.
More of early arrivals for the reading and signing
I want more time to read is a familiar lament. I’m retired. I have time but squander lots of it. Some books are not as “fun” to read as others. Learning to heal the mind or body comes with some built in resistance that causes one to need another nap while trying to get through a chapter. It’s like losing weight. We all know what to do, we are just resistant to change our old habits and replace them with new habits. At 1:00 a.m. while writing this, I’m wondering if I’m done chewing on the corners and ready to sink my teeth into a couple of these excellent books. I may make that a goal for the New Year.
Do you read and incorporate instruction books fully or do they stare at you endlessly begging for attention?
From my heart to yours,
Marlene Herself
insearchofitall 
Comments on: "Corners" (82)
I’ve never been into self-help books although I’m not sure why not – it’s not like I couldn’t use some good advice! Maybe it’s because I prefer literary fiction and history, and those topics take up all my reading time 🙂 I would die without a pile of books next to my bed, visit the library every two weeks, and get through about 2 books a week.
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I always find time for a soft mystery. It’s the things that take more concentration on that I struggle with. I too have stacks of books next too and around my bed. I listen on audible when I sew or walk. I’ve spent a lifetime trying to build the me I want to be. It’s a spiritual quest that seems to have a life of it’s own. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
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I’m not denying that we can learn a lot about ourselves from books, and perhaps even how to do some things differently – but I bet you a zillion dollars you could write a book about your own life experiences and how you’ve dealt with them, and it would be a best seller! You are your own book! 🙂
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I’ve thought about that quite seriously. I’ve relied on books as a guide on how to be in the world. They raised me. 🙂
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You know I devour books Some the lessons slip on past without sinking in other ones stay with me and help me through current life situations. Caroline Myss’ books helped me tremendously in my 20s and 30s.
I love visiting metaphysical book stores, they are so different from all other bookstores that I feel hopeful when there. Haven’t found a good one in a while.
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Thanks for stopping by, Lois. I’m the same with books. Some are easier to digest and absorb. I was introduced to Carolyn Myss in the 90’s and have learned so much from her. Have most of her books and some still waiting to be read. You are right, the metaphysical bookstores are different and rare. The one here is harder for me to get to unless my sister or daughter take me. It’s a study in how the mind, body and Universe work. Three quarter of my books are from that genre. Novels, considerably fewer. Now that my house is more settled, I’m hoping for more time to read and write in the next year. Maybe get more sewing done too.
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I have no idea when my home will be more settled, there are no jobs up north so my son will be spending more time down here working for his brother which means I have him here more days of each week. For instance he left Tuesday and was back Thursday.
I think we were introduced to Myss at about the same time. A friend brought me a care package of a stack of her books when I’d shattered an ankle and one was by Myss. I devoured her book.
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I was listening to an audio tape of hers while driving down the interstate. I’d left the husband behind because he kept changing his mind about going with me and I just left for a week away. While listening to her, I was so profoundly affected, I had to pull off the highway. She gave me the courage to stand up for myself. I don’t think I can handle it if my son were to stay with me again. Yours at least goes out each day to work. Mine sat here 24/7 working on the laptop with the TV going. No where to hide. He had nowhere to go. ;( I’m sorry your son is having such a hard time finding work.
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It amazes me how many people have been helped by Myss’ writing. For me it helped me heal from my abusive childhood but yes standing up for myself was part of the healing process.
As much as I love my son there is no way I could handle him here 24/7. Did that once before and it wasn’t pretty. He’s handling the lack of work pretty well. He sees how many are out of work up there and counts himself lucky to have the construction work even if he has to drive to it. Pennsylvania has been hit horribly through outsourcing and such. There’s a lot of anger and frustration just festering. To get by a good number of people have resorted to selling drugs. Heroin has skyrocketed in northwestern PA because of the lack of jobs to the point that some towns can’t afford the police to try and stop it. So yes, he’s lucky to have a job with his brother and I’m lucky in that I don’t have to try and figure out how to pay my bills and his this winter. Blessings all around.
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I gave away self help books. They didn’t help and the reason is you don’t get feedback so delude one self. I had some counselling for nine months and worked really hard at it. Thinking about what was said each time and trying to move on. Apparently this is quite rare. Many people have counselling talk for an hour and do nothing till the following week. Anyway I was able to put a lot of things to bed and move on in life. Good luck with your project!
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Thanks for stopping by. I gave away a lot of self help books too. They don’t often help but many books on how the mind works and it’s relation to how the mental affects the physical has taught me a gentler way to be in the world. I had lots and lots of therapy. It did help to have someone explain that what I was experiencing wasn’t kind. I learn so much from books that has helped me overcome a great deal. It’s helped me to be more open to others. But of course, not everyone’s cup of tea.
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I mostly read for pleasure and inspiration. I have given up on fixing my old dilapidated self.
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I still read a great deal for pleasure too, Bernadette. I’m sure your old dilapidated self is just fine. So is mine, mostly. 🙂 I’ve always been searching for answers to how the body and mind work together and especially with more diligence after being stuck with the remnants of damage from Bells Palsy. Still trying to find ways to heal this body and it I think it starts with healing the mind. There is little I enjoy more than good books and people that write them. I enjoy meeting those that write good books. They inspire me. Thanks so much for your visit.
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I am sorry to read about the Bells Palsy. The brain is the last medical frontier and so little is really known about neurological disease and problems. I agree with you that all healing starts in the mind. Take good care.
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Thank you, Bernadette. Just adds a little challenge to life. I’m always up for a challenge. Hence all the non-fiction. I’ve had a few neurologists scratching their heads with this one. They have never seen anything quite like it and since I don’t fit in the box, I’m on my own to find solutions. That was why I originally started blogging. It hasn’t given me any solutions to it but in general has contributed a great deal to my well being. This blogging community has been the best thing for me and I recommend it highly to anyone else being challenged. Have a wonderfilled weekend.
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I never had time for reading in general, rather, I never made time for reading. I’m more inclined to learn while doing instead of learn then do. Self-help books never had any draw, but I understand how they can help someone with an open mind to making positive change in their lives.
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I read a lot more self-help books when I was younger…I really needed it then. 🙂 Having majored in Psychology, I tend to gravitate to books on motivation and behavior. As my reading time because more limited, I’ve been more selective as to what I read. I hope you’re doing well, Marlene.
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The study of how the mind works absolutely fascinates me. There have been times I could absorb all that quicker. Not so much these days. How the body and mind are related has me clamoring for more information everywhere. If I had been able to go to college, psychology would have been my minor with a major in education. So I just read on my own. Slowly. Thank you for stopping by, Jill. I’m well and hope you are as well.
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I just love nonfiction books! It seems like special books find us, when the time is right (even if they have been sitting on our own bookshelves for many years!). There is so much wisdom in your father’s words, Marlene. Isn’t it wonderful to gather together with kindred spirits at a book talk and signing? I always meet the nicest, most interesting people in line at book signings! So glad that you and your daughter were able to share this special event. Happy reading, Marlene! ♡
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So nice to see a kindred spirit here, Dawn! I can’t tell you how much I love a book reading and signing. I get so inspired when I’m there and the people that they draw are interesting too. I am lucky my daughter shares my love. Three quarters of my books are nonfiction. I still read fiction for pleasure but there is a part of me still searching for all the information I can glean. Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderfilled weekend.
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This whole thing–your description/reflection, the pictures, and the conversations following–very enjoyable and inspiring! The tone drew me in. Whimsical but deeply serious, mildly self-deprecating but sincere in its longing for enlightenment, and above all warmly human with wisdom gained both from suffering and from relationships (sorry to go on so; you put a lot of yourself out,and I respect that).
You seem blessed with family members and easy friendships, not the least of which are books! I like to think of books as persons. It makes reading so much easier because they stay with you in silence, but talk to you when invited. I don’t share your preference in book-persons, but I understand the experience. We used to have a “Bookhouse” book store here in my town. It looked just like the one in your photograph. Every room was floor-to-ceiling shelves lined with old (used) books, mostly hardcovers, faded, with cut pages well-thumbed. I would go there just to visit old friends and meet new ones, those books. Those thoughtful persons. That treasure house.
I can imagine how nice it would be, standing in line for one of those readings, to meet real persons (not “just” their thoughts or feelings in print) who are both “pragmatic and a little hippy woo woo.”
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Thank you so much much for the kindest comment I’ve ever had. I am blessed in so many ways. Family and friends, some I have never met. I love my books and they are real for me. They have helped me survive life and guided me to a good and healthy outlook. I love to read novels as well and meeting anyone who has but paper to pen and created the life of a book has my veneration. I spent a week in a Phoenix motel to attend 2 books signings and take a writing workshop. Books are the things that open the world to me. I look for all perspectives. I’ve had to let go of some of my books and donated them to the Friends of the Library here. Just to make room for new books. I think I have every genre other than horror. Can’t go there. That’s too much like real life for me. I was looking for your follow button but didn’t see it. I’ll look again. You are so kind and thank you again.
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Marlene, you make me smile. I so enjoy reading your posts! I have a few books that I read and re-read for just such inspiration. One in particular that I read at least once a year. I never cease to glean something new from it. Books are not only a way to learn and grow, but to go on fabulous adventures. Thanks, my friend!
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Thanks so much, Missy. I often pass on novels unless they really speak to me and then I keep them to loan out. The rest serve me multiple times. I recently passed on many to the Friends of the Library. Makes room for the new books. 🙂 I think if you stop growing, you start dying. Just my view on it. Thank you for your kind words. Much appreciated. Have a wonderfilled weekend.
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Being open to new thoughts, new ways of thinking, new understandings is a mark of the advanced soul. It’s a bit like dating – you have to meet and get to know a whole pile of people before you find the one that really fits 🙂 Not much point being alive really if it’s just the same old, same old! As to ‘getting on with it’, ‘it’ is constant practise that follows a forward/backward path until the day you wake up and realise that undesired habit has disappeared and wonder when that occurred. Also, change happens when you decide to do it now, or when it decides it is time for you to do it now – which is called a crisis………
A bookshop sounds like a lovely dream Marlene – one my daughter shares with you. I’ve just sent the last of my library off to the Habitat For Humanity store and am down to maybe a couple of dozen volumes of favourites: good literature, poems, reference and spiritual inspirations. All new books that come in will go out again when they are read. It feels very freeing to be divesting myself of all my ‘stuff’.
Finally – and I’m sure I’ve said all this to you before – we are best off when we accept who we are with gratitude for the good and a willingness to better our understanding of how we distribute love in the world. When we see that things we don’t like are asking us to change something within ourselves (the Greeks said it very well: “As within, so without’.) When we stop blaming others for our unhappiness, our poor health, our state of poverty, our lack of love etc etc. Because when we learn to love ourselves first , the world second and difficult people finally, we are really free and life miraculously becomes very easy. The answers don’t really lie in books, but a good book can point the way for us to go. And the learning is hard and takes a long tie I’ve found 🙂
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Every word here is a pearl, Pauline. I’m keeping this whole comment in a separate file. I like the “It’s a bit like dating”. I realize 100% of what you said here is true. The books put me on the next path at what I need to look at in myself. I never blame anyone since there is nothing for blame. I’m growing and it’s my choice. I came in with an itch to be open and learn. Can’t seem to shut it down. Donna’s other daughter Titanya, was a Waldorf School teacher. I didn’t get to talk to her as there were so many people. Many laugh at the need for self help and spiritual reading I do. I’m not sure it will ever end and their thoughts are theirs. I have been passing on much around here and many books. More will go with time. Everything is a process. Our needs and desires change. Many of my books are reference materials and will be kept until I can no longer see them. I’m listening more and more to books these days. The library copies are so damaged that it’s frustrating or I’d borrow more of them. I agree, everything is a mirror. I’m looking at it deeply because I want a happy, healthy image to carry with me into the next phase. It’s the “what am I not understanding” that has me so perplexed. This could be a long conversation and probably summed up in a few words. Thank you so much for your profound wisdom, Pauline.
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Interesting post Marlene! I will look up Donna Eden! I am a book wurm…library, bookstores, second hand…what ever. you will find books and knitting everywhere in my house. I like self help books too. I always look for inspiration, tips, etc. I ‘leaf read’ a lot of books and pick out those chapters that are of particular interest to me. And I never feel guilty about it either. Thats what books are meant for ..information, entertainment and education and all at your own style, will and interest right? Especially after retirement ;O) xo Johanna
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Oh, Johanna! I love the phrase ‘leaf read’. That sums it up and your definition of what books are for. Another kindred spirit. Donna Eden wrote the most remarkable book on energy medicine and my daughter has her DVD’s. It takes awhile to work with and I’ve been planning on getting there but life had other plans. I guess it will come in it’s own time. I’ve been very busy in my “retirement”. Thank you for all of this. I use books and fabric for insulation in my home. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. ):
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I LOVE your “hippy woo woo” comment. I’ve been smiling all day. 🙂 I love reading and have so many books now that they spill over onto desks, floors, counters, etc. I need to purge, but I just can’t get rid of many of them, yet. 😉 I had not heard of that bookstore in Ptld. Will have to check that out. Lovely post. ❤
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Thank you, Karenlee. I appreciate the visit and so will New Ren. You will love it! They have been there for years. It’s on 23 off Burnside. In nice weather during the day, my daughter and I take the MAX and then the streetcar there. Parking is always a problem downtown but we usually manage. I would not have expected to find myself a little hippy woo woo at my age as I’m a very pragmatic Virgo brought up with a fairly rigid set of beliefs. Boy did those go bye bye. 🙂 I have walls of books but have had to purge some as there is no room left…right now. 🙂 I may have some soon. 🙂
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I don’t ever drive downtown, just don’t like driving period. But, with all the one way streets that are narrow, I prefer MAX or for someone else less anxious to drive. I will have to check this store, though. I think what you said about the rigid beliefs left in the dust is a sign you’ve become more comfortable in your own skin as time has passed. I like that. 🙂 Enjoy your weekend!
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Hope you find a way to get there. I can’t drive it but my daughter is an expert at it. If you ever want to go with us on a Saturday, she would be HAPPY to drive down there. It’s her neighborhood. Have a wonderfilled weekend too.
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That would be wonderful. Maybe in the spring when we don’t have to deal with holiday traffic.
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Just shoot me a note. I asked my daughter and she would be delighted to take us downtown. You can subscribe to their newsletter to see upcoming events each month.
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Hi, Marlene. I’m not sure which newsletter you are referring to. ??
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Here is the link to their home page. On the right side is the sign up for the newsletter. It tells about all the events, new books and reading. It’s how we found out Donna Eden was coming to town. http://www.newrenbooks.com/
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Thank you, Marlene. 🙂
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Sadly I lost the desire to read about 10 years ago. My book collection these days would fit in a smallish box.
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That is sad but it happens. My mother did too for many years. She couldn’t concentrate anymore. I read fluff at night as well as something inspirational and listen to a good mystery when walking or sewing. If a book is not interesting enough to keep me reading, I have no problem letting it go. Everything has it’s season. There are probably other things for you right now.
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There are, fused glass and knitting are at the top of the list right now.
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I love fused glass but would rather buy someone’s work rather than try it on my own. It’s quite beautiful. Knitting, just can’t get the fingers to work. Each of us has our own way to be in the world. None of them are wrong. I’m just a nut for books. 🙂
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The glass frustrates me a lot because of my hands. Yarn is my big addiction right now. And I wish I could get into books again, they were my escape for years. I did keep my very favorites, just in case. 😉
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I joined a book group so I would finish books!! I have so many non fiction and enjoy dipping into contemplative studies.
I love this Marlene: “what books could really do if we quit chewing on the corners and got down to the meat of them and did the exercises.”
Its good to know I am not alone 😉
xo
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Thank you Val, for being a kindred spirit and your kind words. Sometimes I feel like I’m floating out here alone. I have thought of starting a book group but have found no one that reads here. And certainly not non-fiction. Since I drive very little and not at night, my options are limited. I’ll have better luck finding people online. I’m hoping for some real changes after the first of next year to buckle down on the reading I want to do. It’s time. Hugs, 🙂
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Hey Marlene, great post! I read lots of non-fiction as well, especially cookbooks and also love fiction. I recently carried all my books upstairs and piled them into a spare room. I will go through all of them and donate what is no longer of interest to me, or pass them along to friends.
I visit the library regularly and have learned to slow down on buying “new” books by borrowing them first to see if I really need to have them on my bookshelf. That should also help me with reading the books waiting for my attention for a goodly while! 😉
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Good plan, Sabine. I managed to get out of the bookstore today without any. Anxious to go check out our newly renovated library. I used to borrow audio books but so many were damaged half way through or at the end it drove me crazy. I don’t borrow books because they take me too long to read. A book has to really sing to me now to follow me home. But I really want to get to some of the self healing books right after the holidays and all the moving is done. I need all the help I can get. Enjoyed seeing you today. Have a peaceful weekend .
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I enjoyed seeing you too! Now I have to come up with a strategy on how to tackle those books to get the no longer relevant to my life ones out the door! I suppose it’ll be one book at a time! 😉
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One book at a time. I took another box a week ago with quilting books that I knew I would never take on. Offered them to quilting friends first then let them go. I only keep the best fiction in case someone else wants to read it. My sister borrows most of my books, even some I haven’t read yet.
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If I come across any books you might be interested in, I’ll let you know! 😀
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Thank you. 🙂
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Marlene, I love how your posts generate such fascinating conversations. There is a lot to think about here. I’m delighted that you and your daughter share, not only a love of books, but similar tastes and the desire to meet the authors. I’ve been to a handful of book readings over the years, and enjoyed taking my boys to a few when they were young. We have an incredible children’s bookstore called Hicklebee’s, and there got to meet Mem Fox, and Australian writer of children’s books. The boys (and me) loved her books.
I read a handful of self help books in my youth, and I’m always open to learning more about life through non-fiction.
Now that we have a Little Free Library at our curb, I’ve donated the vast majority of fiction and kids books and have paired down to three shelves of non-fiction, with a few gifts and favorites. Interestingly, three or four of the books on my shelf are authored by bloggers!
It’s REALLY hard working your way through a book. It takes a kind of discipline I’ve never had. I’ve started a handful of work books over the years, I do a few pages here and there and then abandon it. If I find it on the shelf again I feel badly about it, so I can completely relate to what you are saying. Eating well is a good analogy. I know perfectly well what I should eat and in what quantities, and by all accounts (intellectually) I should be the perfect weight for my height and age. Alas, bits and pieces of my inner child rear and demand I eat chocolate, good health be damned. I’m learning to acknowledge her, love her, stop judging her, and mothering her the way I mother my children, with compassion and understanding.
You have so much to offer, Marlene. Love to you. xo
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Thank you for such a lovely comment, Alys. I always love hearing your thoughts on my meandering mind. 🙂 I have a lot of signed books that I cherish. I once had Dan Millman sign a copy of one of his books. He wrote several I have and my favorite is “The way of the peaceful warrior” written for young boys. My sister gave it to my son and I wanted to read it before he did. I fell in love with it. I think I have purchased 3 copies so far and given them all away. I think I’m curious about how everything works in the inner universe and the outer universe. That leads to a lot of searching. 🙂 I agree, it’s nice that my daughter shares some of my interests. When I was living in the Arizona mountains and introduced her to some of my friends she thought her mom had some really cool friends. One was my yoga teacher, one a Feng Shui teacher and many business owners and volunteers. The more I surround myself with interesting people, the more I learn and want to learn. People fascinate me and so does everything else. I miss those friends though I keep in touch. I know about that little girl that wants her chocolate. I could write a book on her; just can’t control her. ;( Just trying to find balance. Thanks for cheering me on, Alys. I write a lot of things that I decide not to post. Always a bit uncertain about it. Giant squishy hugs to you.
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Marlene, I’ve enjoyed everything you’ve written here on your blog, and I suspect the pieces you are holding back are equally engaging. I hope you’ll consider sharing them.
You are an interesting person yourself, which is why other interesting people are around you.
Here’s to little girls everywhere, struggling to figure things out. xo
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Thank you so much, Alys for your kind words. I love going to visit you but realize you, like me right now, are swamped so the writing takes a back seat for the moment. We will catch up soon.
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I’m looking forward to it! xo
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I do love your father’s lament about “chewing on the corners”! What a great metaphor–and your idea of sinking your teeth in is the perfect complement. I am not especially drawn to self-help books, although my self could use some help, no doubt. But I buy tons of non-fiction on fascinating topics and tend not ever to devote the time to read them fully. 2017?
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Thanks, Kerry. My father had his moments and that one stuck with me. I’ve never looked at them as self help but as a way to grow as a person. I love all manner of non-fiction. I have hundreds of crafting, sewing, quilting, writing books. You will oddly find almost no cookbooks on my shelves. Books on quantum physics and how the universe works, how our minds and bodies work take up a whole bookcase. My mother used to say girls were nosy. I prefer the word curious. I want to know about everything. You have lots of interests and books expand those interests. I hope you get to read and play more too.
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I’m afraid I’m a self-help do it yourselfer. I learn from life and mistakes and what works for me. I learn from what makes me feel better and what makes me cope with things. I was never one for following someone else’s path or ideas. Just my own. After all, who knows me better than me? After my years of depression and self-hate, I grew positive and started to like myself. I found that the more positive I was about things, the more positive life became for me. Sometimes I still flounder at things but I think that is just being human with sensitivities to others and what is going on around me.
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Thanks for perspective, Jackie. You’ve done a darn good job too. I’m still a work in progress. 😦
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We all are a work in progress, Marlene. So you aren’t alone. 🙂
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I too am guilty of picking up books and not finding the time to read them. Yes, it would be so easy if they were only a few words of wisdom that could be digested in 10 minutes. But then, especially for spiritual books, we would not have taken the time to do the all important work ahead of all of us who are moving forward….slowly, but steadily. I now do some sub work in the local library which allows me to bring home even more books. Ah, if only we didn’t require so much sleep. But then that is the time we process, isn’t it? Good luck with your mission!
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Thank you. Everyone seems to think my aim is self help. It’s not; it’s spiritual growth. Learning to see with new eyes and be open to new ideas. To change old habits of thinking into more positive ways of being in the world. We are being given information again and again until we finally get it. It’s been taught and forgotten over many lifetimes. Everyone has a different way of explaining the same thing. It depends on who I can absorb from better. My dad told me once that he was grateful for his heart disease so he would have more time to read. I don’t want to get permission that way so I will find time another way. Working in the library was once a dream. So I built my own. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
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I think many book lovers are the same. Every once in a while along comes a book that grabs us and won’t let go. Those we have to read. The others we love and hang onto are for those moments when a gust of mental energy blows upon us. Too bad, we wear the energy out, reading. . . 🙂
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You said that perfectly. A gust of mental energy blows upon us. I don’t have much until after the holidays. Jan & Feb are my months for mental energy. I’ve finished listening to two novels while sewing. They have to be light as I can only concentrate on one thing at a time.:)
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Almost forgot. Your last two posts I couldn’t get to. Some kind of glitch. I’ll try again.
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Helloooooo Wonderfrau! Interesting how we collect things isn’t it? I might be guilty of this too, but with magazines. They’re stacked all over the house. I love art magazines by Stampington Studio’s….Artful Blogging, Where Women Create, Artful Journaling and so on. They even have a colouring book which I bought too. I peruse the pages in detail but never really read articles fully. I’m terrible about reading a full novel. I have started several this year and not finished a single one. Do I have ADT or what? LOL..I want to do everything! Craft, scrap, decorate, garden, sew, paint, read, write……..so many wants with so little time. I always have a number of projects started and in progress. That’s how I like it. I can pick up whatever I feel like doing on any given day and never get bored. I think I mentioned before, I don’t have a single self-help book. I’m just never drawn to them at the bookstore I guess. I do think that bookstore in Portland is pretty quaint. xo K
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That bookstore is not so much self help as metaphysical/spiritual. There is a lot of quantum physics about the vibration of the universe and it’s affect on us as well as different modalities of healing. Since Doctors refuse to be of any assistance to me, I look elsewhere. The bookstore is quaint with lots of candles, cards and many of my favorite magazines. Like all those you listed. They are a little pricey for my budget these days but I still like to peruse them. I keep those that I buy. They insulate my house. 🙂 Yes, I thought I had a little ADD too and my son as well. All over the map trying to learn everything about everything. Once upon a time we would be know as Renaissance men or women. I’m looking forward to more free time to visit after the holidays. I’m a bit slower this year. Thanks for stopping by. Giant hugs.
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Marlene, I’ve been a bit absent from WP and reading your words reminded me of what I have missed.
As I made a very simple post, the first since Thanksgiving, I thought about how I wasn’t really sharing anything of import, or any inspiring words, and I thought of you. You always manage to share words and thoughts that make me think.
So thank you.
In terms of reading: I am a total bibliophile. My poor son will not know what to do when I leave this earth … my house is full of books!!!
If you open Corners, I will be there!
A friend posted this today and it warmed my book loving heart: http://www.treehugger.com/culture/icelanders-give-books-christmas-eve.html
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Thank you so much for stopping by Laurie.. I appreciate the kind words. Books have been my saving grace since I was old enough to find them on my own. We were not a book family but mine is. I checked out your link. Loved the story of books on Christmas Eve. They were my favorite gift that Christmas I got a whole series of Donna Parker books. That’s what we give in this house. Kids don’t get toys, they all get books. I too wonder what my children will do with all my books. They would fill a small town library and are getting very deep here. If Corners were to ever happen, I would certainly invite you and many of my bibliophile blogging friends to the grand opening. Maybe in my next life. Stay warm and enjoy your week.
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I love your ‘hippy woo woo’ Marlene and you are one of the wisest people I know, so chewing those corners didn’t do you any harm 😉 I hear you though. The books I love to read tend to be true crime or psychological fiction rather than self help, as I think by reading about what others are capable of and the way others are affected by the actions of narcissists, sociopaths and the like, fascinating. Maybe I need more self-help than I realise, lol! Seriously though, like you, I have so many books ready and waiting to teach me how to do everything and anything…ha, if only! Great name for your bookstore…never say never my friend! Have a wonderful week, Christmas is upon us! xoxo
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I don’t read much self help either. I’m pretty good with myself. It’s the same fascination you have for the mind that makes me read how we work. I come from a spiritual aspect of the study and the quantum physics of the universe and we humans. I want to study everything, so the books come in all forms. But I have to be careful because I get caught up in the thrillers and it all becomes real for me. Have a wonderfilled week as well. Yes, Christmas is just a blink of an eye away; and so not ready. 😦
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We had a couple book readings when I owned my metaphysical shop (I do miss it and the wonderful customers we had). The spouse doesn’t really like all my books, “of books there is no end”, is what I keep being told and to quit writing as enough other people do it. Of course, I’m not going to listen to that. I have a lot of books, from hard science to fluff, fiction, non-fiction, crafts, history (love history and since I do a lot of genealogy, it makes history come alive in ways I hadn’t thought about before), biography, and on and on. I knew a lady that had a used book store quite a few years ago, her husband suggested it to her because she would go out and buy every book she could lay hands on and he figured she needed a place to keep them instead of their house. It was a great place to go for a good chat, find some interesting books and she’d even sell yours on consignment. I miss her and her shop, she passed away almost a decade ago. Thanks for stopping by my blog, I agree, the community of bloggers is a wonderful thing.
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I’m sorry your spouse doesn’t like your books. My last husband didn’t either. I left him and kept the books. They were more nourishing. I miss having time to read and write at the moment. Soon again.
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Marlene, I’ve emailed you with a couple of e-books you may find interesting attached. And I have a book you might like to read, but it’s in the storage in BC, of course. But here’s a link to the title. You may have it already, anyway.
http://www.edgarcaycebooks.org/regeneration.html
Mum taught me to read by age four and until the last two years I never went a day without reading. A bit of trouble with the eyes these days, but I’m working on that.
Like you, I read widely, but most of my non-fiction is geared to personal and spiritual growth. I’m slowly getting back to some of my old practises now that I’m feeling a bit more rested up.
I was so lucky that my partners all loved to read and were very supportive. In my case, the difficulty was with myself, not them. Hence the self-help and spiritual growth focus for me. I’m still not where I’d like to be, but am happier with myself now than with my younger self. I, too, gave away self-help books that either weren’t for me or that I just didn’t have the time or motivation to use. But I still have plenty. some of Caroline Myss’ books are among my ‘keepers’. Nice to see you read her work, too. I hadn’t heard of Donna Eden, so thanks for the introduction. Once I’m reading again, I’ll be checking the local library (wherever I end up by then). I do have Overdrive on the laptop now and have three libraries that I can borrow e-books from. I just need to settle down and re-create some sort of routine again.
Hope you are keeping warm; it’s been pretty cold here for part of the past weeks. But my bed is toasty, so I can snuggle up there and watch netflix. Books again soon, though. I’ve resisted e-books, as I so strongly love the feel, smell, etc. of ‘real’ books.
Warm hugs to you. ~ Linne
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I read a lot of e-books so I can make the print big but am getting ready to start more audible. Vision is making it necessary. Donna Eden’s book is rather hefty and doubt the library will have a copy. She is a pioneer in energy medicine with lots of little exercises that help balance meridians. They help when I remember or get time to do them. I’m pretty happy with myself as I am older too. I still want to learn everything I can about quantum physics. I have most of Edgar Cayce’s book courtesy of my dad. Found we were both reading the same kind of books and it was kind of shock. Stay warm and cozy.
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Dear Marlene..
just loved your post and your photos 🙂 I can only imagine the atmosphere inside of that book store.. 🙂 Love the look too of the building..
Its good to be back here in WP catching up again.. And I have been spending some of the time too reading old spiritual books, And they are like reading them again for the first time..
How wonderful you were able to take your old books and get them signed.. 🙂
I have been re reading Stuart Wilde’s Books… and some which seem to have appeared on my bookshelves that I can not remember placing them there.. Hubby did say he had brought some a few months back from a friends and he placed them there forgetting to tell me.. So thankfully my marbles are still in tact.. LOL.. 🙂 or I did think I was losing the plot.. 🙂
Just wanting you to know how much I appreciate you Marlene, and to wish you a Very Happy Christmas with family and friends..
Sending you tons of Love and Hugs over the airwaves to you..
And wishing you Peace and Love for the New Year and beyond my friend
Love and Blessings
Sue xxx ❤
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Thank you so much, Sue. I have a couple of Stuart Wilde’s books as well. I never worry about books “appearing” on my shelves. It’s the Universe manifesting what I need at the moment. 🙂 I’m sure your marbles are still on their game. Good to see you back. Hope you are having a Happy Christmas time as well. Mine is…interesting. 🙂 Hugs to you.
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Good to know, we both understand how the Universe works her magic.. 🙂 lol And I hope your Christmas is Wonderful as well 🙂 xxxx ❤
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My mother taught me to read at age 4 just like Linne’s mum. I’ve devoured many. When I was a teenager and voracious, my town had a teeny tiny library that wasn’t enough. My parents couldn’t (or didn’t) afford books as gifts, and we got things we needed like a new coat and boots for Christmas. I got a job at a grocery store and discovered that paperbacks that didn’t sell got their covers ripped off and were then tossed into the dumpster. So, after work I would climb in and pick out anything that looked interesting. Now I’ve got bookcases through the house, and a kid that loves books as much as I do, with bookcases in their own room!
If you look at my “Books I’ve Read” page on my blog, I’ve been keeping track of the books I read since 2011. I discovered audio books and that’s how I cram books into my busy schedule. I just love being able to “read” while folding laundry and washing dishes and mowing the lawn. I’ve even been able to tackle books I would never consider otherwise, like my current book, War and Remembrance by Herman Wouk. This one’s a huge monster of a book, but I’m getting right through it. On audible, you get one free book a month with your subscription fee, so I try to get the most bang for the buck and pick out only the lengthiest books. I suppose War and Peace, and Centennial are in the running, ha ha. I also want to read the Bible this way too – it’s another daunting read.
Some books I call “candy” and some are books I think are good for me. This one on World War II I think is good for me. I honestly don’t follow war details very well, nor can keep clear in my head the difference between ships or aircraft, so I rely on repetition to help me. It’s my third WWII book, and I’m beginning to recognize names and battles. When I’ve finished a good educational book, then I read some candy. But they go way too fast! I do plan to buy Amy Falls Down by Jincy Willet for you. It is so funny. Just well-written and witty and the heroine is a practical older woman who comes into her stride late in life.
Tara and I are crazy for New Renaissance! It’s worth a trip over to the Northwest.
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We should do a girls afternoon with lunch and New Ren. Maybe in the spring. When it’s warm. 🙂 I just got a membership to Audible because I’m going to have to listen to more books than read. I don’t bother with the stuff I should read. Just the stuff that I like. A lot of fluff and quite a bit of Non fiction. Most of those I want in hard copy. Only one Christmas did I get books. The rest came from a library on base. I don’t read WWII. Can’t. My reading, sewing days are numbered so I’m stuffing in the most fun I can get. I tried to start a page on the books I’ve read. Didn’t get very far and most people wouldn’t find them interesting. You are on a role tonight. I’m calling it a day to do my journal and read on the tablet. I can make the print big there. I went through 4 audible books working on T.S.’s quilt before Christmas. Sue Grafton. I didn’t have to listen too intently to sew at the same time. Amy Falls Down looks like a fun book.
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Your words hit home – I used to devour books when I was younger, Now there are many excuses to not pick up the books that I buy too. I am planning to read a book a week from today onwards. This has been the plan for 2017 but your words have really spurred me on. Thanks.
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Thank you for the visit. Always happy to meet another reader.
A book a week is a vast undertaking even for an avid reader. Many of mine are non fiction and require time to assimilate. I figure if I get a chapter a night, I’m doing good and I’ve started listening to audio books while doing other things to get through more. But for me, it’s not so much about the number as it’s about learning the lessons from the books. We had more free time when we were younger and fewer responsibilities. Just started listening to “A Man Called Ove” and am enjoying it. Finished “The Field” by Lynne McTaggart and didn’t want it to end. Have a wonderfilled week ahead.
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