One of my earliest childhood memories is of an oft-repeated routine: climbing the concrete steps of the old city library; opening the massive, heavy doors; smelling that distinct 'book' smell; walking past the rows of grown-up books to the door in the back of the room; and going downstairs to the bright, friendly children's section of the library.
As long as I can remember, I've been a reader. I don't remember learning how to read; I think I absorbed reading through frequent exposure to books. My mom would take us kids to the library weekly, and we always checked out piles of books each time. It was a bit of a shock to get to elementary school and realize that we were only allowed to borrow 1 or 2 books at a time from the school library.
Although we had a television when I was younger, my family got rid of it when I was ten. I didn't care--that just gave me more time to read books. I loved Nancy Drew mysteries, Little House books, and anything to do with dogs, but there were many other books I read as well. I loved being transported through time and space to exotic (to me) places.
I remember reading myself to sleep every night, and being upset with a babysitter who insisted that I turn off the light right away. She didn't seem to believe me that my parents allowed me to keep it on and read until I was ready to sleep.
I still enjoy reading, but don't spend as much time reading as I did as a child. My eyes close as soon as my head hits the pillow now, so reading before bed just doesn't work anymore, and often my days are spent with grown-up responsibilities. I read my scriptures first thing in the morning, and read the newspaper at breakfast. Every now and then, though, I will get lost in a good work of fiction, and when I do, I'm that same little bookworm I've always been.
Are you a grown-up version of your childhood self? Do you still enjoy the same hobbies that you did as a child?
Next week's #52Stories project prompt: Do you like to dabble in lots of different hobbies? If so, what are they?
Thanks for books.
As long as I can remember, I've been a reader. I don't remember learning how to read; I think I absorbed reading through frequent exposure to books. My mom would take us kids to the library weekly, and we always checked out piles of books each time. It was a bit of a shock to get to elementary school and realize that we were only allowed to borrow 1 or 2 books at a time from the school library.
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| Photo: My mom sits on a child's chair at my Grandma's house at Christmastime and reads a book to me |
Although we had a television when I was younger, my family got rid of it when I was ten. I didn't care--that just gave me more time to read books. I loved Nancy Drew mysteries, Little House books, and anything to do with dogs, but there were many other books I read as well. I loved being transported through time and space to exotic (to me) places.
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| Photo: A common scene growing up: my Dad, me, and my brother on the couch reading. (My sister was undoubtedly reading at the time this was taken, too, and Mom must have been taking the photo.) |
I remember reading myself to sleep every night, and being upset with a babysitter who insisted that I turn off the light right away. She didn't seem to believe me that my parents allowed me to keep it on and read until I was ready to sleep.
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| Photo: A young me, engrossed in a book |
I still enjoy reading, but don't spend as much time reading as I did as a child. My eyes close as soon as my head hits the pillow now, so reading before bed just doesn't work anymore, and often my days are spent with grown-up responsibilities. I read my scriptures first thing in the morning, and read the newspaper at breakfast. Every now and then, though, I will get lost in a good work of fiction, and when I do, I'm that same little bookworm I've always been.
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| Photo: My 2-year-old self, reading the newspaper while relaxing on the couch |
Are you a grown-up version of your childhood self? Do you still enjoy the same hobbies that you did as a child?
Next week's #52Stories project prompt: Do you like to dabble in lots of different hobbies? If so, what are they?
Thanks for books.
yessss. I was recently telling me girls the same thing. I love to read but I also love to decorate and redecorate my little dollhouses.. As a child I spent most time decorating and redecorating my Barbie house. lol.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun blast from past!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was teaching, I could always tell which families encouraged reading. Readers are good writers and have an extensive vocabulary.
ReplyDeleteThis was a wonderful post, a trip down memory lane and the childhood joy of reading that has never left me. Your photos were a delightful addition! Going to the library from the time I was small, and then working at both the public and school libraries when I was in high school were wonderful experiences. Now we access books online more often than not, because tablet reading is easier on the hands and eyes, but I still love the feel and smell of a real book, and I always will!
ReplyDelete