Pay It Forward Freebie: See Beautiful Bookmarks

There tend to be two camps of bookmark readers, those who execute their right as a reader to dog-ear a page when they come to a stopping point in a book, and those who would (gasp!) never fold down a page and always use some sort of bookmark instead. We support both camps because, of course, every reader has her/his own rights for reading. However, as we stare at the beautifully bound backs of books lining the shelves in the room where we write, we realize something significant, something special perhaps...

What we understand:

• "No single literacy activity has a more positive effect on students' comprehension, vocabulary knowledge, spelling, writing ability, and overall academic achievement than free voluntary reading" (Miller, 2009, p. 18).
• "Reading changes your life" (Miller, 2009, p. 18).
• "Reading unlocks worlds unknown or forgotten, taking travelers around the world and through time" (Miller, 2009, p. 18).
• "Through characters - the saints and the sinners, real or imagined - reading shows you how to be a better human being" (Miller, 2009, p. 18).
• "To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life." ~ W. Somerset Maugham
• "The man who does not read great books is no better than the man who can't." ~ Mark Twain

How we can Pay It Forward:

We need readers. Many of us are readers. What if we left a gift, a kind message, an empowering message to see beautiful within the woven words of bound pages? The bookmarks below are for you to cut and leave inside books for others to serendipitously stumble upon. Whether leaving the bookmarks in the pages of books found in a lovely, locally owned bookstore or a heavily paraded thrift store, imagine what the reader feels when turning the page to find a wonderful message. Simply expecting the next page in the unfolding story, s/he find a message from you. A message to leave the reader smiling and reflecting. A message that illustrates the power of written word and the caring of unknown others.

We are headed to the book store and can't wait to fill books with our wondrous words. We're targeting books that people might pick up who are doubting themselves. We're targeting books that young girls might reach to for help, solace, or empowerment. Within which books will you leave a bookmark? Will you keep one for yourself? That's fine too. Peachy, really. Just pay the others forward and share with friends and your book-loving neighbors, known or unknown.

P.S., If you would like a PDF of this document vs. printing the image above, please email lcrissmays@seebeautiful.com

Happy reading and spreading opportunities for others to see beautiful!
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Are you looking for a tangible reminder to see beautiful, or know someone who needs one? Check out our See Beautiful™ products (and feel good knowing a portion of proceeds from every purchase is donated to charity. This month a portion of all proceeds will be donated to The Dressing Room Project). Click HERE.