What to Read

I READ TODAY

Open up a book today. I did, “The Shepherd of the Hills’, copy write 1907, by Harold Bell Wright. It has been sitting on my shelf for twenty years. The introduction is what drew me to sit:

‘In the hills of life there are two trails. One lies along the higher sunlit fields where those who journey see afar, and the light lingers even when the sun is down and one leads to the lower ground, where those who travel as they go, look always over their shoulders with eyes of dread, and gloomy shadows gather long before the day is done’ Harold Bell Wright

This is a story that took place in the Ozark Mountains, about a man that took the trail leading to the lower ground, and a woman finding her way to the higher sunlit fields.

What an intriguing way to catch a gardener’s attention. So inviting touching the nature in me, so overwhelming that she stops and writes it down before the story takes place so not to miss a trick. Is she avoiding the read? Or is she taunting with her subconscious not to go on and stay seated. As she writes these words she begins to realize she has a creative talent avoiding confrontation of inner strengths and looks closer within to catch what might be an answerable thought.

In this day in age who needs a map? Well you can't take a GPS up the mountain. Or what if you get lost with no satellite to guide you to safety. Remember, we came with nothing and we will leave with nothing except for the things we have read and learned. We will never loose that.

The, stars can guide you by night and the sun by day, but what if the sun isn't out and there is bad weather or overcast? You know what your GPS is, the sun? It rises in the east and sets in the west. Of course a hand held compass would guide you through as well. Indians read the stars and sun to guide their way

THE ASCENT OF MAN, BY J.BRONOWSKI COPYRIGHT, 1973

Reading my interpretation about the Sheppard of the Hill to a friend motivated him to quickly show me a book he was given by a close friend. A book explaining how man has made use of the earth making the best out of what is in their time.

"Man is a singular creature. He has a set of gifts which make him unique among the animals: so that unlike them he is not a figure in the landscape - he is the shape of the landscape. In body and in mind he is the explorer of nature. The ubiquitous animal who did not find but has made his home in every continent."

People born to a certain place are used to a certain way of living. They do not know any better. In England in some parts it rains every day. The child is unaware that there is a sun. The bear in a back yard is normal for some and a surprise to others who may visit. The noise pollution affects the country girl and silently infects the lives living within. Everywhere you are in life it is a unique place to the man who does not know any difference.

PJB:pjf - 2/23 COPYWRITE PROTECTED