'Sharing education , sharing a book. That's what changes the world' Brad Meltzer

One of the joys of having more free time is the elation of being able to READ - and how I have loved that 💓💓💓  Many afternoons (in the heat of the day) you will find me in my favourite spot up on the roof

curled up in a hammock

engrossed in a book! Sometimes with my favourite: a cup of tea!

We often hear that to learn to read and to share stories is a fundamental element of growth in human beings. We learn so much about one another: the hardships, the joys, the truth and drama surrounding us all. Through books we can start to understand and, perhaps, in some way relate to someone whom we can empathise with or begin to have a better grasp of why people think the way they do. Ideas and thoughts develop in us and we begin to view the world differently. So for me reading of any material needs to be encouraged and developed especially in our youth. I am not a big movie fan (although I do watch some) as I want to imagine and create the characters for myself. Sometimes a book I read is so horrifying in my imagination that I can hardly switch the light off! Sometimes the tears are rolling down my cheeks as I weep at someone else’s story. I am sure many of you reading this will have experienced some of these feelings 😀

With this in mind, I decided to share a variety of books which I have recently read  and encourage you to read them ( I'm sure some of you may have already read some/all of them) All are absolutely beautiful and the content varies. But each author is addressing issues and conscientising us to relook and explore our views on the subject introduced. 

S

I absolutely loved 'The Kite Runner' and 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' so I was thrilled to come across this book. Although published in 2013 - its beautifully written and so relevant in today's society. (I have added a link to this under Interesting Articles)

I'm sure many of you have seen this book on the shelves or heard Stephen speak. For me, I marvel at the human spirit and found this book both uplifting and harrowing at the same time.

Quotes from the book:

" We all be speaking different because we are all having different growing-up life, but we can all be understanding each other if we just take the time to listen"

"Do good for other peoples. Even if you are not well. Even if the whole world around you is not well."

"Schooling is your voice, child. It will be speaking for you even if you didn't open your mouth to talk."

Perhaps you can see why this book really spoke to me💓💓💓💓 Hopefully it may speak to you too.😍 I downloaded it as an audible book. Why audible you may well ask........

because at night when the sun sets

the night comes alive with INSECTS which are attracted to the light

so I have come to realise that during the day I read and at night I listen to audible books !

Talking about insects - we have been inundated with these lovely fellows.....

Although they are truly beautiful looking creatures, my heart says its time for them to find some other home!

In Calitzdorp we have our own authors and one of them is Marius Alberts who had a book launch at the CalitzdorpTuinateljee (really worth a visit should you be coming through Calitzdorp)

It truly was a magical evening and listening to Marius's niece read from his book (all in afrikaans) was one that will remain in my memory for a long time. He has written some poems and another book based on his adventures as a medic on cruise liners but this one was his first novel. It has been translated from afrikaans "Die huisie langs die pad". It is a heartbreaking, true story. 

At this event, we met Kevin and Colleen Taylor who run the Gasteria Grange Guest House. It turns out that amongst other things, Kevin organises the Historical walk through Calitzdorp which we immediately decided to do. It was a wonderful way to start a Saturday morning and learn a little more about the town we now call home.

 

In keeping with the idea of getting to know our community, we were inivited by Christine and Otto to join them for a Sunday lunch at Soeterus Guest Farm which is owned by Olivia and George. And guess what ....... we played BINGO! I can't remember when we last laughed so much and had such fun. We even won some prizes!

Being away from our friends is not always easy and so I was beyond excited when Glenda and Doug said that they would visit us as they were staying in Stillbaai. And they arrived bearing gifts of fish, easter eggs and fruit and much needed parraffin! We had a beautiful time catching up and sharing stories. It was so so special 💓💓💓

One of the frustrations that we are beginning to experience is online delivery! Michael and I had listened to a webinar hosted by Marianne Thamm from The Daily Maverick. She interviewed Nadav Eyal who is the author of Revolt.

It sounded fascinating so I went straight online to Exclusive Books and placed my order. That was fairly easy ( although getting an OTP here is a story for another day) BUT getting the book delivered proved to be a logistical nightmare. Eventually after contacting Exclusive Books ( who were very helpful) we got the courier company to deliver it to Natasha at the Post Office (my new best friend!) So this is my next read.

I continue my journey to try and join the ranks of Chris Froom 😂😂

and seek the joy each flower and animal brings

Ever though some of them make my heart beat faster

Easter weekend it is and I end off my blog by wishing all a blessed and peaceful few days celebrating the joy of life, neverending love and the wings to make all dreams come true. 

And take time out to .......   READ and then share with a friend 💓💓💓

A bunch of flowers from Bokkie
Amazing from our local Tuisnaverheid!

From me in the Karoo 💓💓💓