I am finally reading, “This I Believe” that I received for my birthday. As I’m reading these eloquently written essays that people like John McCain, Newt Gingrich, Bill Gates, Helen Keller and Colin Powell wrote, I can’t help thinking about the things that I believe in. The list is long. I believe in so many things that it's hard to think about writing an essay on one thing. These are just a few of the things that I strongly believe in.
Lake Erie
I believe in Lake Erie that I have the privilege of living close to. I run along the shore and gaze in amazement this beautiful body of water that we depend on. It’s our lifeline. Without water, no one can survive. I adore the lake in summer and winter when I saw up close waves frozen in time during our below zero temperatures last year. I just stared; how can it freeze so quickly.
This morning I saw a father and son carrying fishing poles, anxiously heading to the stream. During the summer months, many people hit the pier to catch some fish. So, I find it hard to comprehend that the same people litter Lake Erie with various items: plastic juice bottles, glass beer bottles, empty potato chip bags and broken fold-up chairs.
I try not to look and pretend this litter is not here. I constantly scratch my head and scream to myself as I pick the litter up and deposit it to the nearest recycle bin. Seriously! Don’t these people realize what they’re doing to this vital body of water? Choking our fish and other creatures that inhabit the lake. I find this act of ignorance so distressing. I try not to let it get to me but it’s difficult.
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| Viktor Schreckengost's signature that I will treasure always |
Books
I believe in books where I spend my workout time reading. I have dispensed with my iPod and find myself immersed in story after story as my breathing accelerates on the cross trainer. Admittedly, this is the only time that I “pencil-in” to read.
My favorite books are nonfiction where I’ve read about politics, “The New, New Deal” to Mary Roach’s, “Gulp” and “I Am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai the 2014 winner of the Nobel Peace Prize where I’ve written some reviews on this blog post. I also have photography and art books where I enjoy looking at artwork by Rodin, Picasso and local artist Viktor Schreckengost where I remember standing in line at the Cleveland Museum of Art for him to sign my book. I will never forget that “firm handshake.”
I value the few books that I have signed: Scott Simon, “Baby, We Were Meant for Each Other” and Christo & Jeanne-Claude, “On the Way to The Gates.” I love all books where I can learn and experience something new.
As long as I can remember, I’ve enjoyed reading. From the Dick and Jane books to “James and the Giant Peach.” It was my way to explore new adventures and escape my isolation. I let my mind wander and think.
One summer when I was only seven, my family and I went to Greece. I completely forgot that I had a few books from the library sitting at home. I was frantic that I forgot to return the books before we left. When we got back home, I explained the situation and the librarian understood. “Phew,” I thought I would have to pay tons of money in overdue fines. I’m not sure why I didn’t bring the books with me.
As a child, I remember reading on the floor in our small dinning room overlooking the tiny backyard. I laid on my stomach reading for hours large picture books, turning the pages anxiously. I couldn’t wait to go back to the library and get more.
I’m dumbfounded where my passion for books came from, neither my parents read. My dad looked at the newspaper and that’s about the extent of it.
As an Adult educator and book lover, I believe in life long learning and books.
Biking
I believe in my bike where I depend on my own power to get from point a to point b. I find it exhilarating to abandon my car when I volunteer at the Transformer Station on W 29 Street that is about an hour from my house. I pack a change of clothes in my backpack and bring plenty of water for my trek. I get excited when I breath the fresh air into my lungs and view the nearby landscape – trees, beautiful Bratenhal homes and the Urban Lambscape off East 55th as animals graze in the grass.
I get a workout in and avoid racking up the miles in my car. I’ve saved miles and miles on my car as I pedal through the downtown streets. Sustainability is my mantra as SUV’s pass me by honking obnoxiously and giving me a dirty look. I’m wearing my helmet therefore, I can be on this road. Get over it!
I’ve been so inspired by reading, “This I Believe” that it gives me hope with all the ideas that people have put into words and verbalized on NPR. I’ve thought about doing an essay but have yet to do it. Maybe this is the push I need to get my ideas written.
I’m happy that I received this book for my birthday. If you can’t find a great idea for a gift, I’m always grateful to receive a book.
Book:
This I Believe: The Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and Women
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