Okay, let's start over. Yesterday as I struggled out of the library, barely able to lift my overflowing bag, my hair plastered in a sweat I wondered if there was an actual limit on the number of books they allowed you to check out at one time. I am always waiting for an alarm to go off and a voice to come over the intercom saying "step away from the checkout computer".
As I've said before, I love to read and I love the library. I always imagine that in a past life I was part of the aristocracy and had my own library with an unlimited amount of books. In reality I was probably the illiterate maid who was forced to dust those endless volumes. That might explain my insatiable need to read in this lifetime.
The thing about reading is that it is such a simple pleasure. When I am feeling overwhelmed I pick up a book and immerse myself in its story. If I need a recipe there are always lots of cookbooks for me to peruse. Need to look up the meaning of a word or help in finding a word? I check my handy dictionary. Yes, I could Google it and I often do, but there is something much more satisfying about holding a book in my hands.
I love the smell and feel of books. When I go to auctions I always love to look through the boxes of old books. I have found so many treasures that way.
We each have things that calm us, that help us find a more simple and serene life. I love to take a walk, sit by the water, breathe in the sounds and smells of a beautiful day, and I love to read.
These are some of my simple pleasures. What are yours?
Laura, I see that one of your old books is Little Women....that's one of my all time favorites. I used to read all the time...now I much make myself read any book all the way through. Hope you enjoy all your heavy books. LOL. xoxox,Susie
ReplyDeleteThanks, I love Little Women too, Susie. I have read it numerous times and never gt tired of it :)
DeleteSometimes cleaning and rearranging will calm me and whatever I'm worrying over fades into the distance. Photographing and editing photographing are very relaxing to me too. I'm in heaven when I have a bunch of photos to edit. I just go into a zone...
ReplyDeleteBrenda
thanks for sharing that, Brenda. editing photographs kind of makes me nervous for some reason :)
DeleteIt's hard for me to believe that no everyone loves to read. I have a kindle, but I prefer to flip the pages of a good book and see how far I've come and how far I have to go. I want to start looking for old books.
ReplyDeleteI have a kindle, too as a backup for the times I run out of books to read (doesn't happen often) or if I can't find something I want to read in the library. I prefer real book, too. :)
DeleteDear Laura, I feel that way too. I love old cookbooks and I love books too. It is nice to sit with a book and turn the pages. I even love finding my old pieces of paper that I have used for bookmarks. This does not happen with the new way of reading. I do feel that so much is lost with modern technology.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Catherine
I agree, Catherine.
DeleteI love books - not a kindle person at all. I think you should start doing book reviews. I would love that!
ReplyDeletehmmmm, maybe :)
DeleteI went to the library yesterday too....but I didn't see you! heehee! I wish I could see the stack of books you got. I started a new book last night but I think I'm going to skip it and go on to the next. I've read 75 pages and can't get into it! lol Happy reading! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe we missed each other either. I was looking everywhere for you :)
DeleteI'm a reader. I always have my kindle with me...always. I wasn't sure I would like it when I got it for Christmas a few years ago, but I love it. Nice post!
ReplyDeleteThat is the beauty of a kindle and I take mine on trips for that reason. Nice to be able to order up a book late at night when you are at the beach :)
DeleteMy mom is an avid reader like you. Whenever I go to her house, it's like going to a library. She has so many books. She worries we won't want her books after she's gone since she reads more than any of us. LOL! I do like to read if there is a good book to hold my attention. I'm afraid that I'm more of a tv/movie watcher though than a book reader.
ReplyDeleteMy younger sister was not a book reader, but has become one as she has gotten older. Maybe you will too, Kelly or maybe you find your serenity in other ways. :)
DeleteMe too, Laura! When I was a kid we'd haul a couple of paper grocery sacks home full of books. And I delight in reading. Including cookbooks!
ReplyDeleteI have a lot of older books, and the smell and feel of them is part of the wonderful simple pleasure.
Other simple pleasures....birdsong, watching seasons transition, sun streaming through windows or across a porch, early quiet mornings to myself, a clean home, being home!
Carol, I love all of your simple pleasures. I can feel the relaxation seeping in. :)
DeleteMy mom instill a love of reading very, very young and I still owe her a debt of thanks for that. I do confess that I'm an avid Kindle fan but still stop off for weekly visits to the book store. I mainly just wander the shelves looking at new titles and new authors then use my phone to take pictures so I don't forget to put them on my wish list. I do still buy "old books" at estate sales and thrift stores because I adore decorating with books. Reading is just soothing to me but I can't read in bed because I stay up too late just to read one more chapter...lol
ReplyDeleteI often fall asleep reading. I do the opposite of you. I find books on Amazon and then reserve them at the library :)
DeleteReading is a simple pleasure for me. Sometimes I don't have time to read, so when I do, I really enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteMaybe that makes it all the more sweeter, Michelle :)
DeleteReading has been such a large part of my life that I can't imagine now reading. It does take me places, inspires me, makes me laugh and cry! The library has always been a magical place to me.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Linda
I think for many of us in our age group, Linda reading became a part of our lives at an early age. We didn't have the constant intrusion of TV growing up. I agree that the library is a magical place. :)
DeleteI feel the same way about books that you do, Laura. No electronic "reader" for me. I love the look and feel of a real book in my hands. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteThere are times when my Kindle is convenient, but I think I will always prefer the feel of a real book too, Diana. xo
DeleteAh, Laura, you made it hard. One is just before sunrise when the world is quiet and one turns to poetry and gratitude for another day. The other is that golden glow before sunset that heightens your senses the beauty of a day well done. Guilty pleasures both.
ReplyDeleteOh I love books and I have my corner for Reading and I love yours! I've never read anything electronically or even a magazine, I prefer the 'REAL' thing! Thanks for popping in to visit while I was away my friend!
ReplyDeleteFABBY