I so much enjoy and appreciate your blog. I never tire of reading everything you write and today was no exception. When I read your list of 10 ways to have a more spiritual summer, it resonated so much with me, that I immediately sent them to my husband by email. Reading that list brought all kinds of refreshing and vivid images to mind. I WILL follow through on most of these by summer’s end. Thanks again for the interesting things that you share with your readers.>

Ditto Kathryn’s comments, all around. When I first saw these suggestions, I jumped on them and carried along my circle of friends. We cleaned out our bookshelves, had a book sale and donated the proceeds to a literacy group where we volunteer. Then we created an inventory, glued in bookplates, and created a system for a lending library. Our books are now circulating in 17 homes. Everyone who borrows a book is asked to write a quick review in the end papers and note their name and the date read. For all of us, this has been sheer heaven. Biggest (and unexpected) bonus: more reading, less TV, and Thursday nites transformed into an informal book discussion and BBQ. We also started making holiday gifts while our time, energy and enthusiam are in good supply. So far we have a few paintings, illustrated books and hand-lettered and framed quotes to show for our efforts. (along with all the benefits of creating, together) Plus, almost everything we’ve created is out of used or recycled materials. My favorite has been rediscovering the sounds and scents of summer; I wasn’t seeing how vocal the earth is right now. In an urban environment, it’s so easy to rip through summer as if it were just another string of days and weeks. This year, we’ve enjoyed more hours and minutes. Thank you for the inspiration.>