“As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.” ­– Seneca

Often, when I can find free time, I like to venture to my local library. There is something about retreating to this quiet space, surrounded by books, wisdom, and the smell of ink on paper that makes me genuinely content, happy even. I look forward to those rare weekends when there is nothing to do but follow this intrinsic, inner pull and spend a morning or afternoon lost amidst the dusty shelves and weathered spines.
On a recent trip, I stumbled upon a tiny tome by J.K. Rowling called Very Good Lives. I love books that are short enough they can be absorbed in one sitting, and this book is one of them. Very Good Lives is actually the published book-form of the commencement speech Rowling gave to Harvard’s 2008 graduating class. In it, she speaks of two themes: how to embrace failure and the importance of imagination.

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Those who know me well know that I am somewhat of a “flower child” at heart. I love having fresh flowers around the house. Throughout my college days, and later, as I moved between different apartments and cities, buying flowers became a weekly indulgence. Whether it’s fragrant rosemary clippings from the backyard, wild blooms from the market, or a fresh-cut pick-up from the grocery store, putting flora & fauna around the house is an instant mood lifter for me.

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