Reading has always played a substantial role in my world. I have always had a love of reading, and like many, I found an escape inside the pages of books. In recent years, I have not had the time to enjoy reading and often find myself longing for a few quiet hours of uninterrupted time to curl up with a good book. This weekend, I had the time. I came down with an unexpected stomach bug and spent Friday and Saturday on the couch. Saturday, The Bean and The Bibbed Wonder went to Ligonier without me. I had most of the day to sit quietly alone, reading, and it was divine.
Currently, I am reading a novel called The Paris Apartment by Kelly Bowen. It is a tale of intrigue, struggle, fine art, and a family mystery. The setting moves between modern-day and Paris during the German occupation. I am enjoying this story a great deal and find I cannot put it down. What truly amazes me is the doors that are opened by reading. I have found so many areas and topics of interest from reading a short story or novel. I often find myself researching topics I am introduced to in a story, which then branch off into areas of interest.
Until reading this novel, I had never heard of Guernsey Island. It was merely mentioned in the novel but tweaked my interest. I found myself lost for a few hours researching Guernsey Island and the horrors and struggles they had to endure while under Nazi occupation. Ironically, while scanning Netflix, I found a movie titled The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I spent almost two hours engrossed in a wonderfully sad story that brought my small research session to life. Although I missed my favorite market and had an upset stomach, I enjoyed my day.
I have vowed to set aside time every day to read quietly. I set a summer schedule for Jordan to sit and read quietly every day, and I will do this for myself as well. We usually read before bed, but I find myself staying up to the wee hours of the morning engrossed in a book and tired the next day. I think a few hours of being unplugged from technology, sitting on the porch, or in the shade of a big tree would do wonders. It will also set a good example for my bean by demonstrating to make time to do what you love and practice self-care. Although not the most favorable circumstances, I discovered a new addition to my "must-visit list," enjoyed a good book, and watched an excellent movie. Overall, it was a good weekend.
As always, dear reader, stay safe, be smart, make time to do what you love, and keep washing your hands.