Reading MacDonald

 This morning I asked my husband for help digging out this huge hosta plant
before he went to work.
 My plan was to move this comfortable chair into its space.
After dividing the large plant into five small ones, 
I spent some time transplanting them and pulling some weeds.
Then, refreshed by a shower, I took The Peasant Girl's Dream outside with me,
sat down to try out my new reading spot,
and finished it!  It's the first George MacDonald book I've read,
and I'm ready for the second one - The Lady's Confession.
Lines such as these stood out to me:
  • "The land was not pretty unless you knew where to look for its beauty.  Neither was it friendly unless you lived upon it long enough to make it a friend."
  • "The poverty of the room was the respectable poverty of age."
  • "Her soul was bathed in its own content..."
  • "Had her bliss changed suddenly to sadness, Kirsty would have been quiet still.  Whatever came to Kirsty seemed right, for there it was."
I'm really thankful my friend Joan recommended the books 
and lent me these two, suggesting they would be a good place to start.  
What are YOU reading currently?
Have you tried any George MacDonald books?

18 comments:

  1. I have never read George McDonald...I think I need to start :) m.

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    1. I tried to read him before and never could "get into them". The ones I have were edited by Michael R. Phillips tamed the Scot's dialect leaving approximately a quarter of it. He advised, "if it is difficult for you at first, stick with it. You will quickly grow accustomed to its flavor; and when you do, you will find your experience enriched as a result."

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  2. I've read a few, but it's been years. I think they are on my bookshelves still.

    Deanna

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  3. Oh, and I should have said that your reading spot is very nice!

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    1. Thank you! There's just enough shade & breeze to make it comfortable and the chair is REALLY comfortable :)

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  4. I remember that Madeleine L Engle liked this author...but I have never read him. Love your shared lines and I will put him on the ToRead list. Just finished Billy the Kid bio and started Letters of Willa Cather.

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  5. A comfortable reading spot makes reading a relaxing extra special.I have not started a novel yet. I just read poetry once in awhile.

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  6. Lovely reading spot. I like your blue bottle tree, too. I'll be checking the library for George McDonald. I have never read any of his work.

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  7. Nice to meet you in the blogging neighborhood. I found you through Coffee Tea Books and Me.

    This winter I read my first George MacDonald novel. It is "The Curate's Awakening" edited by Michael R. Phillips.
    I am reading it again as I am halfway through reading it aloud to my adult son who is patiently awaiting medical treatment for a condition. A house guest saw the book resting on my windowsill and commented that she had read it.

    The quotes you pulled from your reading are phrases that can be called "word candy."
    Shade loving hosta do get quite large, don't they? How nice to have your garden seat in the shade for reading outdoors.
    Karen A.

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    1. How nice to "meet" you, Karen. I will see if I can find The Curate's Awakening after I finish The Lady's Confession. If it's good enough for someone to re-read it aloud, it must be worthy of a FIRST reading ;)

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  8. What a cozy place to curl up with a book (journal nearby!) I read McDonald's "The Highlander's Last Song" years ago. This quote stands out to me, "Her soul was bathed in its own content." Pondering that one!

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    1. Pamela, there was more to that quote, but I couldn't read my own writing to properly post it. "Content" was with the accent on the second syllable. The rest of quote went on to say she could be content without external reasons. Makes a big difference where you put the accent, doesn't it?

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    2. Oh, thanks for the rest of that quote... content without external reasons... ahhh, I've been learning that myself over the years. And yes, it makes a big difference about the accent.

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  9. Lovely quotes to ponder. I haven't read the author, may look him up since your recommended. I like the blue bottle tree and outdoor reading area.

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  10. Well, if he's a Scot I should by all means read some of his works. Your reading spot is just perfect. Probably no one would care to read the two books I just finished unless someone they love has autism..."Healing Our Autistic Children" and "The Autism Revolution". Both were filled with helping info and doctor recommended.

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  11. Oh he is one on my list to read. I have only read his children's book. I am reading The Summer of Great-Grandmother, by Madeleine L'Engles. I will have to check out yours...I need to take time to read and refresh my soul. Your recommendations are always great. I am also loving children's books with Benjamin this summer.

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  12. The older I get, I see that real poverty means you have no friends.

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  13. Lovely pics, wonderful quotes, now I want to find my MacDonald books too. You know, all the books I'd like to read right now would create a pile taller than meself...LOL..I've a half dozen on the go.

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Writing a Song a Week #3

Writing a Song a Week #3
♪ I wait for the Lord; my soul waits and in his word I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning ♪ (Psalm 130:5-6)