Book Review Barbara Kingsolver

I just finished an older book I have been meaning to read from my personal library for a long time. I have set aside 9 books from my personal library to read in between book club choices and The Library Things early book review winnings.

Here is my review 5 stars

Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kinsolver for me is a story about 3 women trying to live true, honest lives going against some strong traditions and long held beliefs in the mountains of Appalachia. In each ones way they try to live in harmony with the way nature intends for life to unfold; Life, death, reproduction and just the wonder and beauty of the earth. Accepting the good, as well as the bad. I enjoyed the willingness of each of the women to see the natural way of things all around them each season and not try to change things but seek to be part of the ebb and flow of nature and find enjoyment in all the earth provides as well as learning to live with people who think different than you. Working with the land and the people not against them.


What I really enjoy about Barbara’s writing style is that she weaves a great story into an issue that is important to her without being preachy and offensive. She has a way of presenting both sides but helping nudge you to see her side. Having family from the Appalachia area, I related to the language and the ways of thought. If you are a hard core modern farmer or hunter you probably will have difficulty with the themes of this book but I feel it’s time we started taking a long hard look at what our greed is doing to our land and food supply. Also how mistrust and unacceptance is hurting our relationships with each other.

Over all, a great read I thoroughly enjoyed all the way through.

Next up I'm starting a book from The Library Thing
Life After Life by Jill McCorkle  available March 26, 2013

My New Bad Word

Possibilities

pos·si·bil·i·ty noun \ˌpä-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē\


plural pos·si·bil·i·ties

Definition of POSSIBILITY

1: the condition or fact of being possible

2archaic : one's utmost power, capacity, or ability

3: something that is possible

4: potential or prospective value —usually used in plural

Doesn’t seem like a bad word

Actually sounds quite positive doesn’t it?

Well it s not when your mind takes it and runs with it.

Like ALL THE TIME

When I am being creative it is very helpful it’s actually necessary.

It is necessary for a person to keep a forward, positive attitude

But

When you are seeking to be

Content

Still

Quiet

Settled

It is the enemy

I have had 3 months to relax. To do what ever I want. For the first time in my adult life and I have not enjoyed any of it.

Why?

Because my mind will not stop thinking of possibilities!

I know I am not in the house I will eventually be in, it is just a holding place until we get back on our feet.

So

When I’m driving I subconsciously keep scanning for POSSIBLE places we might end up.

When I am out and about I keep thinking “Is this a place I could work?”

When I would like to just be relaxing enjoying some me time I am thinking “What should I make next. What should I read next.”

When I’m out at a store, everything in the store is a possibility! This is very dangerous.

I can not turn the possibilities button off.

It keeps a person unsettled

It keeps you from being content

I more than likely have one more month of unemployment left. I am really going to try real hard to stop my mind from thinking of possibilities unless it is associated with making things for my Etsy shop. Otherwise I am living in the now. Staying present in the moment I am in.

Being a creative person can be fun but it is also a difficult way to live when your mind is always thinking of everything around you and what you see and how beautiful it is and what you can do with everything you see. Wow, I’m tired. Maybe I’ll just take a nap and give my mind a rest!

Some of you wil just see a gate. 

But, some of you will see the possibilities just beyond this gate!