Dear Reader:

In Simple Abundance Sarah Breathnach discusses the demise of “hobbies.” Why are people suddenly so busy that they can’t take a vacation or a “stay“cation any more. Why can’t people leave work long enough to have a hobby, a passion, a zone to retreat to like a child at play. Don’t we know that our imagination needs “moodling.”

What is “moodling” you may ask? Moodling is defined  by Brenda Ueland as ” long, inefficient, happy idling, dawdling and puttering.” It is that beautiful state of exuberance that propels us into a happy state of mind. We have given our imagination permission, as an adult, to come out and play.

In this children (adult) book written by B.J. Novak he gives us all permission to do just that (come out and play) for both adult and child alike …especially because it has no pictures.

Some of you might remember him from his character in the popular television series The Office (playing the role of rather mild-mannered Ryan Howard.) What most of the audience didn’t know was that he was also one of the writers and producers of the show.

Novak loves to “moodle” and let his imagination take him wherever it chooses to go. Unlike too many people today….he isn’t afraid to play.

Breathnach says that ” During the last twenty years, most of us have misplaced an essential part of ourselves. Once we begin embarking on solitary sojourns to get reacquainted with ourselves, we suddenly realize that something is missing.

It is called Zest. Exuberance. Joi de vivre, as the French would say, or “the love of life.” The great delight that comes when the pieces of our particular puzzle finally fit. The heartfelt happiness we feel when something brings us keen pleasure. Something uniquely our own.”

Do listen to Novak explain his book to the children….who initially seem rather disappointed that there are no pictures and see how he quickly reins them into an uproariously good time.

*Anne will attest to the authentic reaction from the children in this video  since she borrowed my copy to read to a group of three and four year-olds. The exact same laughter and craziness rang out.

For the next couple of minutes….become a child again and laugh as you watch this clip…

The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak – YouTube

So until tomorrow….the next time you get an invitation to “Come out and play” …”GO!”

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

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*I am in Mt. Pleasant helping Mandy with the kids since John is at an out of town conference…..can hardly wait to read and test out this book on Eva Cate,…even without pictures I believe little Rutledge would laugh too.

*Yesterday Honey and I met at Time Well Spent (the tea room) and spent some wonderful time together…including celebrating her birthday which is, officially, coming up Saturday. A friend in need is a friend indeed must be Honey’s manta….because she is always the first one there when a friend is in need. Love ya Honey and Happy Birthday!

Reading the story last night to Eva Cate and Jakie-Eva Cate is not a big book lover but look at her!