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One thing I did on Spring Break was visit Barnes & Noble and buy a few books I’ve been hearing about. Textbook by Amy Krouse Rosenthal was one of those books. It took us a while to find it, me and the store clerk who was sure he knew exactly where it was. But the book was hiding under another book. After all that work to find it, I wasn’t going to let it go.
Then I had to take care of my car, one of those mediocre bothersome chores, except when you take Amy along. I kept looking up and looking around because I was sure that my delight and vulnerability were showing all at once. Somehow I felt the spirit of Amy KR right there with me.
She was not afraid to challenge us to be the best we can be. She wanted all of us to look for purple flower moments and rainbows. In her writing, the legacy of her generous spirit lives on, but her light is off. I couldn’t let go of that fact.
Throughout the book, you are asked to text a response. I’m sure Amy didn’t read every text, but the idea has lost some of its appeal without her here anymore. I wish for more…Amy.
Her style was unique and full of life. Even her smile on the back flap continues to shine.
Page 291 reminded me that I have a doorknob that I keep on a shelf. I bought it at an antique store when Jeff and I were planning to build a house. We never built a house, but I still have the doorknob on a shelf. Now I know why.
Kirby Larson started a Facebook group to honor Amy with good works on her birthday, April 29th. “On April 29, 2017, the members of this group will do #More — more kindness, love, more fill-in-the-blank and will share their intentions/actions here to beckon the lovely to spring forth in others.” This is a public group, so anyone can join.
I want to be someone who
opens a door,
nurtures imagination,
keeps an umbrella close by just in case,
one who does more
because there is always
more to do.Blessings, Margaret Simon
Reflections on the Teche 