For the Love of Reading

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February is a month that cherishes love---love of all kinds, including one dear to my heart...the love of reading.

When my children were in school, they participated in a program called D.E.A.R.....standing for: drop everything and read.  The whole school...students, teachers, office staff, maintenance, cafeteria workers and visitors alike took a daily half hour to read.  Silence would come over the whole busy building.  Everyone entered the reading material of their choice. What a lovely tradition. What a way to celebrate and treasure the ability to read. We all entered new worlds of knowledge and imagination.

In short: We were not given rewards for reading...reading was the reward!

My children have gone on to be life-long readers, a wish I have for all their friends.

Readers are life-long learners too. And, in my humble opinion, more interesting people. They are able to juggle many different ideas and viewpoints, and to think in new and creative ways.

So in this month of love, let's celebrate the act of reading and all the treasures it brings!

 

Valentines, Chocolates, and Good Luck Charms By Connie Vines #ebookweek25, #Smashwords Connie Vines

 

I'm straddling two celebrations in my current blog post. 

Forgive me; I could not choose between them: hearts, candies, flowers,  charms, gold coins, or good luck.

So, in my usual enthusiastic abandonment, I'm running with it!

I must admit that Valentine's Day has become a highly commercialized holiday. However, in this busy world, it is a pause in the chaos of life. 

It reminds us to take time for our loved ones and cherished friends. 

Is it a love letter to Mushy? A box of Chocolates, too costly? Then, "spend" your time with your favorite person. After all, time is the most cherished gift. 

A walk in the park and sharing a thermos of coffee. Listening to the gentle call of morning doves...or simply spending an afternoon baking heart-shaped cookies together in the kitchen.  💓💕💘💝

🍀🐑💰

I must confess the thought of Leprechauns running around and pinching me was very disconcerting when I was a child.

Especially when I learned that the fairies could be mean and goblins ran amuck, too.  The only way to avoid harm was to wear green. Apparently, this kept a human 'invisible.'  This was a deal-breaker for me, LOL. I had three younger brothers and a younger sister--nothing made me invisible!

However, I enjoyed a meal of corned beef and cabbage during childhood and often a traditional shepherd's pie as an adult.

Unfortunately, I must confess my ignorance, which was only revealed when researching Saint Patrick's Day in my article today.

The word for today: Shillelagh.

I can spell it; I can pronounce it. 

I did not know it was a walking stick. 

Everyone has a favorite holiday. What is yours?

Feel free to share your favorite holiday memory.

Happy Reading, everyone!

Remember, SMASHWORDS has a HUGE SALE (50% off)  on all BWL Ebooks -- March 2 - March 8, 2025!!

Here's my link:

 https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/vinesbwl 

XOXO

Connie

Anthology (RomCom, Love Potion, Who-Done-It,  and Paranormal)

(RomCom Fantasy)

And, of course, Sexy, Hard-working Cowboys!