Friday, January 7, 2011

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

13 comments:

Forsythia said...

I like dreary weather. It gives me a good excuse to stay inside and curl up in a chair with a book and a blanket. Right now, I'm reading Elizabeth's Women by Tracy Borman. It's about all the women who influenced QE I from birth through adulthood--her mother, ladies in waiting, tutors, etc,

Finding Pam said...

Debra, I am with you on the bleak days of Winter. I get outside on sunny days and enjoy the blue skies.

We are going to have some cold weather next week. I still will take the cold over those hot humid days of Summer.

Thanks for the recommendation of this book. It sounds really good.
I have a thing about texture and I don't like rough feeling paper that is used in paper backs. My husband bought me a Kindle and I love it.

Anonymous said...

I suppose spring will be here before we know it. But for now, I'm enjoying winter a bit like you. Winter's a down-time of sorts for me. I like to read too. I'm finding myself more into Christian fiction lately. It's like my mind needs a break from the non-fiction and studies. So I wrap up in a blanket with a cup of hot tea and let a book take me out of the cold and into the lives of others for just a bit. Like you, I prefer the feel and smell and even the sound of turning the pages of books.
"Tender Graces" sounds wonderful and just my kind of 'read'. Your description reminds me a bit of Nancy E. Turner's books - "The Water and the Blood" and "These is My Words". Both books that are amazingly written and have great writing style! Thanks for recommending "Tender Graces" - I'm going to check that out!
Hugs,
Deb

Toyin O. said...

These sounds like great books to read, thanks for sharing. I usualy like to lay in my bed and not come out during winter:(

Travis Cody said...

January can be a tough month for a lot of people. Enjoy your books!

Oh...I love actual books too. But don't discount the Kindle too much. Mine has enhanced my reading experience without dampening my enthusiasm for holding a book in my hand. I'm able to read more quickly and with more comfort.

I don't have time to get to the library, so I have to buy a lot of the books I read. For the same $25-$30 cost of one hard cover, I'm getting 3 or 4 ebooks on my Kindle.

Hardcover books remain very special to me. I'm just a little more selective in the books I purchase to add to my shelves.

Kathryn Magendie said...

I'm so touched and smiling a big fat smile - I came by here to say hello and had no idea you'd written these lovely words about Virginia Kate . . . thank you...

j said...

Oh! Lovely comments! I'll have to follow the link.

I don't like January either. It seems like I resort to comfort foods - not good :(

Chin up - Spring will be just around the corner for us (another lovely thing about living in the south).

Amrita said...

THose are our temperaturess too here in North India. Its freezing cold. I am comfy in th e 70s.

Deborah Ann said...

I'm with you, Debra. No kindles. Not yet. I really like curling up with a book. I can't see myself curling up with a kindle.

You asked about my font. Blogger added new fonts recently. But if, like me, when you go in you can only see the original selection, then go to draft.blogger.com and you'll see them there.

Grayquill said...

I was doing pretty good until my friend Debra caused me to trip over Tiny Tim's face thanks NOT!
Thanks for the reading tip.

Brenda said...

I am usually a reader, but lately, actually for quite awhile now, I've been listening to favorite sermons on my ipod shuffle.
It got up into the 50's today. It's been so cold, in the low teens when we wake up. And our gas bill has definitely reflected it. Yikes!
Have a great weekend.

Pamela said...

I can deal with winter when I'm inside. Oh Spring, come quickly. We're getting ice and snow tonight. Ha!

Reading is such a part of my life. When someone is astounded over the amount of books I read, I just tell them it's for my career. Nobody has anything to say after that. Ha!

Anonymous said...

Debra, I'm in Minnesota and after the weather we've had here, if we get to 35degrees, we'll be going without jackets! The older I get, the colder the cold feels, but I don't mind the winter if I don't have to drive in the snow.