By Cathy Baker @DiAnnMills
This week Cathy Baker @CathyBaker is my guest blogger.
Do you have the perfect reading spot?
“The unread story is not a story; it is little black marks on wood pulp. The reader, reading it, makes it live: a live thing, a story.” —Ursula K. Le Guin
You’re handed a book by your favorite author and told to take the afternoon off. Sure, you could go home, fluff up the pillows and nestle under the covers before escaping to another world. But trying a new place to read exposes our senses to new sights and sounds, some of which can enhance our reading time, like:
(1) The library. To change things up a bit, go with the intent of reading as many short reads as possible during your allotted time. Not “let’s hurry through this book” type of intent, but as one who desires to immerse themselves in short stories, narrative essays, poetry, etc.
Take a small journal to jot down words and sentences that speak to you. Or visit the library with a favorite novel, settle in for the afternoon, and surround yourself with colorful spines coated in sweet musk, a scent only old pages could muster.
(2) Traveling, try the hotel’s lobby. As a reader, you’re not cooped up in a room and the surroundings offer new sights you might miss otherwise. Most have comfortable seating with coffee and other goodies available throughout the day.
And if you also happen to be a writer, this location is a petri dish for character studies.
(3) Pack a picnic. Tuck your book, blanket, favorite beverage, and healthy snack (sugar leads to the drowsies) into a picnic basket and head to a safe, shady place. Snap that blanket in the breeze and let the reading feast begin. Sure, you can always lie down on your blanket to read, but if you want to add a tad of nostalgia to your setting, find a large tree to lean on.
(4) Create a space in your backyard. It can be as simple as adding a garden bench beneath a shady spot, on a deck, or in a quiet corner by the bird feeders. Whose reading wouldn’t be enhanced by a serenade?
(5) Prepare a reading corner in your home. Place a few books you’re currently enjoying, a light blanket, reading glasses, bookmarks and pens inside a basket. Having a ready-made space encourages us to take regular reading breaks, and who hasn’t fancied a space to call their own?
Cathy’s Tiny House
A longtime dream of mine to build a tiny space to read in the Carolina Foothills has come to fruition. My Tiny House has other benefits too! It will have an eight-foot-long desk, offering ample space to write, host online Bible studies, record podcasts, and invite others to join me for a writing day.
In addition to the desk, a raised reading nook will claim a corner of its own. Stocked with vintage chenille spreads and plentiful pillows, this twin-sized bed area will be the perfect place to break from writing, especially on days when rain pelts the tin roof overhead.
Do you have a favorite reading spot? Do tell!
Cathy Baker is an award-winning writer and author of Pauses for the Vacationing Soul: A Sensory-Based Devotional Guide for the Beach as well as Pauses for the Vacationing Soul: A Sensory-Based Devotional Guide for the Mountains. Cathy is a Hope*Writer and Bible teacher who has taught numerous studies and workshops over the past twenty-five years. Her work has been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Upper Room, and Focus on the Family’s Thriving Family. She and her husband, Brian, are currently building a writing studio. To connect with Cathy, visit The Tiny House on the Hill @ https://www.cathybaker.org or find her on Instagram @CathySBaker.
Thanks Cathy! Be blessed, my friends,
Comments 24
Such divine recommendations, friend! I will take one of each 🙂
Thank you! Charla!
Cathy, as always your creativity shines through : ) Thanks for the suggestions. In the summer I like to read outside in our gazebo…
I am in the process of moving my patio furniture to the shady side of our Wisconsin house. It’s near the hummingbird feeder and will be a peaceful and private spot, fronted with a 4-foot privacy wall and flowers. I’ll add some touches for a new reading and writing spot. Thanks for the great ideas! I am excited to get this set up!
Hi Rebecca, so glad Cathy was able to inspire you! She gave me some ideas too.
Rebecca, your spot sounds downright dreamy (as we say in the south) — the feeder, the walls, and flowers. Are you planting hydrangeas? I’d love to see a picture when it’s all set up. Thanks so much for sharing. I’m excited for you!
Good ideas Cathy. I love public places to read and hotel lobbies are a great choice, but being relatively new to the South and screened porches, my porch has become my favorite reading spot of all. Mine sits high in the air where it catches cool breezes off the lake below. It’s heavenly. Come join me?
Hi Patricia, Cathy gave all of us new ways to enjoy or reading and writing.
I will definitely join you, Patty! I’m sure it’s even lovelier than the pictures you post (and that’s saying something!) I look forward to visiting. Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂
My favorite spot is stretched out on my living room couch with a soft, feather embossed throw. I don’t usually use that room which makes it something of a fresh getaway.
Sandra, a fresh getaway – love that description!
That does sound like a perfect spot, Sandra! Thanks so much for taking the time to share. Blessings…
Paula, isn’t it grand to remember those special places at grandma’s house? I remember reading on my grandma’s back porch swing.
My husband just bought me an A frame swing we put under trees in our yard. I love to sit there and read while listening to the birds.
Barbara, if I close my eyes, I’m there!
That sounds like the perfect place, Barbara! Thanks so much for sharing.
I do love reading outside where I can smell my rosebushes, but July in Houston isn’t a good time for that. I love to read snuggled up on my couch, but that always ends in a nap. My most successful place is in my rocker, by my front window. I can stay awake there. 🙂
Sherry, it relaxes you while taking you on an adventure. 🙂
I know what you mean, Sherry! I’ve started sipping tea when I snuggle to read in hopes of keeping me awake. 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to share. Blessings!
Wonderful fresh ideas! I’ve never thought about where to read and that place could influence the reading!
Sue, it could also influence the writing!
I’m glad you found the ideas helpful, Susan! It’s nice “meeting” you here. 🙂
When I was younger it was my grandma’s front porch swing. She lived on the side of a mountain and I would take my book and curl up on the swing with it. Favorite memories!
Now, I am in transit and read wherever I get the chance. I hope to create another sweet reading spot very soon.
Paula, I love the memory you shared. I know of nothing sweeter than a grandma’s front porch swing. Mine had a metal glider, which is one reason why I collect them today. I hope you find your sweet reading spot soon. 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to share. Blessings!