Thursday, November 13, 2008

Blue Smoke


(originally uploaded here by Majeczka)

I have just finished reading Nora Roberts Blue Smoke and, while reading, marked a passage that really hit home for me right now so I wanted to share it with you. It's humorous and so very true about the challenge of raising kids. In this passage Reena has stopped by her big Italian families restaurant after a hard day on the job as an arson investigator. We join them as Reena asks her Mama a question that has been nagging her since her last case:

"Mama, have your children broken your heart?"
"Countless times. Here, have some mushrooms. What if he burns the dinner?" (Reena's new beau is cooking her dinner.)
"Just one. If we broke your heart, why did you have four of us?"
"Because your father wouldn't leave me alone and let me sleep."
He turned his head at that, chuckled. (Reena's Dad)
"Seriously."
"I am serious. Every time I turn around, the man's hands get busy." Bianca tapped her spoon on the edge of the pot, set it down. "I had four because as often as you broke my heart, you filled it. You're the treasures of my life, and the biggest pains in my ass."

AMEN. Man, did this passage speak to me right now. Sometimes the question nags, if I had known how hard it would be, would I have done it? The answer is yes. A great big huge YES. Those darn kids, all six of them and now their babies are the treasures of our souls.

What are you reading right now? Share with me a passage that spoke directly to you...


And then, without delay, hop on over to Mary's Writing Nook and sign up for the Christmas book swap she's hosting. It's aways fun to get new reading material!

I've just started reading an old book, published in the 50's sometime I think ~ Little Britches, Father and I were Ranchers by Ralph Moody. It's a true story about Ralph's life as a young boy on a ranch outside of Denver. Written like a novel for young readers, it's very fun and good so far.

9 comments:

Jeni said...

Boy, isn't that just the truth though about kids -break your heart while still filling it with love and joy! Can't live with 'em; can't live without 'em either. I'm going to have to check into Mary's Book Swap. I saw she mentioned it but didn't read any further up on the whole thing as yet.

Mary said...

Paula,

I enjoyed your book review and will see if this is available through the library.

Thanks for signing up for the Christmas book swap. I will post more about it tomorrow night.

Enjoy your weekend, my friend. Now I'm off to bed to read a few chapters before I drift off.

Blessings,
Mary

Jodi Renshaw said...

Amen to that book's dialogue.

I am reading the original Peter Pan right now. I LOVE the whimsy of revisiting childhood tales. Feels so good.

Love,
Jodi

Shelby said...

...'cause your father wouldn't leave me alone..

enough said.

:)

men.

Twisted Fencepost said...

Boy, did that passage speak to me, too!
I'm not reading anything right now. I stay too busy and if I sit down to read, I go to sleep.

jenclair said...

Love that quote!

Unknown said...

I don't think I have read that Nora Roberts, but it does ring true!
I just started "The Sugar Queen" by,Sarah Addison Allen
The first paragragh is great"When Josey woke up and saw the feathery frost on her windowpane, she smiled. Finally, it was cold enough to wear long coats and tights. It was cold enough for scarves and shirts worn in layers, like camouflage. It was cold enough for her lucky red cardigan, which she swore had a power of its own.

Pamela said...

here from Shelby's
I love Nora Roberts. I just haven't read any of her recent stuff.
Sounds like a good read.
I hope it's at the library!!

Love the photo.

Anonymous said...

That is the truth. I don't think any one or any thing can break your heart as much as children can but we love them unconditionally any way :>)