“In a utilitarian age, of all other times, it is a matter of grave importance that fairy tales should be respected … A nation without fancy, without some romance, never did, never can, never will, hold a great place under the sun.” — Charles Dickens

Tolkien on Lewis: “He was for long my only audience. Only from him did I ever get the idea that my stuff could be more than a private hobby. But for his interest & unceasing eagerness ... I should never have brought The L of the R to a conclusion.” May we all have such a friend.

Non refert quam multos libros, sed quam bonos habeas — “It matters not how many, but how good books you have” (Seneca)

Some folks at church once told me my love of rain, fog and snow was a sin, that rain is of the devil and in heaven there will be perpetual sunshine. I don't care. I will continue to glory in rainstorms and drizzles, in damp Octobers and wet leaves sodden by mist.

A minimīs quoque timendum — “One ought to fear even the tiniest of creatures.”

🚨 Breaking News 🚨 A new study has found that smoking a pipe, enjoying an afternoon tea and snack and living in a hole in the ground with a garden can significantly reduce stress and increase joy.

4623 words written today. And not bad at all on reread. #writing

“What would the world be, once bereft Of wet and of wilderness? Let them be left, O let them be left, wildness and wet; Long live the weeds and the wilderness yet.” — Gerard Manley Hopkins

October by Robert Frost O hushed October morning mild, Thy leaves have ripened to the fall; Tomorrow’s wind, if it be wild, Should waste them all. The crows above the forest call; Tomorrow they may form and go. O hushed October morning mild, Begin the hours of this day slow.

“It simply isn't an adventure worth telling if there aren't any dragons.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien

Jane Goodall was one of a few people to earn a PhD without an undergraduate degree. It was thought that her lack of formal academic training would allow her to remain unbiased by traditional thought and study the chimps with an open mind. It worked. ❤️

People who can't laugh at themselves are the most insufferable creatures on the planet.

Rest in peace, Patricia Routledge 🙏🏻 In memory of her, I encourage everyone to read these words of hers from February last year. Whether young or old, you're bound to get something out of it. ***** "I’ll be turning 95 this coming Monday. In my younger years, I was often

#Facts

“Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” —George Eliot, private notebooks, October 01, 1841

"Look at my meme!" He beleagued.

Sillion is lovely, don't you think?

Words for the Weekend 🥳 Pick your winner ⭐️ A B C D

It's International Archaeology Day! Happy digging! The best way to celebrate? Read an archaeological mystery! amazon.com/Death-Hades-We…

I think we under-estimate how many people are miserable because they have no enthusiasms, no hobbies, because they gave up reading and quit learning when school ended. It's shocking how much studying a beloved subject elevates your mood. It will transform your life.