At the end of the driveway of the house where I grew up in Pennsylvania stood a massive pine tree. The branches started a few feet up from the trunk of the tree, but dipped down toward the ends because of the weight of the needles. The result was a perfect space for hiding, a little cavern of fallen pine needles and soft dirt, draped by bent branches.
As a child I loved that space. I would crawl into the “den” and pretend that no knew where I was (even though I’m sure my parents would watch me walk out and disappear below the branches.) My absolute favorite way to experience that tree was on rainy days. I’d grab my dad’s giant golf umbrella and a book, crawl under the branches, open the umbrella, and wedge it perfectly under the branches to ensure no raindrops splattered onto me or my book. Then I’d crack open my book and go into whatever world it took me.
I no longer have a giant pine tree to snuggle under on rainy days, but I haven’t lost the longing to open up a book at the first sign of a raindrop. On rainy days when I’m at work, I often find myself thinking, “I’d rather be curled up on my couch reading right now” or “I’d rather be drinking a mocha at Lettered Streets and reading right now.” Those thoughts don’t cross my mind on sunny days, or even just gray days. It’s those days when the rain is steady and there’s a slight chill in the air that make me want to do nothing but read.
What is it about the rain? Why does my brain see rain and think, “must read must read must read?” Does it stem from such a lovely memory I have from my childhood? Or was I destined to be a rainy day reader regardless? Whatever it is, it's raining today and you know what I want to be doing.
What about you? Is there a particular setting that immediately makes you long to be reading?
-Lindsey
It's not the setting but the cat that does it. My cats tell me when I need to sit down and read and provide a tranquil lap for them to snooze on. We do it to wake up in the morning and calm down before bed each night, and whenever we can find quiet moments in between. Purring cat + good book = a fine day, no matter the weather.
Posted by: Pamela Beason | February 16, 2012 at 01:48 PM
Lindsey, I love the feeling you evoke with this blog entry, especially since I'm watching (and listening to) the same rain you are! There is a deep and abiding connection with rain and reading for me as well, but the rain also brings an irresistible magnetic force that draws me to the chocolate chip package and the mixing bowl. Put the two together, and that's nirvana on a drizzly day!
Posted by: Kristelle | February 18, 2012 at 02:25 PM