Sunday, September 1, 2013

Read, Read, Read


Flashing back to January, 2008. The old Borders Books, Music & Café. Gone now, even though, happily, some independents continue to survive. Borders was a Big Box Store, but it was great in the early days, before they decided to replace so many of the books with trinkets. Folks were actually encouraged to read in the café, although I think some took advantage, reading whole books without buying them. Depending on the day or time, it was quiet...but sometimes, Not So Much...

The books on her table: Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, How to Meditate, & a book about Tea.
It was a cozy place to hang out in winter. You were never alone, surrounded by all those books.

At a children's literature conference that same year I saw a sign that said:

TEN WAYS TO BECOME 
A BETTER READER
1. Read  2. Read 3. Read  4. Read  5. Read
6. Read    7. Read  8. Read   9. Read  10. Read


16 comments:

  1. really great sketches of people lost in books. :)

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    1. It pleases me that you like the sketches, Tex, thanks!

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  2. I'm not sure to be able to read in a public place. I mean, I prefer comfort, silence ..I like the sign! These are rules that I like to follow! :o)

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    1. Yes, I had an art teacher once who said: If you want to be an artist, then you must make art. Not read, not play sports, not watch television: work on your art. Of course that's a bit extreme, but he was making a point. The above sign was meant for school children. Reading in public, not everyone can do it. I read in private & public. There's such a pleasure in being absorbed so much in a book that one's surroundings disappear!

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  3. See Maine Mag this month(I think). Story on Harold Gardat at 90 years. Just completed a project 90 paintings in 90 days. Whew!

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    1. I checked it out, thanks. He had a big show here in June & gave a talk but I wasn't here yet....Me, I'm not sure about that abstract expressionism, but I admire the magnitude of his work.

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  4. I think you have moved to Penobscot Bay? Just guessing from your posts I've read today. I know you mentioned you were moving. How wonderful if you have completed it and are settled now. I am still in the throes of it all. Long story. Hopefully I will be settled out west by mid-Sept or late Sept. Always enjoy viewing your sketches ~~ barbara

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    1. A town on the Bay...Good wishes to you & may your story be shortened soon. Thanks, Barbara.

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  5. Of course I love this post, Rita. Eavesdropping on what others read is always interesting.

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    1. I know, Jewel. It's fun to be curious & to be introduced to books, no matter how or from whom!

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  6. Wonderful sketches -- I'm another one nostalgic for the Borders bookstore cafe. Lovely post.

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  7. Thanks for visiting my blog, June. Yes, it was a lively & educational place...

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  8. Aw. I'm partial to reading. . . and to people who read . . . and to those who draw people reading . . .xx

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    1. And I'm also partial to the people who write the books for the people who read & for the people who draw the people who read, who read the books that are written!

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  9. Reading is like exercising a muscle. Love your sketches as always, ma chère amie.

    Bises,
    Genie

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Thank you for your comments! They mean a lot to me!