Just Before Bed
Long ago, I tripped upon a book while browsing in a bookshop on a dark wet December night. I was lucky my best babysitter was available to give me two blissful hours alone during the Christmas rush. I headed straight to the local bookstore for a good browse.
As always, I started with my favorite sections: Children’s, Culinary, New Non-Fiction. I never seek out Self-Help but somehow noticed a simple shrimp-colored book on an endcap in that very section. The title distinguished itself as much as the color because the words sounded like a prayer. I began to thumb through it and although I knew in a few minutes it would be coming home with me, I had no idea it would change the way I look at life.
The pretty volume was a hit and not just with me. It was hit with the world too, spending months and months on the bestseller list. And I do believe that its authoress is a soothsayer for our times no matter what’s happened to her in the intervening years. It is still at the top of my bedside heap. – the book I reach for in tears and sorrow, laughter and blessings. It’s my go-to peace and quiet, my permission slip to take care of myself…my phone-home when I don’t know where I’ve been.
I loved the book so much that within a week I jetted off a note to the author. That love letter netted me a seat on the most famous TV panel that ever existed. But that’s quite a story in itself…
Since then, copy-cats have come and gone but my shrimp-colored book is still just an arm’s length away every evening. I’ve read it so many times that I know exactly how to find what I need – a warming quote, solace when I’m anxious or inspiration for living by my own lights in a world that tries to extinguish our glow with appalling regularity.
The author has written other books since her blockbuster but none satisfies like her major work. And I don’t care if it’s sacrilege to say it’s a bible to me for it is a woman’s guide for living in modern times. It’s a place of comfort and camaraderie too and at very least, a friendly soothing pep talk before sleep. It’s always on my side and I don’t mean just literally. Hope in a book. Just before bed.
Note: Thank you to Judy for the most sublime image to illustrate this post with.
14 Comments
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Karen
When I read your early paragraphs I thought you were going to say "Gifts From the Sea" by Anne Morrow Lindberg. A long time favorite of mine. BUT I was delighted to see the book you were referring to as I also have that shrimp colored good friend beside my bed at all times. I sometimes don't dip into it for weeks at a time but there it is in time of need. Thanks for the kindred spirit in naming your lovely inconsequences. I love reading them and being reminded of my own. xo
Donna Macdonald
Then Karen…you understand. Thank you for your comment!
Ann
I also remember reading it….loved it, gave it to a friend and now it is gone. Have to find another copy. Enjoy the authors mentioned here and enjoy your blog so much. Thank you for your post!
Donna Macdonald
Ann, thank you so very much! Means so much to me.
Kathryn Hemstead
I, too remember owning this book when it came out. I have requested it from the library to read again. I love anything by Alexandra Stoddard, Susan Branch and Louise Hay. My latest and most prized book at the moment is Every Day Spirit by Mary Davis. She even has a beautiful app for our phones. I look forward to reading other follower's books of comfort. Thank you for this post and the beautiful picture.
Donna Macdonald
I will check that out Kathryn. I could use Mary Davis!
Dewena
I kept it for years and finally passed it on to a friend, I think I need to find another copy. Her Romancing the Ordinary is one I have kept bedside, by my reading chair, read after my C. S. Lewis daily book.
Now you must tell the other story!
Dewena
Donna Macdonald
Dewena, I LOVE Romancing very much too.
eleni
After reading your blog I headed over to my book shelves, and yes, her books were there. The first one she wrote, and others following, suitably thumbed through and filled with notations ! I remember exactly how I felt reading the first book – exactly! Thanks for the reminder.
Donna Macdonald
Thank you Eleni.
Amy
You've inspired me to pick up a copy at Amazon – it's been so many years since I've read it.
I keep Louise Hay's classic by my bedside as well as "A Slender Thread" by Diane Ackerman which is my favorite of her books.
Donna Macdonald
You know…I have never read Ackerman. Victoria often featured her. I'll pick up A Slender Thread soon!