As I begin seriously working on my novel again, I’ve spent some time reading through the books that bring me the most inspiration. Books that move my heart, make me laugh, make me cry and make me think that I could maybe, possibly write prose so poetic you feel as if you’re standing in the middle of the action. Here are a few of the books that move me:
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver: I read this book in college and remember being stunned at the magic that sprang forth from each page. This book is a tragedy from start to finish, but it’s also poetry in motion. It’s so beautifully written that you don’t notice the heartache until it’s right on top of you.
The Girl with the Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier: I love this book. It is also tragic, but in a less blatant form. It’s a historical novel, which is my favorite kind of book and the imagery is so vivid that you feel like you’re a part of the Vermeer painting yourself.
Anna Karenina by Lev Tolstoy: I love this novel. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. This book makes me happy. And sad. But mostly happy.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte: Another beautiful tale of love and tragedy. After reading this book I often find myself writing Thee and Thou as if it’s natural, every day language…
Aside from books, here are a few more of my favorite things.
Coffeemate Peppermint Mocha Creamer: I was positive that this was only a holiday flavoring offered for Christmas so every time I go to the store I buy more of this in the fear that they’re going to yank it off the shelves. So far they haven’t, but I’m not taking any chances. I’ve got seven bottles of it in my fridge.
You know that moment when you walk into your kids’ rooms after lights out and they’re sound asleep, their mouths open and their faces peaceful? You lean down and smell their hair and breathe in the scents of lavendar and lotion, then you gently kiss their soft, squishy cheeks.
That is so my favorite thing.
My seven year old says the funniest things. My favorite from just this morning was when I pulled out the nail clippers to tackle the claws he likes to call toes.
“No! Don’t clip my toenails!” he cried. “Why?” I asked. “Because they’re my weapons,” came the reply. “I need them in case Tia and Landon start attacking me.”
Listening to his reasoning is definately one of my favorite things.
Sleeping. Last night I slept eight and a half hours uninterrupted. I’m fairly certain I didn’t move the entire night. And that is one of my favorite things.
What are a few of your favorite things?
That first fizzy sip of my ice cold morning McDonalds diet coke. Yes I am addicted!!
Crawling into bed after working a 12 hour night shift!
Rocky road ice-cream with some milk stirred in.
Worship at church especially to my favorite songs.
My kids voices sound so tender and sweet on the phone when I call them while at the hospital working a long shift.
When my hubby gives me a foot rub even when he doesn’t want too 😉
Oooh…good ones, Carol. 🙂
So….you like tragedies and depressing reads, yes? LOL!
My favorite things: books, glorious books! * the feel of my duvet on a cold day * sunshine! * walking barefoot in cool, green grass *holding hands with my 11-almost-12 year old her not being ashamed * mini Reece’s cup Blizzards from Dairy Queen (tasty enough to enjoy, small enough to not feel guilty) 😉
Yes, as I was typing that list up I was noticing that all my favorite books are tragic. They’re also all great love stories…well, except for The Poisonwood Bible. Ha! And Reeces Blizzards! Mmmmmm….that is a lovely thing. 🙂
I could just copy Megan’s list and be content, but I’ll add to that, a few more favorties: the sound of my children laughing, the kind where they laugh so hard they almost cry, and squishing my toes in the sand at the beach while the waves wash over them, and the smell of warm, yeasty, tomato saucy-y, cheesy pizza baking in the oven and, on occasion, smooth, silky DOVE Milk chocolate melting slowly in my mouth. Mmmmmmm. Definately Blessings – all of them!
Some of my favs:
1. A kiss and hug from my hubby after a long day
2. All things Mia, but I’m with you on the after bath smell of sleepytime lotion or just the pink stuff. I think she’ll bath and lotion in this as long as she lets me.
3. Saturday mornings
4. My bed and most importantly my vellux blanket
5. Facebook
6. Caffeine
7. My mom’s cheesecake
8. Rosemary and Olive Oil Triscuits with a slice of pepper jack cheese on top with a glass of red wine (often my dinner)
9. My family
10. A place to call home
Your dinner sounds yummy! I’m loving all the favorite things. They are making me smile on this grey, dreary day.
Oooo, Oooo, pick me! I’ll play!
1) the smell of a baby’s head after a shampoo with Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Shampoo
2) puppy breath
3) when babies catch your eye and smile really big
4) watching one of my kids conquer something for the first time
5) getting a great deal at a yard sale on something fabulous
6) beating someone in tennis that has previously gotten the best of me
7) hearing that one of my kids was kind to someone else
8) my down sweater
9) a great book, a cup of Citrus Mint tea and a roaring fire
10) date nights with Adam
Here are some of mine:
-My annual no-kids vacation with Jim
-Chocolate chip cookies still warm from the oven
-Singing and leading worship
-The Prayer Room at my church
-Game nights with my family
-9 pm snack and watching a movie after the kids are in bed
-Having deep conversations with my 7-year-old
-Seeing the light go on in someone when they realize they are capable of something
-The beach and the mountains
-A good book when I have time to read one. 🙂
-Ted Drewes Chocolate Banana Concrete