Magic Realized: and Other Poems on the Human Spirit – Louis Alan Swartz

 

As someone who is not a huge fan of poetry, I once again found much joy, comfort, and peace in the poetry of Louis Alan Swartz. There is something here for everyone; and by everyone, I truly mean everyone. This is volume two to the book of poems titled Constructed of Magic. You can find that book here:Β Constructed of Magic paperback book

On to Magic Realized, and look at this beautiful cover!

Magic Realized Cover Image

As no two people will read the same poem in the same way, or take away the same meaning, it can be difficult to express what these poems mean to me. Surely they will mean something different to you? Of course they will; your experiences are different than mine! That is what makes poetry so meaningful, and important.

Some of my favorites?

He Loves. The things a man sees and experiences at different points throughout a day, and how they bring him joy, and love.

When We Played with Wooden Toys. A reminder of times much simpler, more than they could ever be now. Don’t we all want to go back, just one more time?

Street Scene. The bare honesty that we can only truly get from a child.

He Never Began to Live. Relatable. Seen this more times than I care to remember.

Drawing Out the Magnificence. Everyone should be required to read this. A little understanding and empathy goes a long way.

Creations. This poem made me feel warmth; I could picture, smell, and feel every description as if I were experiencing it right at that moment.

There are so many beautiful poems here, on life, love, living, family, and relationships. How to love, live, and let go when necessary.

Do you write or read poetry? Who is your favorite?

My Future Personal Library!

I have everything bought I need to turn this 11×11 foot room into my library.

Here is what it looks like now…


Tomorrow I will post the furniture, lamps, and rugs I bought.

The one thing I haven’t gotten? Bookshelves πŸ˜³πŸ˜‚

I will start painting tomorrow, and cannot wait to see the results!

So this is my life…

Tomorrow I am power shopping to get my library done. So excited for a comfortable, warm, inviting place to read.

Today? This is my bedroom…


I have two bookshelves already full in the basement that I have to move, and boxes filled with books that are waiting on my bookshelves.
Before and after pictures coming soon!

Friday Funnies!

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So True! I have been very good so far this year and only bought one book when I took my girls to Barnes and Noble. But I have to say; they have another library puzzle that I will be buying. Other than books, puzzles are my favorite thing EVER!

I have 3 framed puzzles of libraries in my bedroom, and cannot wait to add this to the mix! For my new personal library, that is.

I am so happy that my girls have been reading non-stop, and I started a new fantastic book that I cannot wait to review.

When you buy a new book, how long does it take you to open it, and ignore everything around you?

Me? About 10 minutes!

What are you reading right now?

Priceless – Luke & Joel Smallbone

What a fantastic story! It is a quick read, and I could have finished it easily in a day. If I wasn’t trying to move, homeschooling, and working, that is.

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I did not get to see the movie while it was in limited theaters, but I will be purchasing it on Valentine’s Day when it is released to DVD.

If you have daughters, sisters, nieces, or any young woman in your life that is important to you; this is a must read. I became familiar with For King & Country because I only listen to Christian music in my vehicle. Although I cannot control what my girls listen to when I cannot monitor cell phones, computer access, I refuse to listen to the crap on the radio that is degrading while they are with me.

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Now I don’t care what my 2 youngest girls may try to say; we had an amazing time at this concert and rocked it out! Yes; Christian music rocks. We had perfect seats, and literally had the band right behind us at one point.

Priceless the song, and Priceless the story are amazing, and whether you are an agnostic, Christian, Atheist; it does not matter. This message is universal. Seeing them Live? That was Priceless!

 

Gingerbread Cookie Murder – Joanne Fluke

Another great series I love; and this one includes recipes!

Okay; I have not tried the recipes, but they sound amazing! I have my staple of Christmas goodies I make every year, but I really need to hop outside of that small, boring box!

So, for the good stuff. A Christmas story full of murder and mayhem. What more could you ask for?

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Hannah Swenson seems to be the most unlucky person you could ever meet. Unlucky at work, unlucky at love, and very lucky at finding murdered people. But, she has more than one suitor at any given time, so really; how unlucky is she?

This story has multiple murders, and multiple suspects. What more could one ask for on a negative-zero-wind-chill day?

Sorry; that is just my Michigan-me talking πŸ™‚

While Hanna tries to run her cookie store, everyone else tries to run her life.

Have you read it? Do you love it as much as I do? Let me know! And if you ever tried the recipes, I have got to know what you thought!