Chapter One

Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.

~ Mark Twain

I will be the first to admit that I've been missing in action. It's been almost a week since I've blogged, and I have one thing to blame it on, and it isn't Mark. I've been reading...like someone who is addicted. If you have never been part of a bookclub, you need to find one or start one of your own. My bookclub is small, much smaller than it was a couple years ago, but it is every bit as enjoyable as it was then.

The first two books we read this year were non-fiction, inspirational sorts. This month we decided on Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa Lee. This book is story of the young girls growing up in 19th century China. It is historical fiction, my favorite thing to read. I started this book Friday night and will finish it tonight, four days later. Among my favorite books are The Red Tent and The Other Boleyn Girl. If history in school had been taught using these books, I would have been a straight A student.

I am lucky to have children and stepchildren (although all of them are adults now) that like to read. I've even bought books for the new baby girl already. What a fun and inexpensive habit to nuture. I've always said that I really won't need much to keep me happy when I get older. As long as I have a library card and public transportation to get there, I can have all the books, music and movies I could possibly want. Add the free internet to that and I've got it made. Heck, if I get signed up for meals on wheels I've hit the jackpot!

So I will try to be better about blogging, especially after tonight. However, I do have another brand new book waiting on me...thanks, Kathy for mentioning The Art of Racing in the Rain.