reading, thinking

I took these pictures before my camera died.  I'm missing that shiny hunk of black plastic something fierce.  I think we are going to attempt to fix it ourselves for now (and by "we" and "ourselves" I mean Mike will take my camera apart and attempt to replace the power board while I sit watching with fingers crossed) to buy me some time in making any big decisions of the new camera sort.  we'll see.  

I recently finished How Yoga Works and reluctantly returned it to the library.  I rarely purchase books anymore, especially if I know I can get it at the library, but this one..... wow, I think I just might have to own it.  I can honestly say that while reading it, and now, afterwards, it has changed my outlook in a very positive way that I dare say just may be long-lasting (I can be hopeful, right?).  It is basically the story (set a thousand years ago) of a young woman who is imprisoned at the border while trekking from Tibet into India.  She is thought to have stolen a very valuable book, a very old copy of The Yoga Sutra by Master Patanjali (this is a book that actually exists), and works out a deal with the captain that if she can heal him through yoga it will prove that the book is actually hers.  in the meantime, she is a prisoner and faces a great many hardships (though she doesn't necessarily see them that way).  there are excerpts from the Yoga Sutra throughout this story, and the excerpts are explained in detail as she uses them to teach her new student.  It is just incredible.  Existentially mind-twisting, in a great way.  most certainly it had/has me questioning many things about the way the world works, the way my mind works, the way we create our world, essentially.

Following that, a lighter (much lighter) read- The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Cafe.  This reminded me a bit of books like Bread Alone, Home to Woefield, The Baker's Apprentice.... stories about women making changes in their lives and the roads they take to get there.  they are light and enjoyable and somewhat relatable.  or so I think.

and now, this~

read any good books lately?  I read so many books last year and despite all the time sitting at my mom's bedside this spring, somehow it's been hard for me to really get into reading at times.  maybe it's that I'm writing more than reading.  certainly I've been doing plenty of thinking and a good bit of just sitting.