Favorite Literary Quote

Perhaps it is too difficult to come up with your favorite literary quote.  For me, it is.  But rather, during certain moments in our lives, whether good or bad, as situations arise we draw upon the words of the books we’ve read to provide comfort or a laugh or even sage advice.  Often I try to think of quotes for just the right moment.  That’s the thing with words.  They can comfort, heal, empower, provide hope, motivate, and sustain us.

A quote that I often use is very simple.  It is only two words long, yet seemingly provides the motivation, courage, and optimism that keeps me going as if those two words were a great sermon.  The quote?

“I hope.” – Stephen King, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption: A Story from Different Seasons

I hope that each day I learn something new.  I hope that I look at each new day as an opportunity.  I hope that I am able to show love, compassion, and empathy for those that need it most.  “I hope”…

So, what is your “favorite” quote?  Part of what we believe at Pages for the Populace is that we create shared experiences through discussion.  So discuss away.  I hope you will join in with this discussion.  Share your quote and perhaps tell us why you like the quote so much. Or simply share your quote.  Thank you so much for sharing this journey with us.

 

 

Where it all began…

It was an idea born on a train. The kind of thought that develops only when one has time to mull it over, to turn it around in your hands and inspect it from different angles. The kind of inspiration only recognized when you are able to sit still and quiet all distractions – and what better place for all of the above than the gentle sway and simplicity of a train.

It was quite perfect, really. The idea, the timing, the place. It was an idea that was the coalescence of a passion, a dream, and certainty. The all-consuming passion I feel when I hold a book in my hands, the dream that I can persuade others that this passion is worth seeking, and the certainty  that all of the pieces and people had been positioned just so. Start a non-profit? About books?  Now? Mentally, I made a list:

1.) Insert the one million reasons why this is a terrible idea.

2.) Have all of those reasons immediately washed away by a wave of excitement forceful enough to override any fear or hesitation.

3.) Immediately act upon it – send out emails, tell my friends, close my eyes and jump.

Which is why it seems somewhat mind-boggling that this Saturday marks the first official event for an in-progress literary non-profit.  An idea on a train has become an actual reality.  We have a name! We have a website! We have t-shirts!  We have a board of directors! We have future plans! And  best of all, we have the enthusiasm and support of every person who has heard this story.

There are some days that I want to pinch myself – the days that I hit the ground running with a fire that can only be ignited by doing that which you love. Those moments are sometimes closely followed by the fear that what is so precious and dear to me is going to be rejected by all and fall flat on its face. Time will only tell so ,in the meantime, I’m choosing to take the gifts I feel the universe has given me – people who are all-in and places willing to let me try – and keep the dream alive.  In the wise words of Emily Dickinson, I will continue to “dwell in possiblity” and enjoy the ride.

Follow along on the journey here and at http://www.pagesforthepopulace.org