Why I’m here
I am an amateur and I wear it proudly.
First and foremost, I love this shit. What better way to show my love for reading than through another love of mine, writing. It’s like that wonderful feeling we get the moment we realize or decide we have some free time to read. We start preparing our cozy reading corner, wherever that may be. We grab all the things we need for a successful reading session. For me, it’s water, a warm cup of cinnamon matcha coffee, chapstick, note-taking materials, a cozy blanket and a good book or two. Or three. At a minimum, I only need my book, everything else is a luxury.
That’s how this feels. It’s early morning as I edit this journal entry. I’m wrapped in my thick fluffy sherpa blanket, sipping on my warm matcha coffee. Haven’t even brushed my teeth yet. I have a book beside me called, Come with Me by Ronald Malfi. A brilliant book by the way, genius actually. The writing is phenomenal. I started reading it a few days ago and I have about 70 pages left. It’s a crime mystery with a touch of horror, told in a unique way. It checks all the boxes I look for in a book. I’m excited to do a final review when I finish.
One of the many things I love about reading (and writing) is its fluid nature. It is elastic, able to fit and adjust to any part of your life, no matter what phase you’re in, no matter where you are in the world.
It’s a solo activity and I’m a sucker for solitude, and surprisingly I never feel alone.
I read at bars and restaurants, on the toilet (when the book is unputdownable, like The Source of Storms by Angelina Kelly and The Will of the Many by James Islington, two books I did not want to put down until the very last page). I’ve uploaded their book reviews at the end of this post.
I can read anywhere, at any time. In my car, at the park, on the job, on a plane, on my porch, in my bed, on the couch, on the floor, on the roof, in a tree. Ok you get the point.
And if I’m not reading, I’m writing because for me they go hand in hand, busting in, through and spilling out of my heart, searching for a place to go. Which is why I created this blog. What better way to show my love for reading than through another love of mine. Both gifts keep on giving, feeding into each other, a cycle, a rhythm, the inhale and the exhale of a breath. Like empathy and connection, each one needed for the other to exist.
Ugh, I love this shit.
Ok, so now that you know this love is real.
Here’s what to expect when you read my posts: Have no expectations.
I follow no set rules, I have no set routine. I am like the wind, blowing wherever I want.
I read what I want, when I want and how I want. I post what I want, when I want, how I want.
Life is funner this way because you never know what you’re gonna get and I love that.
I expect nothing in return. I do this simply for the pleasure and joy of it. I am an AMATEUR.
Amateur: One who engages in an activity, pursuit, study, science or sport for pleasure or pastime rather than for financial gain, status or a profession. The word comes from the French word meaning “LOVER”, rooted in the Latin word amator, from amre – “To Love”, “One who Loves, Lover”
Did you know that’s the primary definition of amateur?
Dear reader, what are you loving freely?
No outside rules (other than the ones you set for yourself), no expectations. Just true appreciation and enjoyment. You don’t care about the status, the money, the followers, what your parents want, what your friends think. Please tell me, this is how you’re living your life.
Our reading journey evolves, changes and adjusts. It has an organic flow like everything else in nature and changes into something that fits you perfectly, to meet you wherever you’re at. Always there when you’re ready to pick it up.
I ask you, dear reader, what does your reading look like today? Is it exactly how you want it? Are you loving it freely, accepting whatever phase you’re in?
Are you in a reading slump? If so, pick another genre, pick another book. And keep picking until you find the book that takes you away. No guilt, no shame, no hard feelings.
So, listen, I had fun writing this, but I gotta go. I’m about to get ready for my date with The Strength of the Few by James Islington. Book II of The Will of the Many. It was released today and has been delivered to my doorstep by way of kindle. I’m about to go far far away! Because I already know this book is about to be FIRE! The good fire that makes you feel good all over, like a warm cozy sherpa blanket. The kind you take to the bathroom. 😊
Go love something freely and watch where it takes you. And tell me, what book you’re reading today.
