shandy, ibooks and reading…
June 17th, 2005
I’ve been taking things reasonably easy this last week - oddly enough that hasn’t included much in the way of afternoon naps which is very unusual for me. In fact I’ve been experiencing the very odd phenomenon of the full day. Not something I’m at all used to. Without a couple of hours sleep in the middle of it, my days suddenly seem very long. It’s not just napping that takes up time, it’s coming to afterwards. That tends to take me a good while. Just now I’m able to plan to be out in the world in the middle of the day which is liberating. I’m trying not to think too much of this development, just enjoying the opportunity while it’s here.
Yesterday, when otherwise I might well have been slumbering, I was sitting at a cafe table working on a book review. I had planned to be typing away on my beloved iBook, but instead was rediscovering the joys of working longhand as my iBook screen refused to work. I very rarely write much with a pen, and looking at my barely legible scrawl I know why. Legibility aside it made a pleasant change to write instead of typing - helped along by the purchase of large ruled Moleskine. I need to do it more (maybe my handwriting will even improve).
Whilst sitting, scribbling and sipping I saw a girl who I’ve seen before. She was so completely engrossed in the book she was reading that when her mother and sister got up to leave she followed them still reading. The previous time I saw her she was heading, dance kit in hand towards a class, head also in a book. It’s been so long since I’ve been that excited about reading. I’d love to rediscover truly being lost in a book. Or is that something only children can do..?
June 17th, 2005 at 11:50 am
I am so pleased for you that you are enjoying fuller days right now. Do enjoy them, savour them. Ironically, my fuller days have been exchanged for much lesser ones, but I have faith that fullness will indeed return.
That bottle of Fenteman’s shandy looks very fetching indeed, I love their ginger beer like I love no other, I’m going to have to track down the shandy and try it.
I get the feeling, reading this, that the lack of an iBook has expanded your writing horizons. This is quite a picture you have painted for us [in words]. I wonder if the iBook is doing you a favour right now!
About being engrossed in a book, it’s a most wonderful feeling. One I love and savour, if I manage to conjure such a moment. You may be right though, that only children can be so fully engrossed in a book as this. They beat us hands down when it comes to imagination, it seems. I think there is so much we can learn from children.
Keep up the longhand Michael, it’s paying off - iBooks make good doorstops!
June 17th, 2005 at 11:57 am
Oh no, Michael—I get lost in books, too! I’m looking forward to getting my Beany No. 2, by the way ;D. Glad your days are full and happy right now.
Laura
June 17th, 2005 at 12:33 pm
It’s something the child like at heart do. I still get lost in books, frequently, even non fiction. I love books.
A friend of mine who had lost their love for books asked me what to do. I suggested they get themselves a children’s book. They bought The Giving Tree and have never looked back.
::thrive!
June 17th, 2005 at 2:06 pm
Thats gotta mean something good that you are able to have really full days now w/o naps. Happy for you.
About reading..I still get totally engrossed just not as often as before. Its the best when an author makes the reader forget time and everything.
About handwriting.. I do handwriting analysis and you wouldn’t believe how many times people apologize for their handwriting. They always explain they rarely write anymore. I’m just as guilty of it. Everything is on the computer. My own handwriting has gotten a lot worse.
June 17th, 2005 at 2:50 pm
Ah - don’t give up on the iBook yet - they’ll never ever replace proper books but eBooks are terrific too - try
http://www.gutenberg.org/catalog/
As to handwriting - its what makes words terribly personal - you may be a gifted writer but the simple effect of recognising a persons handwriting on a letter or note is thrilling - much more so than a familiar email address and arial regular lol.
Oooh Fentimens Victorian Lemonade mmmmm
http://www.botanically-brewed-soft-drinks.co.uk/
mmmm…
Glad your days are longer M - hope the upswing comes back soon B.
June 17th, 2005 at 4:21 pm
I have wondered the same things about my own slightly damaged love of reading. It may have something to do with my own slightly damaged head, but I agree with the “start reading childrens books comment.” Pick up something you loved as a child, and go from there. So many so-called “childrens books” are more mature, and better written than the things we call “adult.” I think I can trace when I stopped reading as much, to when I (at 13 and the cusp of adulthood) decided I had to read “adult” things from the “adult” section. It seems everything in the childrens section has been so carefully placed there, while other books (expecially other fiction) have much less thought put into them.
June 18th, 2005 at 10:39 am
Why not put your name down for the new Harry Potter book, Michael?
I am so plased to see your energy management is working so well for you.
Cheers,
B.
June 19th, 2005 at 1:09 pm
So, what book was the girl reading? Did you happen to catch the title?
June 20th, 2005 at 8:00 pm
there’s power in the pen!
~lucy
June 24th, 2005 at 10:16 am
The Victorian ginger beer in the same line of drinks really packs a punch I had it the last time I was in london. Hope you are doing ok.
Looking foward to the beany.
July 19th, 2005 at 1:14 pm
I’m feeling like a bit of an imposter here, but I thought I’d mention that if you look at the apple website http://www.apple.com you might find your iBook screen problem is covered by a special repair scheme.
I love my powerbook too, and your illustrations.
Chris