The Big White Farmhouse

Nature is no cure-all, but there’s something about sinking your hands deep into the dirt, watching a leaf slowly make its way down a stream, or breathing in the aroma of wet soil after a light spring rain that makes us relaxed, calm, and less prone to feel anxious, angry, or depressed.  Many scientists believe that these feelings are caused by what they call “soft fascination” with natural elements, which – unlike the directed attention needed to navigate through busy traffic or solve a complicated math problem – can help keep our minds at rest. (p.226-227)

I put this book on my 100 Little Things list (#93!) because I’ve heard such great things about it and everyone was right!  What an inspiring book!  I immediately inventoried our outerwear and invested in some new gear.  I also appreciated the book recommendations at the end of each chapter; I’ve got more reading to do!

#34. THE KALAHARI TYPING SCHOOL FOR MEN by Alexander McCall Smith || ★★★☆☆
The fourth book in the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series.  This series reads like one big chapter book.  I enjoy coming back to “visit” Botswana every few weeks and I just love that Mma Ramotswe!

#35. THE WELL by Stephanie Landsem || ★★★★☆

People read and watch and listen to true crime because it restores order from chaos. That’s the answer to give when someone asks you why you like hearing about real-life murders. It’s the comfort of watching everything be put in its place after an episode of outright, sickening bedlam. (27%)

Death is not our foe.  There is no foe.  There is only the stunningly fragile human body, a holy creation capable of loving with such astonishing strength but which is weak to the curses of a fallen world.  It is a frailty of flesh and blood that causes us to succumb to forces greater than ourselves.  We are like butterflies, delicate and wonderful, here on earth for only a brilliant moment and then fly away.  Death is appointed merely to close the door to our suffering and open wide the gate to Paradise. (p.183)

Home isn’t a place where everything stays the same; it’s a place where you are safe and loved despite nothing staying the same. (p.225)

What we needed to raise in others was this instinct. The ability to recognize, in an instant, right from wrong. The clarity of mind to face it rather than ignore it. (37%)

When I listened to her, I understood: You have to hold out to see how your life unfolds, because it is most likely beyond what you can imagine. It is not a question of if you will survive this, but what beautiful things await you when you do. (41%)

#39. PEACE LIKE A RIVER by Leif Enger || ★★★★★
This was a reread and I loved it just as much as the first time.