Two Fun Facts

1. Not long ago, I took a closer look at my library card as I checked books out of the library. I gasped when I saw the expiration date on my card–the length of two lifetimes. December 2099. Well, I never . . . ! Apparently, the Jacksonville Public Library knows me as an inveterate reader. One who will be reading after death–into eternity.

Screenshot

2. Confusion about book ownership.

I occasionally also buy print books in addition to the ebooks I download. Case in point: Susan Wittig Albert’s Together, Alone: A Memoir of Marriage and Place, hardcover book ordered online.

Together, Alone: A Memoir of Marriage and Place by Susan Wittig Albert

A serious conversation from a few weeks ago, now funny—in retrospect . . .

“Hey, I’m stopping by the library this morning. Do you have any books you want me to return?” asked Cliff.

Me, “Why, yes, I do. I’ll put them into my library bag.” And so, I placed two books into my clear plastic white polka-dotted bag with handles, handy for book check-outs and returns from my library branch.

Later,  Cliff remarked when he came home: “Did you know you gave me a book that’s really yours, not the library’s, and it wouldn’t push through the conveyor belt of the book return?”

Apparently, he had inserted both books into the kiosk where library materials can be checked in electronically. And try as he might, Susan Wittig Albert’s book refused to go into the chute. He took it to the circulation desk where the problem was resolved. A librarian remarked, “Oh, my goodness, this book belongs to you. It’s not a library book. See–the library barcode is missing.”

So that’s it! Hmmmm. . . .

My Review of Susan Wittig Albert’s book

3. Ecstatic Moment in the Library

Image created with ChatGPT

I usually use “self-check” to check out books at the library. It seems faster to me even if I wouldn’t have to wait in line. However, in mid-September this year, the staff member at the circulation desk motioned me over. I believe she may have been bored and wanted to interact with a live person. Anyway, she caught my eye and called out to me “Sure, come over here.”

Whatever the reason, I brought my books for her to check out and pulled out my library card. I did note her name tag “Kate” as I deposited my books on the desk. Naturally, she noticed my name on the card, as expected. But, Whoop-ee! imagine my surprise when I saw her inhale–deeply–and then gasp, and exclaim loudly, “You are Marian Beaman. I’m right now reading your book! I can’t believe you’re here. Right in front of me! A real author!”

Of course, she made my day. Both of my memoirs are available through the Jacksonville Public Library system. She was reading Mennonite Daughter: The Story of a Plain Girl, which my husband on a previous occasion had recommended to her.

My first memoir, published in 2019, has been out a while. After the launch and book tour, Hoopla about a book dies down. I believe that’s typical unless your are a NYT best-selling author. It’s been seven years since this book came out. Even though I published My Checkered Life since then, book sales have gone flat.

These days I often feel invisible in the book world.

That day was different though. I left the library feeling light-hearted. Who wouldn’t!

Seven Cupfuls of Thanks

1. Cliff’s recovery after coronary bypass surgery—slow but steady. He fixes us a cereal and fruit breakfast, has made chili, and yesterday fixed the flag on the mailbox. Trips to the “Y” are regular now: stationary bike and upper-body exercises. On Monday, he began cardiac rehab. If recovery is six months long, as the medics predict, he’s well over the half-way mark.

Last Friday we attended the outdoor wedding of a 75-year-old bride and 70-year-old groom, he—-married for the first time. They seem jubilant  to have met their match at this stage and don’t conceal either their age or their joy.

Where there’s life, there’s hope!

Jenny and Rob with Pastor Jeff

2. Unexpected reflection on a wall in the hallway bringing the outside indoors. A squirrel plastic shield (called a baffle) reflects slanted sun’s rays from bird feeder in the backyard lawn on a hall way.

Film clip courtesy of artist Cliff Beaman

3. No need to use air-conditioning anymore this year. Maybe lower electric bills are in our future . . . at least for a while. Thank God!

4. Sweet potato vine twining under holly tree branches in front yard

5. Yellow canna lily in patio pot. Now a red one is blooming beside it.

6.  A grandson who does yard work and vacuums the floors for us. Yes, we pay him.

7. You—because your support has made it possible to persevere through many changes over the years!

“The house was very quiet, and the fog—we are in November now—pressed against the windows like an excluded ghost.” ― E.M. Forster, Howards End

Psalm 69:13   KJV

I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.