Lila Johnson's Blog - Posts Tagged "reading"
A Whisper on The Wind
Last Friday I recieved a call, one that everyone dreads. At 3:30 in the morning, my aunt called to say her sister died. It was so unexpected that I was too stunned and could not figure out why this had to happen my aunt Angela.
While at work, my mind recalled our teen years together. I laughed at the times when we, along with her other two sisters, pretended to be Diana Ross and the Supremes. Each of us would take turns at the broomstick/microphone and sing lead to their most popular songs.
But there is one thing that will always remind me of Angie, as we use to call her. She loved to read. As a teenager, she would devour books like a rat in a cheese factory. She could never get enough. It always surprised me that she chose books over dating. I would find her sprawled across her twin bed, paperback in one hand as other books, stacked on the floor, awaited their turn. One book in particular, The Thorn Birds, captured her attention to such a degree that she finished it in less than 48 hours.
I will never forget the expression on her face as she sat on the couch and read while eliminating all the noise and activity around her. Such concentration and love for reading.
I plan to dedicate my next book to aunt Angela. It will be my way to thank her for opening my eyes and heart to the world of great escapes through storytelling.
While at work, my mind recalled our teen years together. I laughed at the times when we, along with her other two sisters, pretended to be Diana Ross and the Supremes. Each of us would take turns at the broomstick/microphone and sing lead to their most popular songs.
But there is one thing that will always remind me of Angie, as we use to call her. She loved to read. As a teenager, she would devour books like a rat in a cheese factory. She could never get enough. It always surprised me that she chose books over dating. I would find her sprawled across her twin bed, paperback in one hand as other books, stacked on the floor, awaited their turn. One book in particular, The Thorn Birds, captured her attention to such a degree that she finished it in less than 48 hours.
I will never forget the expression on her face as she sat on the couch and read while eliminating all the noise and activity around her. Such concentration and love for reading.
I plan to dedicate my next book to aunt Angela. It will be my way to thank her for opening my eyes and heart to the world of great escapes through storytelling.
Dusty Love
Middle of the week shopping is made for new discoveries in neighborhoods. During my big birthday year of travel, the Dusty Bookshelf is a wonderful, clean, spacious feast for the eyes. As an author, I would enjoy just hanging out here to write.
The store reminded me of a movie set as tomes peeked out from the shelves or sat like small towers piled up on the floor. With a resident cat that can throw an attitude, I found the black ball of fur curled up in a cushy chair. At a nearby table, sat an old typewriter in need of use. It was love at first sight.
The staff was kind and helpful, leaving me to wander and ask questions. In my search to read a different genre, I found myself in the children’s section looking at the Nancy Drew series, (don’t judge!) one I never read before.
Just as I was about to pay for the books, postcards and bumper stickers that I gathered in my hands, stacks of books that hadn’t made it to the shelves were at my feet! The clerk allowed me to go through a few of them like an out of control child.
Overall: If I lived here, the staff would know me on a first name basis. Stopping at the Dusty Bookshelf was one of the highlights of my day.
The store reminded me of a movie set as tomes peeked out from the shelves or sat like small towers piled up on the floor. With a resident cat that can throw an attitude, I found the black ball of fur curled up in a cushy chair. At a nearby table, sat an old typewriter in need of use. It was love at first sight.
The staff was kind and helpful, leaving me to wander and ask questions. In my search to read a different genre, I found myself in the children’s section looking at the Nancy Drew series, (don’t judge!) one I never read before.
Just as I was about to pay for the books, postcards and bumper stickers that I gathered in my hands, stacks of books that hadn’t made it to the shelves were at my feet! The clerk allowed me to go through a few of them like an out of control child.
Overall: If I lived here, the staff would know me on a first name basis. Stopping at the Dusty Bookshelf was one of the highlights of my day.
