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About books as gifts. . .

Books make great gifts that are kept close to forever. Readers don’t toss their books out when they are finished reading them. They keep them on the shelf to return to for either reference, research or just have a friend on the shelf nearby. Books signed by the author make great, personal Christmas gifts. When I had my used book shop, I often came across inscriptions, sometimes by the author and sometimes by the gift giver. Nearly always dated. Ah, geez, I loved reading those and holding the books in my hands to gain the loving energy still left in that book. The love almost leapt off the page. Some were obviously from Mom, some were to Dad. Others were from friends or lovers. How sweet is that?

Think about giving books as gifts this year. Choose them with the person in mind; maybe challenge them to read a different genre than they usually read. Think of the discussions you can share later.

Those of you in Bordentown, if you have friends who moved away from town for whatever reason, job, family, retirement,-send a book on Bordentown. The Arcadia series are such good books to have on the shelf.

Major Fraser’s is nearly out of print. I’m thinking of updating it and maybe expanding more about the Fraser family. Anyone have any opinions on that? Let me know if you do. That house looks as new as it did when it was built way back when.

Christmas season, Poetry

Christmas as Contemplative

Image

Not all scenes of snow with Christmas intent

are filled with sleigh bells and holly

not all thoughts of stockings hung by the chimney,

include fat men in red that are jolly,

lays on my mind

A scene of trees laden heavily with white stuff

can bring visions not of sugarplums

but of peace, contentment, muffled sounds of nature

that fill the heart without the drums,

no little boy here

So in remembering your favorite Christmas year,

that it does not need to be repeated

for once it is placed in your heart, it remains forever

to bring out each year and greeted,

improving with age                   © Arlene S. Bice, 2012