I'll admit it....I'm a reader.

Ladies and Gentlemen...

I like books.  I think that is an understatement.  I really like books.  I will read most fiction genres and a few non-fiction as well.  If there is an occasion to get me a gift you can go one of few ways, a gift card to Staples or Chipotle  (both of which require their own post) or a gift card to a book store.  My face will light up and then my eyes will glaze over as I start to ponder which of the many books I will purchase from my every growing wish list.

(This is the book shelf in the computer room.)

My sister feeds my addiction.  She sends me links to book blogs, emails me titles of books I "have got to read", and even brings me books she has finished reading so I may read them without tracking them down or having a due date stamped on the inside.

My husband has learned how my yearning for stories influences where we live.  During our moves (there have been three so far in our 12 year marriage) while house hunting, I also look at the local library.  I have mapped them out and made him drive by and if they are open, I go inside to check things out.

 (Books from one of the libraries we visit...often)

My parents lived with and understood my need for reading.  My sisters were allowed to check out five books at a time from the library growing up.  I was allowed ten.  Mom knew I would still finish them before our next trip to the wonderful building filled with shelves and shelves of books.

I have a tote bag that is used for nothing but toting books while we are on vacation.  I take no fewer than six but usually more like 8 or 10 books on long trips.  If I am sitting still for more than 60 seconds, I pull out my book and pick up where I left off.  Yes my wonderful husband has asked me to take books out of my purse and leave them at the hotel so we can talk in the car instead of me reading the whole time.  I oblige him most of the time.

I am known by a few ladies in my neighborhood as the book lady.  I have loaned books to friends and neighbors and have recommended series of stories to mothers for their children for summer reading (I mean well kids, I really do).

(Book shelf in bedroom.)

Well, it has come full circle.  My oldest little m has discovered the joy of reading on his own.  He is devouring chapter books this summer like they are candy.  He reads in bed, in the car, in the five minutes before supper he even squeezes in a few pages.  What is a mom to do?

Get him a tote bag and take him to the library the day before we leave for vacation.

Happy reading all!!