Sunday, July 5, 2009

Currently Reading: Cold Tangerines

Brandon bought me this. I began reading it on the honeymoon and have been so refreshed. Rather than drone about its goodness myself, I'll share the review by Radiant Magazine:

Shauna Niequist sets out to celebrate the often overlooked, sparkling details of life in her first novel, Cold Tangerines. Through her collection of inspiring essays and stories, Niequist eloquently describes the seemingly insignificant fringes of our day-to-day lives, like the value of a favorite sweater or the sensation of being a solo traveler. The author demonstrates a keen prowess to tap into some of the deepest human emotions and describes her own with absolute sincerity. Cold Tangerines is not only a celebration of life's intricacies, but also a memoir of Niquist's life as an self-conscious teen, a wife and new mother, and a member of Willow Creek Church and Rob Bell's Mars Hill community. She writes: “I choose to believe that there may be a thousand big moments, embedded in this day, waiting to be discovered like tiny shards of gold. The big moments are the daily, tiny moments of courage and forgiveness and hope that we grab on to and extend to one another.” Cold Tangerines offers a fresh perspective and outlook on life, bringing new hope to readers.

The one thing I have to add to this review: "Let go of the past and go for the future. Go confidently in the direction if your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." - Henry David Thoreau

Lately so much of what I do is dream. I envision the business I want to begin, the house as I continue design work on it, each piece of clothing I want to assemble myself, and constantly have new color palettes dancing around in my mind. Though that is a beautiful place, and hoping is what moves us forward, I have to be careful to enjoy this journey, the now! It's too good to miss. Also, I feel it necessary to share this picture of dear Carlson, as it appears he's about to enjoy said cold tangerine. Ok, corny. But look at this silly college kid and tell me you don't think he'd be an interesting guy to know.


Here's to everyday.... To doing and not just hoping, to no longer waiting for our defining moment because each has its treasure.

2 comments:

Hanna said...

It's good to know that I am not the only one out there like myself. I really enjoyed your post and I think I'm going to have to purchase that book! I hope that you are enjoying OK!

Unknown said...

I have that Thoreau quote in the form of a magnent on my refridgerator!

This will deffinitely be on my reading list :)