Reflections

I figured out how to change the image in my header and received my first comment today! I wanted a photo I had taken which reflects something about me. This photo shows my backyard in winter and the chairs my husband and I often sit in–even in winter! I love my backyard and the wildlife which often shows up.

I started keeping track of the books I read in 2000. My reading took a dramatic change after 9/11. The attack on the United States had quite a profound effect upon me. I am still trying to decide the extent of the effect. Even though I was nowhere near New York City or Washington, D.C. on that day I felt vulnerable as I haven’t in the past.

I have lived outside the United States and I love the sense of history I find in other countries as well as the similarities and differences. I think I understand the U.S. better–warts and all–after living abroad and I love my country more than ever. I certainly understand we are not always or even often right. However, it is hard for me to understand people who indiscriminately kill other people.

I have always been a genre reader, but before 9/11 I read mostly mysteries and science fiction. When I was a teenager I had read romances, but none in recent years. I have read almost entirely romances in the past six years. Romances became a comfort read. I wanted to read something I knew would give me a story about relationships with a happy ending. I was very pleasantly surprised to also find excellent writing by many authors. I had bought into the commonly held belief that romances are bodice rippers churned out by writers by the dozen. I am so happy I started reading romance. It is a comfort, but the best of it also makes me happy I am a reader.

Last year I started branching out again. I am still reading romance, but also more mysteries again though instead of contemporary settings I am really enjoying historical mysteries. Fantasy has also become a favorite and science fiction has always been the stuff of dreams for me. Reading opens the world to me.

Jan