What a blessing it is to love books.
Elizabeth von Arnim, The Solitary Summer
Ladybug Girl and I spend a good chunk of the morning at the library. The library appreciation gene has been nourished through the generations and it is strong in both of us.
She’s proficient on the catalog search computer; we stock up on more books than she’ll have time to read while she’s here. I also grab one for myself, and one I think Gerry might enjoy.
She spies a shelf full of games and finds me in the stacks to let me know they have Mastermind—a game that’s become a favourite at Camp G and G. We play a few games (and one of Candyland just for laughs), then use the self-checkout for our books.
As I’m putting the stack of books in a bag, a copy of the movie Wonder on a nearby shelf catches her eye. We watched it when she was here at Spring Break, and she’s been wanting to watch it again. We check it out and add it to our pile.
In the afternoon we spread blankets in the backyard and sprawl out with our books and potato chips and cold drinks. I’m reminded of long, hot, lazy summer afternoons when I did the same thing with her mama and uncle.
Later, we play croquet and Mastermind; I give in and let her watch a couple of episodes of a favourite Netflix show (because I’m wearing out in a way I didn’t when I was a young mom); and finally Gerry returns from an all-day hike and barbecues burgers.
We three spend the evening watching Wonder (enjoying it as much the second time as the first) and read a chapter from the book we’re working through at night. We tuck her in to bed and she reaches for one of her library books.
”Can I read as long as I want?” she asks.
”Of course!” I answer, as usual.
Grandpa and Grandma climb the stairs and crawl into bed with our own books and, as night falls and a fan hums (because I can’t bear to turn the AC on just yet) three imaginations are nourished and lulled to rest by gift of words.
Simple happy, grateful, and blessed.
Love books too – obviously. Two more titles to put on reserve at the library. Love the photo of Mikayla reading. (Not sure about the spelling)