Reading by the hearth

by Bethanne

Crackles rang from the wood stove. Fire devoured the wood inside, efficiently providing heat for the cool fall afternoon. Above the faint sounds of the fire, I heard my aunt reading aloud. The story was not new, but I was soon caught up in it as if for the first time.

Reading aloud on winter evenings has long been a favorite pastime for our family. Dad was most often the appointed reader. Thrilling missionary tales spilled amusing stories. Historical biographies proclaimed daring feats. Stories of our persecuted ancestors’ near starvation as they escaped Germany and Russia reminded us of God’s mercy. Escapades of Little Britches will never be forgotten. There was nothing more comforting than hearing Dad read those stories. I don’t know who was more caught up in them–Dad or us children!

They say reading aloud to your children builds their interest in reading. But I believe more than that was instilled in my brothers and me during those long winter evenings. All three of my brothers went on do some form of mission work. I wish to follow in their footsteps. I know those missionary biographies had an impact on our lives. 
Long after my brothers left home, Mom continued the tradition. Reading aloud was simply a part of my schoolwork each day. It is no secret that I’m an ardent admirer of Anne of Green Gables. We do share the same name after all. (Please don’t forget the “e”.)
I like to imagine that I have red hair and am just like Anne, writing her dreams and imagination into stories. Only I use a keyboard instead of a pen. I’ve never won a baking powder contest. But I have been “published” on the World Wide Web.
Could winter evenings, a good book, and a fire do that? I like to think so.
Leaves are falling with the north wind. Find a good book, pop some popcorn, and join your family in broadening your horizons—and your imagination. 

Bethanne lives on a farm in the Midwest with her parents. She enjoys watching the sunset after a lovely day, which usually includes chocolate, nieces and nephews and a good book.

3 Comments

  1. Jane,
    Your sweet remarks made me smile:) Thank you so much for your loving words.

    Let me tell you a little secret. I wrote the above than my mom edited it, twice;) Than someone who has written much more on the YLCF than I wove some very beautiful touches into my writing. Along the way removing some grammatical errors as well:)

    I have a lot to learn in the way of writing. However my teacher, aka mom, stressed often the importance of proof reading. Especially letting someone else do it as I often forget to do.

    No I don’t write poetry. Rhyming just isn’t my thing:) We will just leave that to Chantel and company:)

  2. Ahh what a good reminder Bethanne! amazing writing you just did. And yes you are published, i always thought that everyone who has a blog that they utilize is like a writer themselves =))
    I liked how you talked about your families’ tradition of reading aloud, i’ll try to remember that and read to my future children =))

    YOU also have such a great talent and knack for writing, the imagery the beauty that you write about is just captivating =)
    I always wished to write just like that =)

    do you have any tips on how to be a greater writer/poet?

    take care!!

    thanks again for this gift that you gave us all today–which is your unique style of writing.

    p.s. you definitely should look into getting published, get an agent and publish some of your musings and writings =))
    do you write poems too?

    Well have a wonderful blessed day!

    HUGS!

    In Him, Jane.

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