Dear Reader,
This very minute, I'm looking at a blank screen, like I do every morning before I "begin." I have numerous columns that I could finish, but I'm having trouble getting enthused about working on any of them. I just can't seem to get started. My usual solution when I'm stuck, is to simply start typing, and typing and keep typing, until eventually whatever needs to get out of me, whatever is standing in my way, there it is on the screen in front of me. 'Ah, and there it is this morning. The problem is sadness.'
Sadness, overwhelming sadness is making it hard for me to write. I could write about why I feel sad, but the sadness and the tears along with it, are bigger than any words I can find to put on paper. Normally when there's a problem, I can dig in and work towards a solution to fix it, but the world feels out of control, I'm only one person, and solutions aren't within my reach.
So I've decided the only thing I can do is recognize things in my own life that bring me joy and then share them with other people--every opportunity I get. The adage says, "One person can make a difference" (but you might have to do something a little unconventional). In my case it's bubbles. Turning on a bubble machine every day in front of my house seems like no big deal, but in my own small way, it seems to be passing on a bit of joy. Because lately, people tell me, "Thanks for the bubbles, especially now. Every time I walk by your house, they make me smile. Keep that machine going!"
Apparently I'm not the only one who's discovered the joy of sharing bubbles. Book club reader, Mary N., a Youth Services Library Assistant at Somerset County Library, New Jersey, writes:
"Suzanne, we recently purchased a battery operated bubble machine for our youth services department, and the children love it. And as you can see from the attached picture, I do too!"
To see the photo of Mary, and to enter today's bubble giveaway–12 bubble wands, so you can share some joy with friends, click here.
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win.
KIDSBUZZ: For kids 8-12, especially kids who are into the environment and think about plastic pollution, check out Elaine Dimopoulos' TURN THE TIDE, "a heartfelt story highlighting activism and showing how change does not come easily" and simply a great kid read. (Kirkus Reviews). For a chance to win a free copies, to talk with the authors, and more, see http://www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz.
This month's Penguin Classics book is The Sun Also Rises, by Ernest Hemingway. I have a copy of the book to share with a lucky reader, so start reading and enter for your chance to win.
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