My book for February is a call to return to appreciating the everyday things in life and to recognise the sacredness in them. Even the title conjures up an idyllic simplicity: Morning Sun on a White Piano by Dr Robin R Meyers.
This thought-provoking book is in the form of twelve essays on various subjects, including Music and the Home.
I have picked out a few of my favourite chapters to comment briefly upon, the first of which is 'The Art of Lost Conversation'. Dr Meyers: "To live the simple, sacramental life again, we must put conversation back where it belongs, at the centre of human life." The culprit is, of course, television, and the author has a colourful description of the set that turns us away from one another "and towards the mosaic monologue that is entertainment." No prizes for guessing the solution but, if that cannot be managed, at least selective viewing. The importance of allowing children to participate in conversation at mealtimes and generally is included too.
In 'Letters and Gifts — The Considerate Life', the author tells the wonderful story of a senior lady whom whenever she went to her mail box took a garden chair with her. In response to the query as to why she did this, she replied it was so she could reach into the back of the box because that was where the hand written cards and notes were. It was felt that this symbolised a yearning for 'thoughtful, honest and effective communication'. To be addressed as 'Occupier' or 'Resident' does not satisfy the need to be recognised and appreciated.
There is an interesting chapter on owning pets too and how animals can make us more humane - they bring out the best in us, enabling us to show unconditional affection to them.
In 'Eating Books — The Feast of the Imagination', I do agree with Dr Meyer's lament that children who used to curl up with a book (and who might have curled up with a book) now have their faces glued to a computer screen. It is interesting that the Author noted that as he was writing this chapter, both his children and his wife were reading. He suggests that books bring an "unspoken communion" where strangers are safely brought into the house. Further that readers can have a controllable relationship with a book. Books, too, feed the imagination, the reader has to add 'illustrations' to the words. Dr Meyers: "Buy, borrow or check out lots of books and consider them as friends." (Here! Here!)
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Morning Sun on a White Piano by Dr Robin R Meyers. (Lion)
ISBN 0 7459 4230 X£5.99
Lynn Winter
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