In with the old and in with the new!

I was once given the advice to 'continue learning new skills.' After some time of cleaning house, cooking, raising children, working outside the home, doing church service, etc. etc. I forgot what skills I enjoyed and what skills I wanted to learn. Now that I no longer feel as if I am living life in the fast lane I decided to pick up an old skill I use to love and to teach myself a new skill I wanted to learn. I remember one summer, in particular, when I was in my youth and I devoured books from the library. I use to love to read. Thus I decided to revive that past hobby. I did have to laugh though... as I went to the library I checked out two books. Thinking I could get through both of them in the two weeks I was allotted. Well....two weeks later I was only 1/2 through the book , "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck. So I returned them both, re-checked out "The Good Earth" and took only one home to finish! I just finished it today and yes I did like it and enjoy it. I forgot what it was like to read and become so involved in the story you could see the sights, hear the sounds, and even smell the odors! It is a fabulous story. On one printout it states: " This Pulitzer Prize winner follows Wang Lung's family from their early struggles to live off the land to their final disintegration as they move to the city." I found that an interesting comment and one I would not agree with. I would say: "This Pulitzer Prize winner follows Wang Lung's family from their early struggles to live off the land to their final disintegration as they accumulate wealth." Wang Lung constantly seeks peace, but that is one thing his wealth can not buy. A great literary guide that shows the destructive forces of pride and wealth. Next on my list to read....The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. And, as for the new skill I decided to learn....counted cross stitch! Perhaps, I should have chosen this skill in my youth when my eyesight was better!!! I am determined to finish it no matter how long it takes, but perhaps I should have begun with a smaller project!