Inside Good Books...

A rule by which many liveaboards live (and buy) is - When one new thing comes aboard, one old thing comes off. This is important with clothing items especially because one (me) can end up with a gazillion tshirts or pants that sit too long in the locker and end up soaking up a boat-y smell because they've not been worn or cleaned in a good amount of time. The above rule is helpful, too, in making sure that we truly have what we need and really consider those things we want (not all wants are needs).

Books are items that I've had to be a bit more conscious about bringing aboard. I'll amass a small library in no time. Buying books full price from a book store or Amazon isn't always the best use of money because I read and get rid - after a book is done it's passed off to a friend, the local library, or taken to the Goodwill. These places are also where I find books - the Goodwill is a goldmine. Recently I was in a larger town nearby waiting for our new sail to be completed, so I stopped into their Goodwill store. It's bigger, it's near an affluent community, so there were treasures to be found...especially the book section.

Five front and back bookcases of newly used books by current and prominent authors. I ended up with nine books in my arms and then realized that this was crazy. I ended up choosing three: one non-fiction, one fiction, and one self-helpy (I like learning new ways to think and react).  Inside two of the books, there were messages left behind by previous readers.

In one, a sweet note from a husband.

I love that it was in this book (a tribute to the devine feminine power) and wonder if the husband gave this title as a gift because he thought so highly of his wife. Or, she was so touched by the note that she kept it as a bookmark in the many books she read, always reviewing the sweet love captured in his words.

In another book, a different message was shared.

It took me a while to figure this message out (embarrassingly so, in hindsight). Not sure how or why this arrived in my world, but I'll take it. I chuckle a bit when I imagine that the universe had delivered in my lap something that we all search long and hard for. Literally, good books are filled with grand ideas.

Another thought on social media

Continuing thoughts about social media and being authentically connected, of course the universe brought a new article to my blog feed: Does social media make you antisocial? The author of the article cites examples of how a typical (I'll stereotype and say, American) will most likely pull back from a stranger who spontaneously grabs a hand instead of lingering and wondering about the possible connection being shared. We are more likely to assume harm before we assume goodness. Even in our local school district, a recent board meeting stirred the community when they suggested that school volunteers be prohibited from giving (or recieving) hugs from elementary students.

Although I don't want or need strangers to grab my hand, I see the point of the author's purpose. Around me, I see my community as one that will assume a negative before assuming an action or event is positive. As I read the above article, I thought of one of my favorite teachers/authors, Leo Buscaglia, who would go up to strangers on the street and hug them. Leo also started a class all about Love at a California university just so students could learn more about love and loving (it's an action, you know). His writing and stories bring me to tears because they are so incredibly full of love. It's rare to witness or feel the kindless and lovingness that he shares in his work and words.

I recognize that my main connection to friends and family that live far away is via social media. I do enjoy seeing pictures of family and friends on Facebook (FB) and reading and responding to posts, but solely connecting in this way lacks an authenticness. I've noticed that a long phone conversation now drains me so I'm more apt to send a text, an email, or send a FB message. It's easier and it's quicker - but, it's also less meaningful. Tone, genuineness, and other affective components are not heard in an email. And, I can't hug, hold a hand, or just smile at someone via the internet; those things are really what we (okay, what I) need most today. I've grown accustomed to connecting in a quick way, but it's not the best way. I just need to find balance.