When I sit down to read these days, I love to drink a cup of tea. Preferably one from a growing stash of beautiful vintage cups I have collected including a saucer. It makes me feel special and sets the mood. The one in the photo above was recently acquired from an estate sale. I have never seen one quite like it. The Nippon style of the swans is subtle but leaves me feeling romanced. I want to sip and read and sigh.

I suspect for me, and a lot of other people these days, there is a new appreciation for the act of reading from a real book; an analog process that connects us to more than just the story we are reading. The marrying of these two activities takes me to a place of old fashioned presentation, proper relaxation and storied process that is no longer about just reading, but appreciating the opportunity to sit and read in this busy world.

I am lucky enough to be part of the best book club in my tiny Montana town – our local North Lake County Library Book Fest. Many of you may have something similar in your area, and if you don’t, you are missing out. We read all variety of genres, and have the most delightful and stimulating discussions. Sometimes, due to time constraints, I listen to the book during the day, on walks or as I am working in my art studio, and only find time to sit down with that cup of tea with the actual version of the book in the evenings a few times a week. But either way, I look forward most to those moments I can steal turning the pages of a real book, curled up on the settee on my sun porch, while the scent of my cup of mint tea wafts up settling my soul. Such personal joy floods me in that moment!

So what are you reading? My favs are usual historical fiction, fantasy and sci-fi, but my favorite read last year was a classic in December to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with a reading of “Pride and Prejudice.” I am truly a romantic at heart. You must give these vintage classics the respect and grace they deserve; place yourself gently in that period of time and enjoy.

Whether drawing, reading, or writing, I am purposefully finding time to steal away time from the digital world, consciously choosing analog experiences whenever and wherever I can. I highly recommend the satisfaction it brings to our creativity and expression, as well as our vocabulary and mindset.

“Reading is departure and arrival.” -Terri Guillemets

Cheers to both! Hugs always, Cindi