I have two books sitting on my end table that get a lot of action. More than me, but that’s another story.
One is a small book of Maya Angelou quotes, gifted to me at just the right time and read many times since. Maya’s wisdom can snap me back to reality.
Broken down into five parts, all equal to sending a message at just the right time. The best house guest a girl can have these days.
Self-Empowerment. Who doesn’t need a daily dose of this now and then? I am empowered by this nugget of knowledge to stop doubting on any given day.
“My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness. Continue to allow humor to lighten the burden of your tender heart.”
Love. No matter how alone we might feel in this world, there is always one thing that brings us together. Laughter, especially with a friend, is highly recommended by me.
“There is an intimate laughter to be found only among friends.”
Society and Culture. This can be turbulent and beautiful on any given day. Remember, home can be anywhere.
“The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”
Life. In the words of Forrest Gump, “it’s like a box of chocolates.” Between Forrest and Maya, it’s a wrap.
“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”
Herself. This is where Maya really shines. This hit me hard, considering our current climate.
“I refuse to allow any man-made differences to separate me from any other humans.”
The second gem is The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse, a book written and illustrated by Charlie Mackesy. If you don’t know it, get it now.
The book is dedicated to the author’s “lovely kind mum” and his “wonderful dog Dill.” How could this be anything but fantastic with that dedication?
The journey of these four unlikely friends takes its readers on a trip full of life lessons in the most superficial, most profound way to be kind, forgiving, and loving one another. Granted, it’s a children’s book, but the lessons are timeless.
Mr. Mackesy creates a world within the pages that seem foreign to the one we live in today, but the optimist in me doesn’t believe it cannot exist as long as we are willing to participate. A girl can dream.
Always let your wisdom ride shotgun and Enjoy the Ride!
Life With The Top Down 
Lisa, thanks for sharing the two books. I love the quote from Angelou in the banner. Keith
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One of my favorites!
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These are handy to have around for that day when it’s raining inside your body.
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That is the perfect way to describe the feeling.
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I loved how you paid homage to Maya, a guru to me as well. She cuts through the grease, one might say. Her quotes always allow one to stand much straighter.
Thank you for writing this. I hope many people read it and make her their special friend, basking on their favorite end table.
Between Forrest and Maya, it’s a wrap. Loved that…:)
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I always loved her voice. I felt she spoke with the love and sternness of a mother, but at the same time. Thank you ❤
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I remember when she died, how Oprah sobbed since, she was all that for her…a real Shero, if you will. Her wisdom, it’s profound.
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I feel more enlightened already, thanks for sharing.
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Maya Angelou has long been a favourite of mine. I had the privilege of attending one of her live speaking engagements. From the second she walked on stage I started crying and did not stop until after it was over.
I don’t believe I have read the other book but judging on the words in the image you posted it is well worth the read.
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WOW!!! I know I wouldn’t had the same reaction. You are so lucky to have has that experience ❤ That is really something.
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