As I post this I am officially on vacation. Can I get a hell yeah? It has been some time since I had more than two to three days off in succession. I believe it is much deserved and needed. The only work I will be doing is some much needed writing and details to do in preparation for my release, but that is not exactly work really, because I’m so excited for it to happen. Ah, ten days, of relaxation and new experiences.
My packing list was something I worked on for a couple of weeks; I know I’m obsessed. The first item listed is a book. I always take a book when I go for short visits with family or friends, but also when I go on one of my few major excursions to interesting places. Even though I will be living it up in New York City this time, I still find a need to have a book handy; just for those times I need to settle down and live someone else’s dreams. Whether it’s in the airport, on the plane, or when I am finally settling down for the night, sometimes it’s the best night cap. There was no particular book listed and that is the only problem; I have too many books I want to read. I had to prioritize somehow, but it came down to my selfish inner desire. I have two new author friends, I say that loosely because I know them and they know me, but I bought their books because I was interested. When it came down to it they were the two I wanted to take with me. I know what you are thinking, two books; yes I actually packed two books. I can’t wait to unleash my famed criticism; actually it’s hard to criticize for me because I admire these authors so much for what they do and they inspire me. Books are like art, they are all different and beautiful. My hat is off to them for taking me to some place new. Thank you.
The second aspect of my vacation, other than a book or two I may take with me, is my other indulgence I can’t ever resist; when I’m on vacation it is inevitable I will buy a book. It’s a mission, my quest, and something I try to resist but fail at in spectacular fashion. I will roam the wonderful rows of bookshelves in several bookstores if possible, looking for the book I will buy. This is very hard because I can’t buy all the books I want. Eventually one will speak to me and I will succumb. A couple of years ago I tried a new approach; I randomly selected a book by pointing my finger and waving it around until I settled on a book and touched it. I was dubious about this approach, but the first time I did it I landed on a book about would be writers who had to write something in a competition to meet one of the great writers of the day. Can you say kismet? The book was just slightly more than perfect for my choice by chance. Or was it by chance? Whatever the case may be, it was perfect and a very good read; thank you fate.
In the next several days I will be on my hunt for the next book to lie in my pile; I can actually report I have two new books…wow. Maybe it will be lucky enough to get bumped in line up to be read, sooner rather than later. I’m a geek, I guess because this is fun for me. I blame it on Dr. Seuss, The Outsiders, Salem’s Lot, and many others. I wonder if I’m the only person afflicted by vacation books. I doubt it and I hope not. This vacation may become disastrous in a good way because it is early and I have a few more book stores to explore. Wish me luck; I may need to add another bookcase to my future library. If you are not a happy victim of vacation books, be warned, you may become addicted to its greatness.