Funny how things work out!

The saying "things happen for a reason" is a mantra that I live by. This last week has done nothing more than solidify this notion for me. Here is why:

1) I met someone within the last week and upon introduction I had this nagging feeling I should know who this person was. Don't you just hate it when you have that nagging, annoying voice in the back of your mind that is trying to jump start your brain into recognition? Me too! It is only today that I FINALLY made the connection. I now know why I would know this person. The best part about the whole thing...the impression I got of this person without even meeting them was spot on. I love when that happens. 

2) This person has assisted me with a book issue. I have always had The Shining by Stephen King on my to-read list. I have even gotten as far as taking it off the book shelf, putting it in the read-soon pile, and placed a bookmark in it. I have not, however, attempted to start reading it as of yet. My rationale is that I don't really want to have the bejesus scared out of me at this current juncture in my life. However, this person shared the some what skewed logic that when is a better time to read The Shining than in the summer time when the days are longer...thus less night time to add to the bejesus scaring. This logic worked for me. I have now moved the book to the front of the list. As a matter of fact it is next on my list after my current book. 

The other day I was looking at EW.com and what flashed across the screen? Doctor Sleep by Stephen King; which happens to be the sequel to The Shining. Me, personally, I can not say no to a sequel. I love when the story goes on. I like that it is out now, as The Shining was first published in 1977, and that I have taken so long to read The Shining because now it will be fresh in my head. 

3) I have recently learned a great deal about a certain disease process, because I was being a good nurse and providing necessary education. This disease process is rather prevalent; with certain members of my family being no exception. One particular person has recently been diagnosed and felt lost. So who do they turn to? Why their friendly, neighborhood, nurse of course. But I actually had a vast array of information to provide them on the spot and did not have to do research at that time, thus delaying their education process. 

So I am feeling that things happen for a reason. Certain activities, people, and/or actions happen at the time they are supposed to. What you have to learn from these scenarios is not always clear, but still meant to be. I have not always be on board with the notion of fate; and still do not accept it outright. I think that certain things are set out to act as a catalyst for other actions. However, the trajectory in which these catalysts start these actions is completely up to the individual. We get a rough sketching ... an outline, and we fill in the details.

I now have a new friend, whom I had thought when first learning of this person would be a great person to meet, and this friend has helped me to push one of the greats to the top of my reading list. I was able to educate the way I feel all medical personnel should. I am not entirely sure what I am supposed to learn from these experiences just yet but I do know it is funny how things work out, or have so far.

For all of you Stephen King fans, especially those who have read The Shining, I hope you enjoy!

~Judi

Love is in the Air

My long time friend is getting married this weekend (one of two weddings that I am in this summer) and so I have love on the brain, naturally! The two books that I am currently reading play right into this. I mentioned in an earlier post that I am reading a collection of love letters. Recently I have been thinking along the lines of privacy.

These letters are amazing to read. The language, sensitivity, blatancy, and sheer compassion are more than I could imagine from any one person today. Victor Hugo wrote a love letter to Adele Foueher that is so dynamic that I fear for the love, intellect, and veracity of a single member of the male gender today. To be so honest and to bare his soul like he did was awe inspiring; which leads me back to the issue of privacy.

Have you ever written something to someone that is a "for your eyes only?" That is essentially what these letters were meant to be. Really it is just happenstance that we are reading them today. Mostly because the receiver of the letters felt compelled to keep them. The topics of discussion in each of these letters range vastly; from unrelenting love and sexual frustration (that it appears warrants the threat of suicide), to the curiosity as to why such a love is merited. It is an interesting anthology but makes me wonder what these people would think of their nearest and dearest words being brought to light for all to see. I don't believe I would enjoy that at all. However, I am very grateful for the opportunity of insight that is afforded by this collection. I know it is hypocritical that I do not mind reading someone else's private thoughts but do not really want to have others read mine. What can I say? I am just not as interesting as the great literary composers that make up this collection.

The second book I am reading is a new author for me: Sophie Kinsella. The book is I've Got Your Number. I am enjoying it so far. I like the character voices that Kinsella presents. There are times that I am reading think "I would totally say that" and give a giggle. The book is funny and just the right amount of fantastical notion that I find myself chuckling a lot in this book. Just a bit of background on the book. Poppy Wyatt is engaged, is at a get together with her friends when a fire alarm is pulled. In all the commotion her engagement ring (a family heirloom) and cellphone go missing. Poppy happens upon a discarded cellphone and decides finders-keepers. This way now the hotel can get in touch if they happen upon the ring. It turns out the phone belongs to someone working for Sam Roxton, who allows her to keep the phone and even tries to help her with her plot to keep these actions away from her fiance (who happens to be one of the genius elite). Quite enjoyable so far. I am about a quarter of the way through and highly recommend it.

Back to privacy again. Poppy is in charge of forwarding messages and emails to Sam that happen to come to the phone. Of course, some of these emails are read by Poppy and lead to her meddling into his professional and personal life. It is affording some insight into Sam's life that Poppy just doesn't understand and does not mind letting him know his priorities are skewed a bit. It all leads to an entertaining mix.

Enjoy!