The Wall

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“What a dear old wall that is that runs along by the river there! I never pass it without feeling better for the sight of it. Such a mellow, bright, sweet old wall; what a charming picture it would make, with the lichen creeping here, and the moss growing there, a shy young vine peeping over the top at this spot, to see what is going on upon the busy river, and the sober old ivy clustering a little farther down! There are fifty shades and tints and hues in every ten yards of that old wall. . . . It looks so peaceful and so quiet, and it is such a dear old place to ramble round in the early morning before many people are about.” Jerome K. Jerome, “Three Men In A Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog)” Ch. 6 (1889)

Finished Reading: The Reading Life

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Finished reading “The Reading Life: The Joy of Seeing New Worlds Through Others’ Eyes”, excerpts from selected writings of C.S. Lewis wherein he addressed the subject of reading. A careful reader will find wise instructions meant for the writer scattered like gemstones throughout his reflections and critiques. My favorite chapters are “The Case For Reading Old Books”, “Why Fairy Tales Are Often Less Deceptive Than ‘Realistic’ Ones,” and “The Achievements of J.R.R. Tolkien.” Though I borrowed my copy from our local library, this is worth purchasing and re-reading (a subject upon which Lewis has much to say). Makes a perfect gift for an avid reader! 

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