If books have the power to challenge your worldview, what do your first books say about you? (I didn’t force that rhyme. It happened naturally. Promise.)
There’s something magical about learning to read. I was so desperate to read as a kid, I used to stare at books, hoping the scribbles would transform themselves into a message I could understand. It didn’t happen instantaneously like I wanted, but eventually letters ceased to be baffling scribbles.
I was thinking about this a few months ago, trying to recall some of the first books I ever read. There were four that came to mind. And I realized those books explain a lot about me. Like, a whole lot. (more…)
Sometimes I can’t predict how a situation will unfold. You would think, given that I’m a writer with an overactive imagination, I would foresee all sorts of possibilities. I often do, but sometimes the one that becomes reality is completely unanticipated.
Last week, I was doing a little bargain shopping. After standing in line for a good 30 minutes, I checked out and was attempting to exit the store when I realized the exit door was blocked. A lady stood in the doorway with two big bags sitting on the ground and a little boy sitting on one of the bags. I could have gone around her, out the entrance door. But instead, I did what most compassionate human beings would do: I asked if she needed help. (more…)
Have you ever had a chance encounter that ended up influencing your life? I don’t mean when you meet someone and you become lifelong friends, or you have an experience that causes you to rethink your life. Nothing that significant. I’m talking about some part of a brief interaction that has worked its way into your life.
Allow me to provide an example. 😉
When we lived in GA, there was a delightful, locally-owned Greek/Italian restaurant about 10 minutes from our house. My husband and I ate there a couple times and it was delicious. The Greek shrimp pasta, in particular, was quite amazing. We’re talking whole wheat pasta, bell peppers, feta cheese… (Excuse me while I mop the drool off my face..) (more…)