Thoughtfulness for others, and yourself
This weekend is Valentine’s Day, and while it can be one of those holidays that some people ignore, some get sad, and some revel in the day. Regardless of your own feeling about the day, it is one that is celebrated around the world. I was curious as to why it exists. It has several legends attached to it, that are primarily Christian. It also is a bit broader than just a holiday for lovers to share. My favorite version of the legend is:
“During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of Valentine’s Day should be a day for romance. The English poet Geoffrey Chaucer was the first to record St. Valentine’s Day as a day of romantic celebration in his 1375 poem “Parliament of Foules,” writing, “For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day / Whan every foul cometh ther to choose his mate.” (History.com)
Whether you have a special person, or not it is a day we can do our best to be kinder to each other. Just think, if everyone took the day to make one person feel special it really would be a great day for everyone. If you aren’t comfortable with that idea then treat yourself extra special on this day. One thing we can all do is try to treat ourselves with kindness and thoughtfulness. Try to be easier on yourself and allow yourself to appreciate the life you are living.
Additionally, we have a romantic display of books from the library that can be something you can read together, share ideas, and enjoy. If you need a recommendation stop by and see Bell, or Ms. Kehe.
Also, the break is coming and nothing is better than relaxing with a great book. Come see what we have now or even recommend a book for us to purchase. There are some great ones from the Tournament of books. This is a great reading competition we are working on for this year.
History.com Editors. “History of Valentine’s Day.” HISTORY, HISTORY, 22 Dec. 2009, www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2. Accessed 12 Feb. 2021.
Bell’s Book Recommendation
The Dutch House – by Ann Patchett
The Dutch House is a really interesting Historical fiction title set shortly after WWII. As families begin to rebound from the war and industrialization providing opportunities for some families to get rich. Our story is told over the course of Danny’s life. His father a construction mogul purchases the Dutch House for there would be stepmother. However well off they are, trouble still follows, and family matters are always complicated in families brought together by marriage. It’s a bit dark, a bit mysterious at times, and written beautifully. It is full of robust characters and heartfelt. Perfect for Valentine’s. Give this book a try.
Melinda’s Book Recommendation
Echo Mountain – by Lauren Wolk
This mixed-genre (historical fiction/adventure survival) is set during the depression in Maine. Ellie’s family is forced to leave the city for Echo Mountain where they have to start again and struggle to survive on a small patch of the mountain. Learning how to farm, hunt, and fend for themselves from the land. To make matters worse, Ellie’s father has an accident that leaves him in a coma. Free-spirited Ellie, although only 12 has to take on even more chores to help sustain the family, however unlike her older sister and mother, Ellie loves the mountain and embraces learning all she can about the plants and animals who share her new world. She is also determined to find a cure for her father and ‘wake’ him from his coma. This leads her up the mountain in search of a woman known as the ‘hag’ who is shunned but Ellie has heard about her healing powers. A beautifully written book about being true to yourself embracing the wilderness and of course there is a dog too. Lauren Wolk is one of my favorite middle-grade storytellers, I loved this book.