13 Comments
User's avatar
GE McKerrihan's avatar

So much big truth in your words here. I have lived by these same ideas and truths for nearly 60 years. They have never let me down, nor led me astray. So happy to read your version this morning. Encouragement and inspiration are always welcome friends. Thanks so much for this.

PS. My dear friend Orly, sent me your way. All the best to you.

Expand full comment
Lesley Riley's avatar

Welcome, and tell Orly hello for me. So glad you're here receiving the encouragement and inspiration I love to share.

Expand full comment
Lynne Oakes's avatar

Once again you have hit on something precious and rich. It continues to amaze me how you reach and find such subjects - jewels to be polished and explored. Thank you. I am old school. So give me an actual BOOK every time please. Even though I know there are benefits to be had from kindle and audio books. But for me, it is the personal, intimate line between two people, me and the author, that make me happy. Such a personal relationship it is. Thank you.

Expand full comment
Lesley Riley's avatar

"jewels to be polished and explored" - Thank you! I love that term.

Expand full comment
Linda Warschoff's avatar

I have always loved going to the library, sometimes getting a shiver up my spine in anticipation of discovering a book that delights and inspires me (one that I did not know existed). If I need to be energized, a library is my go-to place. I, too, am trying to finish committed art projects so that I can play and explore and find a new path. Thank you for your wonderful posts. They are just what I need!

Expand full comment
Lesley Riley's avatar

I know that feeling. It's magical being surrounded by all that knowledge and stories. Thanks for reading.

Expand full comment
Jenny  M's avatar

I, too, love books and love learning! I love real books for the same reasons: to touch, hold, turn the pages, to explore, to fond new worlds and new wisdom. Thank you for libraries. Thank you for your posts and inspirations!

Expand full comment
Lesley Riley's avatar

Thank you for your comments!

Expand full comment
Lynda Heines's avatar

Lesley, Sure wish I could remember the first book I read, but I do remember walking home from the library on hot summer days loaded with books in my little arms. I'd head to the basement and get lost in them. I also love to research too. And there is nothing like a physical book. Great essay!

Expand full comment
Lesley Riley's avatar

Gerald Mc Boing Boing was mine. Of course it was first read to me, but was easy to learn the words. Was it reading...not sure, lol.

Expand full comment
Jan's avatar

Very intriguing ideas here Lesley! Thank you for them. I recently finished a piece and I would call it 'ugly art'. It didn't turn out as I expected. Now....I'll take a closer look to see if I'm going somewhere else with it. I'd post a picture, but I don't see how to do that. It'll be up on IG.

Expand full comment
Lesley Riley's avatar

I think I saw it on IG. If so, it was not at all ugly. It just doesn't match your vision for it.

Thanks for reading!

Expand full comment
7WordsWorth's avatar

Know and Commit. Two powerhouse doors you opened here. Growing up in the bowels of the Brooklyn Public Library (and others), yearning to know: this and that, there, uncovering a paper sticking out because I needed to know who wrote it, why and of course when. Libraries have always been my first love. When I read books, if I can predict the plot (and conclusion) in the first chapter, I am disappointed. How do we undo the instinct to KNOW? I most certainly do not know. I hope Johann Goethe knows what he's talking about when he says to commit to something. That third bedroom that I committed to in the space where I am moving, is my commitment to myself. Albeit dragging and kicking, my weary soul has decided it's my turn. Thanks for sharinig these nuggets of resonating truth. I like what you are doing here.

Expand full comment