The Art Linkletter House Party Is Etched in Memory

"Arthur Gordon really knows how to make his reader fall in love with life . . . without being preachy, pompous or pedantic. His word pictures are fresh and sparkling; his personalized stories are heart-touching; his sudden shafts or poignant observation are illuminating. I read it with such a sensation of relief and happiness that I cannot recall anything in recent days to make me feel so good all over."

This quote shocked me more than anything because it came from none other than the iconic author of "Kids Say The Darndest Things."  Mr. Art Linkletter wrote this in time before Fleming H. Revell Company published in 1974, Author Gordon's book, "A Touch of Wonder ".  The quote appears on the back cover.

I have always loved life. Gordon's book came to me from a dear friend years ago. Gordon said, " A Book to Help People Stay in Love with Life. " It's one of those books were you can read chapter 6 first if you choose and read the other chapters at your own choosing. Yet, the entire book has organization to it that fits like a  jigsaw puzzle. In the past.

I have a few post about this book. It never gets old and finding new though in its pages seem to always fit the time period that is current.

No refreshments being served at this counter this season!

Since 1991, this book has been at the ready at my desk. It has become tattered and some pages have dog ears. The margins are marked and the chapter headings have  notes to myself. It won't be the last time that I pull it down from it's handy spot. After all these years, finding Art Linkletter's quote on the back page was indeed a shocker for me. I just never imagined that  I would  discover that Art Linkletter and I have such like thoughts about life.

It's Time to Pull Arthur Gordon Off the Shelf Again

The Power in Purposeful Pausing

There's an old paperback on my bookshelves that was gifted to me in 1991 by a very dear friend. That book is a book filled with inspirational stories and graduation speeches over the years by the author, Arthur Gordon. There are two stories that I dearly love. One, is his meeting of Rudyard Kipling and the other is his meeting with Tom Watson. There are also quotes from Einstein, Stevenson  and Thoreau among others. In short, the little book is packed with inspiration and collected wisdom.

One of the chapters that I like in particular is, The Power in Purposeful Pausing. We have all heard the old cliché, take time to smell the roses. This chapter takes that to levels beyond. Art Linkletter said of Arthur Gordon that he" really knows how to make his reader fall in love with life."

So when my soul needs that little shot of vitamin to carry it alone, I reach to the shelves and pull down Arthur Gordon. I can't read a chapter without making more marginal notes. It's like having no  flour in the kitchen, no salt and pepper on the table. Sometimes, a good book that you can turn to is better than trips to the doctor and the pharmacy.

Here's a visual of how you feel after reading a chapter or two.