The Bookshelf ~ February 2025
lectori salutem
DEAR READER,
One of my realities—and one I do not place among my favorite facts—is that while some places of this world wake up in the general direction of spring come February, I wake up still in winter, often cold winter. Entire snaps of time below freezing. On the occasion that we are given a warmish winter day, February has no scruples about reminding one that winter thoughts will prevail. All month long.
Long. Long, long.
February.
A month that comes for a visit and doesn’t mind seeing your disillusioned expression when it simply refuses to leave.
And so, I was pleased to see that one of my favorite artists, Matt Underwood, has his own version of events. His February, as seen below, is bursting with all the colors necessary not only for survival, but for enjoyment.
I ordered one of his block prints, of course, as I try to cozy up my interior world during this month of bleached, cold, dry-skin days. And so I take extra care to enjoy colorful art, soak up the pages of a book, wander through a museum. Greenhouses are a must. My body usually wishes I would take a step or two away from hot chocolate—sigh—and so I rummage around in the tea drawer instead. (Hibiscus raspberry, anyone?) Add a particular piece of music. The sorting that one closet (all the way!). And a warm bath.
These are not happenings to be taken lightly. No. Nor taken for granted.
You can gaze upon and purchase Matt’s work here.
THE EVENT at the Springville Library was filled with wonderful readers and I had a great time. Thank you. I enjoy being with you, answering questions, laughing, and being a bit goofy.
My readers are the best. You share my books with everyone you know, you show up, you care deeply about the characters. Thank you, thank you!
HAVE YOU EVER purchased a book at a second hand bookshop or thrift store and found something inside its pages? I have a few times. An old plane ticket, often a bookmark. Once, in a history book I purchased, I found a love note.
Dearest Honey Hunk,
How can I tell you how much you mean to me?!
Every day with you and your precious love is so special. I love your hugs and kisses and how you feel (yummy).
I love you deeply, tenderly & passionately.
You are the everlasting love I always wanted.
Thank you, Dearest.
I want to be your wife forever & best friend forever.
Isn’t that kind of wonderful?
The handwriting has the same looping letters as my grandparents’ generation, and I figure some child or grandchild set the book aside without wondering what the piece of paper just sticking above the pages was.
I always wished they had found the note before they sent it on. I’ve carried it about with me for a handful of years now. It’s lovely. (Though I must say that words like Honey Hunk and Yummy are not how I have ever wished to articulate anything relating to the deeper feelings of my soul. Or any feelings, really. Unless I’m speaking about my affection for gummy worms.)
How’s that for Valentines Day?
HOUSEKEEPING: I get a lot of repeated questions, and so over the next few newsletters I’ll take care of a few housekeeping items. Such as:
Are you going to consider doing audiobooks for Emma M. Lion?
Stay tuned! Keep the radio on.
Do you offer Emma M. Lion in book boxes?
Rest assured that the team at Rhysdon Press has many plans. It takes time, consideration, and some wisdom to move forward with everything.
I did see that someone had tried to sell my books online as a set—charging $15 more than if the reader had simply bought all the books separately! I try to look out for my readers and so THIS DID NOT PLEASE ME.
There is currently no official set available and if someone has posted one, please do not support their attempt to earn extra money off my readers. I’ll be the one to let you know when any kind of box set is available.
I’ll take care of a few more housekeeping items next month!
May every blessing you need fill your soul this February.
x Beth
Happy Valentine’s Day! Don’t fall in the fountain!
Happy Valentine's Day! I found a love note inside a library book once too!