I have been doing a huge Spring Cleaning of my house over
the last couple of weeks (like the rest of the world I imagine?)
It is an interesting process to look at all the junk and
gems that have been collected over the years and decide if it stays, goes or is
given away. Through this process, I have bonded and reconnected with many
things. Gifts given to me by my Mom, letters from friends, all the pictures we
have lovingly took, jewellery given to my daughter on her baptism and given to me
on my honeymoon. A lot of it has touched me.
However none of it compares to the feeling of going through
books for me. It was one of the first times that I really went through my book
collection one by one. Reminiscing about the many wonderful moments they have
all brought me. Thinking back to those times in my life when I needed that specific book and how much
further it took me along in life to have read it.
There are very few things in life that I have more
gratitude for in life than books.
They are with me through relationships, relaxation,
through sadness, when I need to get away. They have helped me grow and change and
learn. They are my best friend in many ways and I rely on them when I am in
need, or to transport me to a new and magical place. I can honestly say that
most of what I do well as a parent or person was taught to me by books somehow. Many, many many books.
I involved my daughter on Sunday for a good half of the
day to help me sort out books. I used it as a bonding time to really pass down this
love of mine. She is not a book worm (yet) but has an appreciation of reading
is how I would define it. She is curious. We created a shelf for her where we
put all the books I would love her to read from now until 20 yrs old on it. I
explained why I loved each book and what it brought me. She is super attracted
to anything about murder or kidnapping it seems! No Anne of Green Gables in
this one!
As we sorted and carried, and filed and discussed, she
looked at me and said “It is impossible Mommy that you have read all of these books”
It is not impossible. The truth is that I have read triple what she saw, as many
at work and borrowed or at cottage or given away. Probably more than triple.
(I can feel right now my Dad in his grave smiling and
smiling and smiling)
I grew up in a home of books. We had an entire forth
level of the house devoted as a library!
I hated most the books we had….nothing much that interested me at that age, but
it somehow I guess sparked a true love of reading in my life. And I am forever grateful
for this.
I feel about reading how many feel about cooking (aka:
how can you not like to read??????????”) I don’t get it. To me it is oxygen. In
any given week I have one fiction book, one parenting book and one business/self
help book being read at least. I adore it. Once I forgot my book for a business trip and the airport store was closed..and this is not a joke-I cried most of the flight to where I was going very silently and discreetly. Somehow I knew German books would not to it for me once I reached my destination. I could not beleive I would go a week without a book. Especially when I had all my evenings free to read. Depressing.
Another not joke: When I travel for pleasure I pack an entire carry on suitcase with books -like 15-20 for 2 weeks. I refuse to put them in regualr luggage in case it gets lost. Clearly my prioriies are books and not lingerie, running shoes or clothes! My husband has nearly begged me to read on an IPad but I refuse.
I went to the gym yesterday and there is a member’s
exchange library there and it says take
as many as you want! So I took 10 and everyone was looking at me funny!
All that to say I love my books. I lend them to many but
give none of the good ones away. I fold pages down and spill juice on them, I
eat muffins over them and have had nose bleeds on them. They come with me
anywhere and everywhere I go.
I would rather die than read a book on an I pad or
Kindle.
Books don’t make me fall asleep they keep me awake
I feel I would be so much more behind in my life if it has
not been for the precious books I read
I wish wish wish my kids could love reading (very unlikely
at this point they will change as much as I have tried)
I created many spaces in my house to contain these
precious books
As long as the world has books I will find a place to be
happy in it
I would take books over shoes or purses any day
After such a sucky day yesterday...I am comforted to know that books are still around, normal and there for me.
I simply
and plainly adore books.
Maybe
I should learn to cook a lasagna instead of reading so much? Balance right??
