Winter Comfort

I'm not a big fan of January. Never have been for as long as I can remember. Perhaps it is because I dislike cold weather so much. And I know, compared to those states north of Mississippi, we really don't have it so very bad.

As my oldest son has often said to me, it's all about perspective. And from my perspective, I am used to ninety-eight degrees with 100% humidity. So, thirty-five to fifty-five degrees with wind chills of much lower is, to to my way of thinking, very cold.

There is an upside though to these cold, dreary, bleak days of January. I tend to retreat to that which brings me so much comfort and peace. I speak of reading-- I speak of books. The kind of books that you can touch and feel and smell. There may come a day when I am forced to use Kindles and other gadgets to read, but not now--not yet.

Typically, I enjoy biographies, non fiction, and bible study books. It takes a very creative author to lure me into reading fiction. Several months ago I enjoyed some of Truman Capote's work and re-read Harper Lee's "To Kill A Mockingbird". Often, I find myself so interested in the author I just have to read some of their work.

Such was the case in the book I have just finished reading by Kathryn Magendie titled, "Tender Graces". For months now I have enjoyed visiting her blog at Writing From My Mountain. Her post are always interesting and every now and then I get a tip on proper writing etiquette. Then winter set in and I set in search of some good fiction to read. While reading through her blog one night, it occurred to me in a "light bulb moment", well duh, here's a book right here.

Magendie's "Tender Graces" did not disappoint. It is a wonderful story about about a young woman, Virginia Kate, who grows up with a troubled mother and dysfunctional family in the mountains of West Virginia. It's about love and pain and reconciliation. When I read a book that I enjoy I dread coming to the end of it. I was comforted in the knowledge that Virginia Kate's story is continued in "Secret Graces" which I have just started reading. If your looking for some good winter reading I highly recommend these books and this authors blog.

So, what is it you enjoy doing during these cold winter days?

Anyone know when the first day of spring season begins? Don't know about you but I can hardly wait! I see myself tip toeing through the tulips...

"It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!" ~Mark Twain