Join the Two Writing Teachers blog for the Slice of Life Challenge.
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 
Beautiful….perfect words for me to read as I leave my house from spring break and re-enter my work world. This last stretch of school is a challenging one as the weather gets better and the testing ratchets up. I do feel blessed by these words.
Such a beautiful piece to read. Such a beautiful message. Thank you!
Wow!! Thanks for sharing how Amy is still shining through you.
I bought both her memoirs, but I have yet to read them. I can’t wait to open them up!! It’s amazing how strong Amy’s legacy is.
Now you make me want to find a beautiful doorknob and attach your lovey poem to it! Thanks for sharing more of Amy today!
Just beautiful Margaret. Amy knew there were many like her in the world. We just need to keep opening doors.
My home is nearly a century old and has the original brass and glass doorknobs throughout. Now I will forever use them with the memory of Amy’s words and your closing lines. Thank you for sharing, Margaret.
I’ve been reading bits and pieces too among my other reading. Amy’s speaking directly to the readers is something I won’t soon forget. How caring she is still, those words she left us. Your connection to the doorknob brightens my day, Margaret. It’s a good story to keep.
This is wonderful. Thank you for sharing about ARs birthday group. She was a Jewel. Gone too soon.
[…] « More for Amy […]