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?