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What’s Your Dream Reading Space?
By Carol / November 28, 2017 /
Do you have a dream reading space? someone asked me. A place with just the right furniture, light, atmosphere, to allow you to enjoy a good read? I had no immediate response because I’d never thought of reading in a specific place. Reading is part of my life no matter where I am.
But the question triggered the poetic muse. So with apologies and thanks to Dr. Seuss and Green Eggs and Ham, I offer the following.
A Bookworm’s Response to Dream Reading Space
Bookworm on a Crate – Created by artists Lonnie & Twyla Money of East Bernstadt, KY, of found and re-purposed materials.
Do you have a dream place to read?, she asked of me.
Not at all that I can see.
I read books on planes,
I read books on trains.
I read books here or there,
I read books most anywhere.
Do you read them in a line?
Yes, of course, to pass the time.
Do you read books in doctors’ offices?
Perfect to ignore all those coughs.
By a heat register?
Oh, my, yes sir.
On a bus?
What’s the fuss?
By a bubbling brook?
Perfect place for a book.
Poetry under a tree,
A mystery by the sea.
On the floor,
Behind the door.
Read while I eat. It’s such a treat.
In a car, in a bar, on the deck, what the heck.
I read books here or there,
I read books anywhere.
Wrapped in an afghan?
Yes, of course, if I can.
But wouldn’t it be a dream on a comfy chair?
In a chair, on the stair, I read books everywhere.
So you read books in your bed?
Ah, she had me. I had to say,
In bed I simply nod away.
No dream place to read? She sighed.
Apparently not for me. I could not lie.
But a nightmare? That I see.
Anyplace I could not read.
What do you say, my friends? Do you have a favorite place to curl up with a good read? What draws you to that space? If you could dream up the best location, what would it include?
Note: Ideas for my blog come from many sources. The inspiration for this post came from Arhaus, a provider of home furniture. Arhaus is donating a portion of their sales this season to Global Dental Relief, to bring dental care to kids around the world.
So much fun, Carol! I read almost everywhere, except I get carsick reading in a car. My daughters can read in a car though. I always read in bed before I go to sleep, even if it’s only a page or two.
Glad you had fun reading my effort, Merril. I’m off and on for reading in a car. When I drive, I enjoy books on tape, often choosing books and authors I may not pick at other times.
I also read in many places. It’s not the place that is the dream but the book. If I can’t put it down, I’m reading in the car with hubby driving, sitting waiting somewhere, etc. My usual is in bed before I go to sleep or I should say while I’m falling asleep. And if we don’t connect before, Happy Holidays to you and your family. Big Hug, Paulette
Agreed, Paulette. “It’s not the place that is the dream but the book.” I find there are better places to read certain types of books. For instance, for books that require serious thought, I need quiet and no interruptions. In all cases, I need good light. Even more so as I get older. Happy holidays to you and yours, too.
Reading in bed is my favorite place. It’s a habit I developed in childhood. Nothing called me away. It was a quiet place. Growing up in a large family there was always noise. I learned to shut that out, but there were always demands on my time. As second oldest I had responsibilities. Reading was my escape from all of that into another world. Often, when I had to take care of little ones, I would read to them. That way I had the best of both worlds: a captive audience and the joy of reading. I also enjoyed a favorite spot under the lilacs. Nowadays I am retired and can read whenever I want to. In summer I like to read on the deck stretched out on my favorite lawn chair. In winter I have a recliner with a footstool. But like you, I read anywhere and everywhere!
Since I can’t stay awake long enough to read in bed, I’m always interested in people who can. I can see your point about bed being a quiet retreat, Elfrieda. Someone responding to my previous post about learning to read mentioned her siblings reading to her. Now that you mention it too, I that is a factor in how I learned. Hearing my sister read to me. Isn’t that the delight of a book? We can read them anywhere.
I too read just about everywhere, though kind Merril NOT in a car. I can read on Amtrak though (thank goodness). I especially love to put my feet up when I read and have a cup of tea nearby. There’s an overstuffed chair an ottoman upstairs in my office that I often use, but I’m actually more comfortable these days sitting near our wood stove. And oh yes, a few pages at night before I turn over. That’s where my kindle is especially helpful. What a fun post, Carol.
Thanks, Janet. I like my feet up, too, when I read. With my feet up, my knees make a handy book rest. I like the idea of reading by the fire with a warm drink at hand. Tis the season.
What a fun post, Carol. Dr. Seuss would be proud. I, too, read just about anywhere, except I don’t read well standing up (my arms and back get tired), and I don’t read in bed (I fall asleep, and the next day I don’t remember where I left off). Happy reading to everyone, wherever you are.
Glad you enjoyed my bit of whimsy, Billie. Fortunately for all of us, books are portable and adaptable to every situation. Best to you.
Mine would be on our bed, with our cat curled up next to me, purring so loudly, if the book isn’t riveting, it might get a little difficult to concentrate. Actually, that’s a pretty good barometer! LOL
The quality of the book always matters. How fun to have a cat by your side.
What a fun post, Carol. I also can read most anywhere, especially if it’s fairly quiet. Right now my favorite spot is on my bed, propped up on pillows in our new house. The room is filled with afternoon sun and there is cup of tea on the nightstand.
Thanks, Joan. I’m surprised to hear how many people read in bed. Probably because I’m a complete failure at that venue. The bedroom in your new house sounds like a dream. Beautiful sunshine and a cup of tea. Perfect.