(a picture from my day)I spent an entire day reading a novel. This is something I never do. I like to savor novels…like really good pudding…taking small bites and putting down the spoon/novel before moving on to the next taste. The story becomes a companion to my life and I think about the characters and themes over the course of weeks sometimes. It’s a relaxing and engrossing way to experience a really good book because your moving and changing life parallel the moving and changing story and thus you’re able to deal with the characters in different moods and mindsets. Also, since I live in a place where English books can be in short supply, it’s a great way to ration them.
My day started off by the sea…a place I naturally seek out in summer. I sat on the familiar giant concrete barriers found all over the Japanese coast and read in the shade while little adorable kids screamed in the water. I then moved on to a fishing port where dozens of small boats were docked and creaked in the waves. Next was the McDonald’s parking lot where I began to think, “This is weird…it’s Saturday evening and I’m reading a book in my car in a parking lot.” Finally I ended inside the McDonald’s…or rather, on the second floor porch overlooking the mountains and coast line of Beppu…where young people chatted and smoked around me as I dug into the final chapters of the book.
I read from about 11am to 11pm with breaks scattered throughout for food, thoughts, and naps. I covered hundreds of pages in a day completely filled with lovely scenery, a compelling story, and fast food. I feel calm and inspired now…having spent the day in inward communing and peace.
And I also feel really ready for my crazy week in
1 comment:
Great picture of sky and sun rays through the clouds. Sounds like a nice day relaxing with a good book.
Love ya - Mom & Dad
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