I haven’t hidden my love for beautiful words. Let’s be honest, a third of the blog is made up of the words of others. Words that have grabbed my heart and left me reeling by their power. Sometimes, I go searching for these words. I peruse books, quotes, and subject titles looking for the perfect words to fit a particular situation.
There are other times, though, when words find me. Words that I didn’t know I was looking for until my eyes danced over them. Words that completely bypass my brain and enter directly into my soul. These words echo deep inside of me as if willing me to sit up and pay attention. Oh, while I love all beautiful words, these latter kind are uniquely special.
This weekend the kids and I trekked our way to the library. We loaded up a bag of about 20 books for the kids and were on our way out when my eyes caught a glimpse of a book title. . .If I Had My Life To Live Over I Would Pick More Daisies. I wasn’t planning to get any books for myself, but still felt compelled to throw this one in the bag. Later that night, I pulled out the book and opened to the first page and knew that putting it in the bag wasn’t a coincidence when my eyes met these words by Nadine Stair:
If I Had My Life To Live Over
“You see, I’m one of those people who live sensibly and sanely hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I’ve had my moments, and if I had to do it over again, I’d have more of them. In fact, I’d try to have nothing else. Just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead of each day. I’ve been one of those persons who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, and a raincoat. If I had to do it over again, I would travel lighter than I have.
“If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dances. I would ride more merry-go-rounds and I would pick more daisies.”
I hope you enjoy her words, too.
What great words! …and words I really need to repeat to myself over and over, as we are in the midst of venturing into something terrifying to my safe/secure/planner of a self.
O those grab me….I was just talking to Shawn how Darrick and me are so much alike except in one area for sure. Darrick (our 22 year old who is currently doing internship in DC). He takes the chances life gives him. He is not afraid. Where I am more scared and dont want to fail at something. Hmmm. Now I have to think about it. Need to get the book
Oh, I think I'd really enjoy this book! It reminds me of a poem by Erma Bombeck about parenthood and what she would've done over. There are so many things I'd do differently- but I still have time. I need to tuck these words in my heart and start living them!
Thanks blog-friend for sharing them! 🙂
ps…I added you as a contact on flickr