Three Books, Three Purposes

In the recent months I've been doing a lot of varied reading. So, I decided to compile a post about the three books I haven't been able to put down... apart from to write this post.


The Bedside Read

After reading The Catcher In The Rye six times, I still go back to it when I'm not yet ready for something new. It's an honest book, with a few subtleties in its descriptions.

Holden Caulfield, the book's protagonist, quickly became an icon of teenage rebellion when the book was first published in 1951. He's an endearing character and portrays both maturity and immaturity throughout. 

Later, in 1981 it was both the most censored and second most taught book in public schools in the US - now if that doesn't intrigue you I don't know what will.

My copy is battered - I even bent the spine, something I largely consider a cardinal sin! - and has underlinings and scribblings on nearly every page.

The Cookbook

This cookbook is a fairly new addition to the stack (of at least 50), it was actually my Mum that picked this up. Looks like she has pretty sharp taste.

It's a hefty book, however it's incredibly articulate! Towards the front of the book is a guide to ingredients; fruit, veg, herbs, spices etc. Leon gives details of when each is in season and where they're typically grown, this is ideal if you're in to shopping for foods when they're at their best.

The back of the book is where the recipes are. A few that caught my eye are: .....

And if all that content wasn't enough it's beautifully designed. Scribbles and casual photos give it a real homely feel. It's a book that's blown the Nigella, Gordon and Jamie's out of the water. You pay for the content and the content sure is good!

The Coffee Table Book

This book might possibly be my favourite of the three. 

It's a beautiful collection of fascinating letters, postcards, telegrams, faxes and memos. Letters from the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald nearly had me in tears, and that's not to mention the ones fans wrote to Elvis!

I'm glad this book isn't available on a kindle or iPad as it just wouldn't be the same. An exquisite book to read with a cup of coffee (or tea, if that's your thing) on a quiet afternoon

If all that wasn't enough for you, Shaun Usher, the editor, has also set up Lists of Note!

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Pick Me Ups

A list of things that feel good:

• Having your class cancelled on a beautiful day. 
• Laughing so hard your face hurts. 
• Watching a child do something for the first time. 
• A great idea. 
• Getting mail. 
• Walking out of your last exam. 
• Seeing hard work pay off. 
• Your favourite lunch.
• Clean laundry.
• Being told you did an excellent job.
• A care package. 
• Student discount. 
• A crisp white shirt.
• Seeing how happy your dog is when you take him for a walk.
• An unexpected gift. 
• Walking barefoot in the sand. 
• Taking uncomfortable shoes off.
• Singing in public and hearing a stranger say “You *GO* girl!” 
•  Landing on the runway after a long flight. 
• An almost dangerous sense of determination. 
• Feeling needed.
• The ability to listen.
• Compassion. 
• Travelling.
• Writing something you're proud of.
• Smiling at strangers and getting smiles in return.
• Wide open spaces.
• Knowing that we live in a world where most things are just a phone call away.
• Snacking when you get home late. 
• Latte art.
• Being with someone you love when you need each other.
• The smell of the first bbq of summer.
• A sleep in the afternoon after a big meal. 
• Making use of the whole day. 
• Watching a black and white film.
• Eating food you grew yourself. 
• The first warm summer days.
• Being brave enough to stand by your decisions.
• Waking up next to someone you love. 
• The smell of freshly cut grass.
• Knowing that all is well.
• Finding a starfish at the beach. 
• The sound of wind in the trees. 
• The sound of the ocean at high tide.
• Meeting new people and having them become good friends faster than you thought possible. 
• Finding common ground with someone you were unsure about.
• Knowing and feeling that some person really likes you as you are.
• When the weather is just warm enough for you to eat outside.
• Listening to the falling rain drops. 
• Watching the dew drops on flower petals early in the morning. 

Keep a look out for Pt. 2!

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A Quote From Hunter S. Thompson

“Breakfast is the only meal of the day that I tend to view with the same kind of traditionalised reverence that most people associate with Lunch and Dinner. I like to eat breakfast alone, and almost never before noon; anybody with a terminally jangled lifestyle needs at least one psychic anchor every twenty-four hours, and mine is breakfast. In Hong Kong, Dallas or at home — and regardless of whether or not I have been to bed — breakfast is a personal ritual that can only be properly observed alone, and in a spirit of genuine excess. The food factor should always be massive: four Bloody Marys, two grapefruits, a pot of coffee, Rangoon crepes, a half-pound of either sausage, bacon, or corned beef hash with diced chiles, a Spanish omelette or eggs Benedict, a quart of milk, a chopped lemon for random seasoning, and something like a slice of Key lime pie, two margaritas, and six lines of the best cocaine for dessert… Right, and there should also be two or three newspapers, all mail and messages, a telephone, a notebook for planning the next twenty-four hours and at least one source of good music… All of which should be dealt with outside, in the warmth of a hot sun, and preferably stone naked.”

(Image Source)

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Mindful Planning

After the chaos of Christmas it was enlightening to sit down and have a couple of hours to plan - mindfully.

Through reading, talking to people and my own research I've found that mindfulness is a key part of how function and live on a day-to-day basis. 

Loosely, it involves being aware, and of course mindful, of what you are doing and how you are doing it. Without sounding to cliché, mindfulness encompasses living now, and firmly in the present. What has already happened is done and with the lessons learnt in mind it is time to live. 

After taking the time to read about certain Yoga practises and mindfulness I've found they both closely border and complement one another. In a sense that it's easy to forget where you are, what you're doing and how you're really feeling, thus leading Yoga to reengage you and aid you in becoming aware.

So hopefully, in the new year, I will make a concerted effort to stay mindful and keep up with yoga practise. Challenging but realistic goals that will feasibly enrich my health and well being.

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