A nod to the “Writer’s Almanac,” which informed me that today is the anniversary of Walden‘s publication. When it was published on August 9, 1854, Thoreau wrote in his journal: “To Boston. Walden published. Elder-berries. Waxwork yellowing.” After the book sold out its initial 2,000 print run in 1859, it went out of print (encouraging news for us mid-list authors).

Here are the lines that caught my attention this morning when I heard them on the radio: “There were times when I could not afford to sacrifice the bloom of the present moment to any work, whether of the head or hands. I love a broad margin to my life.”

I have felt that way often this summer — that it is enough simply to be. To walk or run, to swim or bicycle. To stand still and listen to a mockingbird.