Not that long ago, summer time meant a break from making meals, helping with homework and constant driving to lessons and events. It meant visiting Gramma’s house and travelling to our yearly summer vacation destination. There is none of that now. All of my free time is now all of my own. And I really like it.
Because I teach music lessons I still follow the school schedule, but of course in a far more relaxed manner. The end of school still means summer time break for me, and that means reading!
I usually borrow from the library or download inexpensive Epubs to my tablet. A book has to be very special in order for me to purchase it. I recently splurged and bought myself some of my favourite books.
Zen and the Art of Falling in Love by Brenda Shoshanna combines psychology with Zen practice to address romantic relationship issues. I owned it a few years back and loaned it out and it has since disappeared. I remember I loved it when I read it the first time. Now I want to ‘study’ it.
The Dance of Anger by Harriet Lerner is a book I purchased many years ago. I gave this one to my mom after I read it because I think it is a good book for ALL women to read at some point in their adult lives. Dr. Lerner’s wise insights and suggestions around the message of anger are life altering. Again, my intention is to ‘study’ and learn.
The Language of Emotions by Karla McLaren is an encyclopedia of how to understand and honour the energy that is our human emotions. When I borrowed it from the library, I couldn’t finish it in the 3 week loaning period because there was just so much in it. I bought it because it is and will be a classic resource for me personally and for my Life Coaching Practice.
I also love fiction. I am constantly looking for writer’s that I like who write regularly. Some of my favourites are Marian Keyes, John Grisham, Anita Shreve and Billie Letts. John Green is considered a “Young Adult” writer, but good writing is good writing and I’ve read all of his books. I have recently discovered Irish author, Cecelia Ahern and have downloaded a bunch of her books.
I usually have a non-fiction, ‘serious’ book on the go at the same time as a ‘frivolous’ fiction novel but, I have to finish the novel before I can begin another. ‘Just one of my ‘rules!’
I am hoping to have long lazy days in the sun reading my books. I will garden, travel a bit and visit family.
What are your summer plans? Tell some of your favourite authors/books!