Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Revisiting Gift From the Sea





Those of you who have been reading this blog for a while know that one of my all-time favorite books is Gift From the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. I just finished reading it for the ninth time. I write in the front of the book the date read and a remark or two.

First entry-Bought in August 1999 at Captiva Island, Florida by Deborah C. Bailey

Second/Third Entry-Read again in August 2004 and 2005 at Destin, FL

Fourth Entry-And yet again in September, 2006 at Destin, FL as before with Gayle and Darcie. This book means more to me every time I read it. The Oyster Bed, p. 78, is where we are now but at the end. We're halfway -no, more toward the Argonauta than Oyster Bed.

Fifth Entry-August 28, 2007-It's our 31st wedding anniversary and we're here in Destin with Darcie. Each time I read this book I find something that speaks to me differently than the last time I read it. We're having some growing pains as we try to move into the Argonauta phase of our relationship. Psalm 30:10-12: Hear , O Lord, and have mercy upon me: Lord, be thou my helper. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto Thee for ever.

Sixth Entry-May 2008-Fripp Island, SC. A storm out at sea washed the beach full of shells and other things aquatic. I found all of the shells mentioned in this book. This reading found me identifying with p. 103. I'm learning to let go...

Seventh Entry-February 2009-I usually read this book in the summer at the beach, but I felt in need of her wisdom, so I read it earlier this year. I'm still trying to shed off external things; internal too. Will the process ever end?

Eighth Entry-August 2011-Started reading this book yet again in anticipation of finishing it at Destin. Darcie and I didn't get to go because Laurel's twin girls were born the day before we were to leave. I'm still in the Oyster Bed stage but very much looking forward to the Argonauta. Praise the Lord for a safe delivery!

Ninth Entry-July 4, 2012-Ninth reading on Jekyll Island, GA. Gayle, Darcie, and I came down for a few days while Garrett joined us for two days and then rode home with us. I'm catching glimpses of the Argonauta stage and like what I see.

Note: Gayle is my husband, Laurel is my oldest child, Garrett is my second child.

9 comments:

sunshine said...

Sounds like a great read, never heard of it, but I will look for it as I've been on a reading spree lately!

Gumbo Lily said...

Reading a book at different ages causes me to see different things that I missed in previous readings. Do you find this too? I read Gift from the Sea once and thoroughly enjoyed it even though I am landlocked.

Heather said...

I love this idea! I usually write down notes about a book in a notebook when I read, but I love the idea of keeping a log in the book about when I read it and what I was feeling then. Thanks.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Good morning, Debby! Nice to meet you! Thank you for visiting yesterday and I too love what your banner explains about your passions. Life is ever so interesting when we indulge in the arts.

Have a special day! Anita

M.K. said...

Debbie, I've just ordered this book and am looking forward to my first read. Thanks for your recommendation. It sounds fascinating, and I love your notations you shared. Sounds like a "beach read," and I always love those!

debbie bailey said...

M.K., let me know how you like it!

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

You remind me, beautifully, that I need to read this book! xo, p

knittingyoyo said...

I have read this book several times and love it. I make marks in the margins and underline new insights and date re-reads. It is a classic.

Unknown said...

This is one of my all time favorite books! I too mark the inside cover when I purchase a book and each time I read it as well as enter my location (since it changes often). It's nice to know that others do as well. I love how my understanding has changed and expanded as the seasons of my life have changed.