Acts of Random Kindness to You

I first became acquainted with Peter Joseph Swanson on the Gather website. Peter is not only a very personable man, but he is a talented writer. How do I know? I recently read his book titled, Hollywood Sinners and I loved it.

This books is Book One of a trilogy and of course I am hoping my husband is smart enough to know I want to continue the series and I will find the next book in my stocking. I think what I liked best about this book is that it was a little different. It wasn’t a typical modern day romance novel, there was a touch of history, some offbeat humor, and a great story line.

So, are you looking for a fun and different kind of read this holiday season? If so, then visit Peter Joseph Swanson’s book page and get to ordering as time is running out and you won’t be disappointed !

This summer, Tom and I went on a very simple, but wonderful vacation to the Old Forge, NY area. We stayed in a cabin and browsed some quaint little shops. We swam and sat by campfires. During our week here, one of the highlights was browsing the book stores that had a lot of Adirondackbooks. I became transfixed by a series of books known as “Woodswoman” which were written by Anne LaBastille. There are four books in the series that span 35 years of her life living in the secluded Adirondack woods by herself. It should be noted that books three and four are much more difficult to find, but are well worth the search.

These books bring with them a sense of peace and independence. Her trials and tribulations in the Adirondack wooods as well as her joys and sorrows are so vividly written that sometimes you feel as if you are right there with her. As she and her various German Shepards venture through the years, you become a part of her life. As a matter of fact, you almost find yourself cheering her on.

While on vacation I spoke with several bookstore owners about Anne LaBastille and how I would have loved to have met her. All told similar tales of her being ill at this point in her life. Whether or not that is true, I do not know, but what I do know is that I am a better person for having found and read her books. If you have ever dreamed of living completely off the grid and on your own, these books will inspire you to new heights.

I have decided to add a new category to the blog. I am a book fanatic and forever wanting to share a good book with friends, so I have decided to start doing that here as well. Feel free to discuss the book in question or to make suggestions of your own.

There is nothing in the world like a good book and it seems that sharing them with people is a way to not only help the authors of the books, but to also give back to those of you that have taken the time to come here. So, watch for the reviews in the coming weeks as I highlight some of the books I have read.

Imagine waking up one morning in a little north country town and having the free library destroyed by fire. That is exactly what happened in the small community of Depauville, NY. Maybe it is the reader in me or maybe it is the teacher, but whatever it is, it made me sad.

I hadn’t heard much about this little library in quite some time and then last night on our local news, they finally mentioned that it is repaired and ready to roll with one exception. There are still no books. Oh, not to worry, they are working on establishing some grants and funds and probably are just plain happy to be back on their feet, but in the meanwhile, the shelves remain bare and the library closed.

So, I began talking today with a few of my students. It isn’t my community and it isn’t their community, but it is a north country community nonetheless. I have a few extra sets of brand new books that I had purchased and received and the light bulb went on. So, my students looked up the address to the little library and filled out the envelope in preparation of sending them some books to put on their shelves.

These books by themselves won’t reopen the little Depauville Free Library, but they will let the good people there know that we are thinking of them and wishing them well. Did you find something kind to do today? Big or small, remember it is all about making the world a better place one act of random kindness at a time.