*1. Role of Barnabas, other characters, Father Tim Comes to terms.

[Carol]

This is the folder for the February Book--At Home in Mitford. I did a quick review/play of it again yesterday. I Just love this book, and to have a clean Copy is so nice without all the foul language

[Carol]

What role does Barnabas play in Father Tim’s life? What other characters seem to invade Father Tim’s already busy life, only later to prove enriching elements? Are there any that are a permanent drag on his spirits? How does Father Tim come to terms with them?

[Chelsea]

He's a companion and friend like most dogs are. Sadie invades with the nursing home plans, Cynthia with going steady thoughts, the lady that needs a heart transplant, Dooley.

Permanent drag? Dooley in a way, Emma, his speech for the Rose festival. I think just having a lot of patience gets him through.

[Cindy]

When I think about books I HATED (and I don't use that word often!), I think about "Eat, Pray, Love". The message of that book seemed to be - if you're stressed and unhappy, then focus on yourself to the exclusion of everything else and you'll be happy again. In my experience, that is absolutely false. This book has almost the opposite message. Although you do have to take care of yourself (as Tim sees with his diabetes), the best way to cure yourself of feeling unhappy is to love other people more. They can drive us crazy, but others (and for some people that includes animals) are the way to be happy within ourselves.

[Carol]

Cindy, after I read of your disdain for E, P, L, I went and checked it out quite a long time ago. I did not affect me the way it did you.

I love Barnabas. He seems to be a calming factor Father Tim needs, and he helps with Dooley whom I also love very much. Cynthia and Violet becomes important and a delightful character. There are other characters that worm their ways in and out of the story. There are a lot of characters and it can be hard to keep track of them all.

[Pam]

I’m in Albuquerque moving my mother up to Idaho, so my participation will be minimal. I smiled at how Barnabas responded to the scriptures Father Tim quoted, especially given his previous owners. The guy who hid in the bell tower and then went to prison but had a spiritual awakening- he initially was a problem because he stole food and Father Tim’s note pad.

[Barb]

Barnabus was my favorite as well. I'm not really a dog person. I don't think Father Tim was, either. But I imagine if I ever have to live alone, I would probably get a dog for the companionship. I can see why he and the dog needed each other.