Good Thoughts....

I've had a couple thoughts hit me really hard recently, so I decided to share. Two books provided me with some insight that I really liked. I'll probably make another post out of the other book, but the one I have in front of me now is "The Lost Princess of Oz" by L. Frank Baum.

After "The Wizard of Oz," Mr. Baum started every book with a note to his readers; thanking them for their letters and for their out-pouring of love and support. He wrote these books for children, because he loved to make children happy.

This note I found to be a cut above the rest. The part I particularly enjoyed reads as follows:

"Some of my youthful readers are developing wonderful imaginations. This pleases me. Imagination has brought mankind through the Dark Ages to its present state of civilization. Imagination led Columbus to discover America. Imagination led Franklin to discover electricity. Imagination has given us the steam engine, the telephone, the talking-machine and the automobile, for these things had to be dreamed of before they became realities. So i believe that dreams-day dreams, you know, with your eyes wide open and your brain-machinery whizzing-are likely to lead to the betterment of the world. The imaginative child will become the imaginative man or woman most apt to create, to invent, and therefore to foster civilization. A prominent educator tells me that fairy tales are of untold value in developing imagination in the young. I believe it.
...And, by the way, don't hesitate to write me our own hints and suggestions, such as result from your own day dreams. They will be sure to interest me, even if I cannot use them in a story, and the very fact that you have dreamed at all will give me pleasure and do you good."

I am starting to allow myself to dream again, and this note from Baum to his young readers really struck a chord. I think it's so important to allow ourselves to dream: to imagine.

It's vital. Without dreams, we don't have as much hope. They go hand in hand.

Here's to imagination!

You've Got the Touch! You've Got the Power!

If you get the movie reference from the title of the post, you are either a) just cool like that, b) a true child of the 80s, or c) way cooler than I ever gave you credit for.

I made a substantial purchase this week. Possibly one of the coolest items I have ever purchased.

I bought (drumroll, please) the iPod touch. This little tech gizmo is even cooler than I had ever dreamed possible. It's easy to navigate, the touch screen is amazing, and even the little keyboard that shows up on screen is surprisingly accurate, even with my thick fingers. I love it! I haven't managed to utilize it to its full potential yet, but I'll get there.

On a completely different, yet related note. I think I want to get internet access again at home. I can survive without it, but I feel rather disconnected from the world. Plus, my little sister wants me to buy an Xbox 360 and get Guitar Hero 3 so we can play together online. And that would be fun. This is the first time my mother has been approving of my buying a new game system. Mainly because it would allow me to chat with my sister more often.

Anyway, I just wanted to give a quick update. Life is good!