Monday, July 20, 2009

Inspirational Reading

About a year or two ago, I met a woman who said she read around 100 books a year. I could not believe my eyes (she had at least that many under her desk) or ears. 100? That is more than 8 books a month. How did she have the time? I could understand reading a lot because I have always loved reading and getting lost in books and their characters but never felt like I had enough time to read. Last year after a series of unfortunate events, I began to read in order to get my mind off of everything. Off of my life, work and most importantly reality. I read every second of the day and I barely slept some nights. I even began to neglect one of the most important people in my life, Faustino. He had been right next to me during those trying days, that turned into weeks and then months. But I couldn't help it, I kept reading like a mad woman.



Finally after a few months and one great vacation I began to return to my old self but I didn't stop reading. I could not stop reading. Now, almost 8 months later, I still read 1-2 books, maybe 3 per month. BUT, I can now say that I'm not avoiding life and reality. And I no longer neglect that person who helped save me from months of depression.


During this past year, I have read multiple great books and a few that were so-so. Just yesterday I finished a better than decent book. Though it was not my favorite it was a book that made me think and want to do something. To take action. If anything else, it inspired me. What book you might ask... The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton. The book is about a group of 5 housewives in the 1960s who begin to become self aware and want to do something with their lives. And so, what do they do? They begin to write and create their own writers club. The book is about their bond, how they make each other better, and how even though the odds are against them they succeed. One becomes an editor, three get published and the last keeps writing and having fun. In a time when many women weren't working unless they needed to, they went above and beyond and made something for themselves.


To understand how this book inspired me, you need to understand my passion and hobbies. My passion is traveling, thanks to my grandma who provided me with the opportunity to roam. I would travel every day of my life if I could afford it. And, two of my main hobbies include cultures and photos.


For years I have loved to take photos. And for a while I had thought about buying a high quality camera. I finally had the opportunity to purchase a DSLR in January and so I did. This was the first big step into what I have decided to pursue. After my trip to Argentina, I found photo classes that were being taught at night in Hayward. It was starting to come together. I was learning about my camera and snapping some decent artsy photos. While taking my photography class I began thinking...what do I want to do with this? Where do I want to go with this skill I am learning?


And like that...a bright light popped into my head. Travel writing. One problem...I'm not a creative writer. Sometimes I don't believe I have one creative bone in my body (those talents went to the others in my family). And though it was just an idea in my head, I didn't really think I could actually do it. This is where the book comes into play.


After reading The Wednesday Sisters, I thought "hey I can do that too." I can start writing. I have something to say. I have a voice and a strong one at that (I really hope you are not one of the unfortunate few who have heard me sing...its not pretty). So there it is. Inspiration from a book that I was not even sure I wanted to buy in the first place. Now all I need to do is buy a small journal I can take with me in my purse and write. Write about anything and everything.