confessions [of a Mel] part.7.

 Alright, here's my next confession... and it's pretty embarrassing:

I never read novels.

I know, right?  Ridiculous.  But before you laugh or lecture me... rest assured, this ol' mama can still learn new tricks.  Or, in this case, crack open a book.

The reasons for my 'past' negligence were many.  If you can endure some of my excuses, here they are:  

1) Any free moment I got in the day - was spent crafting usually (maybe I should have been more clear about that in my vlog response to "how can I craft soo much?"!).

2) I suffer a pathetic perfectionism requirement of novels... fearing to 'try' one and realise it was a waste of time!  Again, ridiculous... I know.

3)  Reading requires sitting, being still, and disengaging from my surroundings... my over-achiever, industrious side has a hard time with that. 

4)  I fear that being caught reading will cause my husband to suffer a heart attack.

(Hahahahhahah... ok, no, but he does stare in shock at me lately with a book in my hand)!

 But here's the wonderful turn around.. I've dropped those excuses, and picked up a delightful book instead!  I know there's a lot of good, valid, healthy reasons for leisure reading... but I must also confess the final motive in my case was less honourable.

I was seeking escapism (a cheaper version of a vacation, a healthier version of a wino!).

Call it those recent mama moments with the meltdowns of late, but I knew I just needed a safe place to retreat (versus rocking in the fetal position).

This wasn't to replace my quiet times reading Scriptures, or time reading blogs, articles, etc.

This was a need for some new landscapes, and adventures in my stay.at.home.mama role.

I turned to one of the most inspiring people I could think of to guide me in this quest.

Some one I knew had an eye for the right reads - and she graciously sent me a list of top choices (and a sweet scolding for not being a reader! heh).  Thanks Jillian!

Currently reading:  "Freckles"

I can't even begin to describe how this author Gene Stratton-Porter can make places like a swamp seem heavenly.  Her characters are rich with integrity, empathy, beauty, love.

I'm gobbling it up page by page, chomping down each chapter with zeal.

Hitting that bittersweet stage of nearing the 'end' and not wanting it to be over...  ack! 

Thankfully I know there's a whole stack of other great reads waiting for me.

How about you?

Any top books on your list lately?

Gotta run, there's a book calling me.

Mel ;o)