Post 45/2023. Sunday. It’s snowing. I’m burning a soy wax candle in a jar, called “Grandma’s Garden.” No distinctive scent stands out, though Marty came wondering where the strange, sweet smell was coming from. Maybe the candle’s more about memories than smell. Memories of flower beds. Lettuce. Potatoes. Tomatoes. Onions. Carrots. Peas. Strawberries. Raspberries. Fruit trees.

Memories gathered at celebrating a harvest feast. Thanksgiving.

I recommend this book

What you are looking for is in the library, by Michiko Aoyama, translated by Alison Watts (Hanover Square Press, 2020, translation 2023) Setting: A neighborhood in Tokyo. Five unconnected individuals find their way to the Hatori Community House, a fine center for learning new skills. There they also have a fortuitous meeting with the tatting Reference room librarian, Sayuri Komachi. She puts each one on a path to realize their dream. Or, as in my case, to delight in recalling the threads that have led me to where I am today.

It’s an inspiring tale. An encounter with Ms. Komachi means nothing short of a new lease on life. Flyleaf: “What You Are Looking For Is in the Library is about the magic of libraries and the discovery of connection. This inspirational tale shows how, by listening to our hearts, seizing opportunity and reaching out, we too can fulfill our lifelong dreams.”

The book is a real pleasure, a treasure, offering occasions to laugh, commiserate, anticipate, celebrate. Check it out at your library. Or add it to your collection. What you are looking for is in the library.

This short poem appears on the back cover:

LIBRARY.

What a nice-sounding word.

So comforting.

I feel like I’m a student again.

Library…

“Am I allowed to borrow books?”

Around our home for Christmas

As has been our after-Thanksgiving tradition, we’ve decorated our home for Christmas. We bought a Fraiser Fir at Eby Pines Tree Farm on Friday. It’s now decorated, and gifts are starting to appear beneath it. Preparations for Advent and Christmas celebrations are underway.

Many happy celebrations and connections in the holiday seasons.

-John