Love of Language

My New Years wish is to write down what i read, with a snippet of why. Maybe even keep a list of words, in a journal, or better yet blog about it!!!
Pat Conroy's book, My Reading Life was consumed by me during this holiday season. A reader's delight, to know others who hang on words with both hands. He is one of these remarkable souls, where reading has always been his companion. I began to think about when my love of reading began. As a very young child, The Color Kittens held my short attention. I carried it with me, along with my dolls, both high on my love list. In the summers, as I grew, the Springfield Library,(old Brentwood Theater) would hand out little stickers for how many books you read. I was hooked. I could read fast, checking our many books at a time. My brothers and sister would check out one book. I needed a wagon, to carry my load. Living in the hot south, with no air conditioning, made laying outside, under a big, mossy oak, my reading room. Sometimes I would venture towards the creek, where it was much cooler, but I was exposed to "the neighborhood." Kids everywhere wanting to play, could never understand why anyone would choose to read. It was almost, like I had to hide it. Seems funny, trying to get away from the sweltering heat, and playing with all my buddies would influence my lifelong joy of picking up a book. Reading on our side screened porch, because the concrete floor was so cool, was another favorite place. Pat Conroy claims that reading saved his life and sanity, he had more to get away from then me.
I do think reading has shaped my life, and made me a voracious learner. From reading about cardiovascular medicine, to The Great Gatsby and thousands of pages in between. Books have been the pleasure of my company, my friends, my teachers. Remaining high on my "to do" list, again this new year, 2011. Thank you Pat Conroy, for your gift, of sharing your love of reading with me. Reminding me, that I need to take notes, record words, expressions, page numbers, quotes, titles, author's names, to remember. Remembering is my New Years resolution!!!!!