3 books in one month

Truly a miracle has happened because I started and finished 3 books in one month! I finished my last book this morning so I could be able to make this personal record!

Here are a few of my turned up bottom page quotes that I enjoyed.

gift giving

My mama nudged me with her elbow. "Ain't that a beauty?" she said. "Like to cost the whole amount, but that is the finest windmill money can buy. Steel plates behind the wood, and if one breaks, why , you just end up a man with a piece of wood and an iron peg." My mouth hung open. I said, "Mama, you ordered this? Without asking me?" "Well, it's a present. I don't need your permission to give you a present." It is a blessed thing a joy I can't describe, to look on a powerful gift such as this. Something that represents a sacrifice from someone else or an effort far exceeding what I'd feel was normal, is so beyond my expectations, it touches my deepest soul. My throat tightened up and I felt something swell in my chest. "No", I said. "Reckon you don't." My eyes burned, and I had to hold on to m head for a few seconds. Then I put my hand down and said, "To me a present is a nice feather pillow or a new apron. Mama, this is way overgenerous. It has cost you sixty acres of land. It's too big and too fine and-" "Well, then you just mind your manners and say thank you." "Thank you mama" pg 104-105

I loved this quote. gift giving is such a tricky thing but I have been one blessed with some amazing gifts that represent a sacrifice from someone or an effort far exceeding what i feel is normal - have you?

War

"One thing I know from living with Jack is that war, any war, stains a man deep, and nothing can get the stain out. They can wear clothes like a rancher or a banker, but the stains are under there, never far from the surface of their skin. " pg 59
I thought a bit about this quote this Memorial day weekend when we walked past all the men at the Vietnam Memorial hugging each other and everyone seemed bonded just by being there. I was amazed to hear at the concert that the Iraq war has been going on 6 years - that would mean my Annie Kate would not remember a life without our country being at war.
Jeff does not talk much about what he sees at Walter Reed but I am sure it affects him. I know for me I have such a deeper appreciation for those serving. When I go to Walter Reed they have tables set up with people to talk to or get information about Post Traumatic Syndrome - it makes it more real for me - but still I feel like I have no clue what it must be like for the families and those serving. My respect goes to them for their sacrifice.


My summary of the book was that it was ok. I didn't realize this was the sequel to These are My Words (which I have not read, silly me!) I will read that next. I do love these type of pioneer, homesteading women books and always helps me appreciate the day to day of my life. After reading this I did feel a longing for really helping women with their families and not be so guarded or private as my community feels.
But I found myself getting bored with it at the end and finally skipped two chapters to read the last chapter- and i was kind of happy it was over.


This was a pleasant surprise that I loved this book. My favorite part of this book were the faces I gave to the characters and even seemed to give the Giver a different face than was on the cover. This is a great book to help appreciate any trial that you might be going through- it helped me be reminded of the joy in my life.
I didn't have many turned up corners from this book but there was one I don't want to forget.

Bragging

Jonas was impressed by the things Benjamin had achieved. He knew him, or course, since they had always been group mates, but they had never talked about the boy's accomplishments because such a conversation would have been awkward fro Benjamin. there was never a comfortable way to mention or discuss one's successes without breaking the rule against bragging, even if one didn't mean to. It was a minor rule, rather like rudeness, punishable only be gentle chastisement. But still. Better to steer clear of an occasion governed by a rule which would be so easy to break. pg 27

This is such an interesting quote and could sum up one of Jeff's standards. I always feel like he has so many things he has done, seen or knows but never really talks about them because he feels like it would be bragging. As for me I can't seem to stop talking about my self when I meet someone and so have really made an effort to ask as many questions about someone else so I don't do that.

So my questions

- is there a comfortable way to mention or discuss (face to face) your success without bragging? really feel free to tell me what you think.

-do you feel women these days are more private with their life and trials and need for help or is it just me?

- have you ever received a gift like the description above?


This was one of those gifts that I have received. Every piece of this quilt is hand appliqued. It took months and months to create. It was given to me by my dear friend Mindy who made if for me during my first pregnancy. When I opened it I was so overwhelmed and cried so hard I got a bloody nose. It is the first thing I would grab in a fire after my children.