why I spend so much time reading

Sometimes when people see me reading they'll tell me that they "wish that they had as much time as I have to just read." And then in the next breath they'll tell me about what movie they just saw or which television show they are addicted to. 

I don’t mean this as a criticism of the leisure activities that people choose to spend their time on; I, myself, enjoy movies and have too many shows, past and present, that I love. What's curious to me is that these people seem to think that I am either twiddling my thumbs, searching for activities to occupy my time or else the sole possessor of the secret to time management. In reality I am as engaged in my life as the next person, but if I don’t have time to do something it’s because I’ve allocated my time to something else. I simply love to read and so I choose to spend what "free time" (where's the giveaway for that prize?) reading. As of two weeks ago, I still slept with a flashlight by my bed, partly because we needed a bedside lamp and partly because I still think like the eight years old me sometimes and even though I know that I should be sleeping I can’t put my book down!

Anywho, off of my soapbox and onto some books. I haven't updated those books to your left in awhile but don't worry, I have still been reading. These are a few of the books that I’ve read/listened to lately:

The Book Thief—I know that I’ve mentioned this book before but since Nick and I have been listening to the audio book it has taken us awhile to finish it; although, not for lack of interesting plot or beautiful writing to be sure. I’ve picked this book up previously and was told how great it is but I put it down for one reason or another. Now I cannot write enough in praise of this book. The characters, writing, set up and emotions combined to make it a wonderful experience. Definitely the sort of book that I want to own so that I can reread and lend it out.

Emma was a joy to read this time around. I tried it years ago and didn’t finish it but this time I was laughing and cringing and thinking the whole time. Jane Austen might have said that she created a heroine that only she could like but I found myself relating to Emma—both her foibles and her difficulty sticking to her resolve to change. Although, I do pity Jane Fairfax for the putz she chooses to marry. 

The Night Circus is actually my current read. I’m reading it for book club but I had already started it and heard many good things about it. Overall I’m intrigued, and in many parts confused. It is a book with many many plot lines that it weaves together in a way that seems jumbled but never makes me want to stop. I'm worried to see what will happen next.  

Possession was the most recent read for my book club. I got about 60 pages into the book and then realized that I had seen the movie version on Netflix a few years back. Gwyneth Paltrow. This both made me like it more and halted my anticipation since I knew all of the plot twists that would come. It had some very poetic writing but a tad too erudite for my tastes. (Er·u·dite—having or showing great knowledge. Emphasis on the showing.) If you are more highbrow than myself, which isn't hard, try it out. Otherwise, enjoy the movie. 

Nick is also experiencing The Blue Sword for his first time ever and I'm happy to reread it with him. What are you reading right now?

P.S. How great are these book cover designs? I am fascinated by them; embroidery, silhouettes, an illustration and this renaissance painting!

how to create a window display for a bookstore

I love bookstores. The big chain ones like Barnes & Noble and the small, local ones that seem to be everywhere in Cambridge.

I came across Lorem Ipsum, a new and used bookstore, many weeks ago and instantly liked it because of the clever sign it displayed on an old-fashioned TV that said, " Read Instead." The inside is filled with books for pretty much anyone and everything. I've worked at both a library and a bookstore and love the feeling of being surrounded by shelves of books. It's a feeling of safety and anticipation. (I am such a nerd.)

If I was ever to open a shop it would almost certainly be a bookstore, although I probably wouldn't make a profit since I would be too busy reading the books myself to want to sell them to other people. :) Another sign in the window said, "New work coming soon." So I thought I would share how I would design the window display and decorate the inside of their (or my) store.

I guess the store used to be Cambridge Refrigerator Specialists since that's the larger sign on the outside and they have an old refrigerator filled with books inside the store. So the window display would be a vintage kitchen with book accents, like the plants and broom.

Woman, Umbrella, Plants, Broom

whisperings

Let's say that you wake up one day and realize that you're not as excited about the trajectory of your life as you think you should be.
Let's say that you look into the mirror and ask yourself who, what, where are you?
Let's say that you alter your path and it's scary and hard and nigh unto impossible at times, but you love it and are happier than you've been before.
Let's say that your husband is behind you a hundred percent and not only wants you to succeed but helps you to "find yourself".
Let's say your just like me.