My new Kindle: Helping the economy

I did my part for the economy this month by purchasing a Kindle. For those of you who don't know a Kindle is a reading device for books, newspapers, blogs, etc. It is made by Amazon. It has changed my life.



As you may know, I am big on presentation. The Kindle arrives in cardboard shipping containers with a zip open strip that hints at the possibilities inside by saying,"Once upon a time...". Pull the strip and the box opens to a slick black package lining with cascading letters and a beautifully designed nest for the Kindle and its power cord and starting manual. Just the great presentation had me. The leather cover I bought came with the same great packaging. It and the Kindle had easy directions to start things off. First plug it in and charge it (about 3 hours?) I gardened while this happened and made a book list from the main Amazon site of what I wanted to download. Once charged it took me less than 10 minutes to access the store on the Kindle and download 2 books. I love technology that works! The most delightful surprise is when you put it sleep mode. Up comes a beautiful black and white drawing, picture or illustration. The photos are of great authors like Steinbeck etc. the pictures are antique illustrations of etchings or drawings having to do with books or literature or other beautiful objects. Being an art person this is one of my new favorite things. It reminds you of the history of books and how far we have come.



I do, however, have some guilt. I probably will spend less time in bookstores, which I love. But, the Kindle will save overweight charges on my luggage when we travel since I usually haul at least 6 books along. Now I can carry an entire library with me in my purse! The other small advantage is no one knows what you are reading. They will judge you on the technology and not your choice of literature. Try it, you deserve it. if you read, as I do, quantities of books.

Back to Arizona

We just returned from a two week trip to Arizona. It seemed very odd to visit a place we used to call home. We rented a nice condo near the Grayhawk golf course and had the granddaughters and my daughter visit. We had a great time. It was in the 80's, warm form February. We left the 80's to return to our new home in Georgia and snow!

We spent most of our time visiting our artist friends at the Celebration of Fine Art. It was such a treat to be around positive people who are so creative and bright. It really brought home how much of our countries current attitude of doom and gloom is mental. It is brought on my listening to the news and having people tell us day after day how awful things are and how poor we are. The visitors to the Celebration have a great time and yes, they are buying art. The atmosphere is positive and upbeat and everyone feels that. We all need that break from dark news heaped on us by the media.

These wonderful people are also helping others less fortunate. Today they are having an event called the Art of Food which will benefit St. Mary Food Bank Alliance in Arizona. It focuses not only on food donations but the wonderful programs St. Marys provides to help people train for employment in the food industry.

My advise to everyone is turn off the news! Enjoy your family and friends and spend some quality time with a smile on your face. Here is something to help you smile.