When one lies in a hard, unyielding hospital bed, one has time for reflection. Anyway, I did. I reflected on how nice home is and how much I liked the comfortable, familiar routine of my days at home. (And how much I missed my own bed.) I also had time to read.
We’ve talked several times about books being dependable friends and how they help us get through difficult situations. Do you know what book specifically helped me during these days? It was Tish by Mary Roberts Rinehart. I read The Adventures of Tish years ago but reading it again was like visiting an old friend, a comfortable friend, one I could count on. Although she lived in a different century, I feel as if I know Mrs. Rinehart and I feel as if I know Leticia Carberry and her two long-suffering friends. The Tish books are not the spine-tingling mysteries that Rinehart is known for but they are good books. And the first Tish book takes place in a hospital. Now, how appropriate was that?
I’ve long been an admirer of Mary Roberts Rinehart. In fact, she is the gold standard I have in mind as I write the Darcy and Flora books. If you have never read her books, I think you are in for a treat. I am such an admirer that I named one of my cats, in years gone by, Rinehart. He was a dear little fellow, a Manx, with no tail, gray and white and a friendly disposition. Matt’s dog Lady loved Riney. But then, that’s a whole story in itself.
As it is, while Friday breaks upon us, I am grateful to be home, grateful for good health and doctors and nurses, and looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. Reflections are nice for tucking into my heart and realizing the blessings I have. But looking at the opportunities in the here and now is pretty nice too. It’s just great to be alive.
http://pen-l.com/Mystery.html
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=blanche+day+manos
https://www.pinterest.com/blanchemanos/
Glad to hear you are back home. I have a favorite book too and have hung on to it for many years – “How Green is my Valley.” I would tell you the author but my book is put away and I know I would not be able to spell his last name! Llewellyn(??)
Favorite books are neat things. They are sort of like old friends, dependable and comforting. Thanks for writing, Sharon.
Glad you are home and better. I have never read any of that author so guess I will look for the books. I have your Darcy and Flora books at the top of my favorite list. I can so related to them.
Deb, your comment was so sweet. Thank you. That’s exactly how I’d like my readers to feel. I hope they relate to Darcy and Flora and look on them as dependable friends. If Darcy and Flora can put a smile on a reader’s face or a bit of sunshine in the day, my mission is accomplished!