The gift of the magi (or something)
A friend of mine calls me today. They ask, “Have you read any Jules Vernes?”
It’s not a question I get asked every day. I pause a moment then answer, “I’ve read his most popular works: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Mysterious Island, From the Earth to the Moon, Journey to the Center of the Earth. Why?”
They respond, “How about the Morte d’Arthur? There’s a new English translation.”
Donating books
A few months ago, I donated almost 300 books to the Books For Soldiers program. It felt good, but the process was a bit complicated. In order to help others feel as good, I’m going to go over the complete soup-to-nuts procedure for donating books in the same way.
Please feel free to "boost the signal" and re-post this information.
Atten-hut!
OK, troops. Everyone who doesn't have to pay a thousand dollars to get their car's air conditioner fixed, take one step forward. Not so fast, Seligman! "But Sarge, you told me not to step forward on Monday, for my last car repair!" Don't give me lip, Seligman! Now drop and give me two big ones! OK, this…
Confirmation
Today I received a letter from one of the servicemen to whom I sent books. It was my first confirmation that the packages I sent arrived at their destinations. It was a nice letter. It went over the categories of books I sent him, explaining how he appreciated each one. I was impressed; I hope he has…
A Book Fantasy
Wherein I engage in undue speculation on the fate of volumes that were set adrift about this weary world.
I needed a feel-good moment
About four months ago, a small cut on my foot turned into a skin ulcer; I’ve already described the circumstances. Since then, I haven’t been able to do much in the way of effective exercise.
Last week, my podiatrist told me: Give it one more week to all the wound to develop another layer or two of skin, and you can start your long walks again. This was great news! I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday present. (This is a lie, but Joyce is booked.)
Mmm… that feels good
Yesterday was my birthday. As a birthday present to myself, I decided I would finally start shipping out books for BooksForSoldiers, as I’d promised myself I would.
Advantages and disadvantages
I'm reorganizing my apartment. I bought three new book cases, donating those books I no longer need, and moving the remaining books to different shelves. This has its advantages. For one thing, all my Wicca-, pagan-, and magic-related books are in one place my students can access easily, in case they have to reference something. It also…