Jelly beans

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 Believe it or now I have never been crazy about jelly beans. When I was a little girl, I hated candy that would gunk up in my teeth. I still feel the same way. I just like to look at jelly beans. They're so pretty. I like the purples, reds, yellows, greens and oranges. This means when Easter rolls around I will eat at least one jelly bean hoping my taste has changed. So far I still hate the gummy, goopy feeling in my teeth. Remember Ronald Reagan kept a jar of jelly beans on his desk? Jelly beans do give an aura of friendliness, happiness and let's party. Who could stay angry at a guy with jelly beans on his desk? Impossible.

LASTINGNESS The Art of Old Age by NICHOLAS DELBANCO

LASTINGNESS by NICHOLAS BELBANCO is not a book I would pick again to read. The words in the book are difficult and boring. Since I did not enjoy the book, writing a book review for Lastingness is like hard labor in a field chucking hay. I hate to not like a book. I'm sure some one will treasure this book by Nicholas Delbanco. I am sure growing old is an Art. I'm slightly confused as how to describe the Art.

Angel Harp by Michael Phillips

I have taken a trip to Scotland, Port Scarnose, Scotland. I enjoyed the companionship of Marie Buchan a harpist. Marie Buchan is the main character who travels from Canada to Scotland. Her main goal is to put the pieces back together in her life. With difficulty she has been striving to regather her wits after the loss of her husband. They were married for six years. While in Scotland Marie meets Gwendolyn, a sick little girl, Gwendolyn's aunt, Curate Iain and the  long ago friend, the Duke of Buchan castle and other villagers. Each person comes to meet Marie with more than a handshake. Each person has a personal problem. Marie strums the souls of these people as well she might her harp with love and care. The people pour out their problems over a cup of tea or while walking through the rooms of the castle.

I enjoyed the Scottish novel. I found myself stumbling over the Scottish brogue at times. I also discovered people are alike around the world. People need a kind, listening ear. People also grapple with the same age old problems: forgiveness, overcoming grief, bitterness and jealousy. While our problems are the same around the globe God's way of dealing with our heartaches seem always new, unique to our individuality. In the end the glory goes to  HIM for walking us through and out of the storms. In a way each person is a prodigal needing "to go home to God."Angel Harp