A Nook Can't Cook

I had the most amazing visit with my parents this past weekend! They flew into Chicago from LA for a few reasons; one being both of my children had birthdays, my husband and I were both graduating from college with our AA's and, probably most importantly, we had not seen each other as a family for nearly eighteen months. My parents are such amazing and generous people, I really cannot say enough positive things about them but I will simply say that I am truly blessed to have them in my life, not only as tremendous examples but also as fantastic grandparents and wonderful people.

In their four days here, they showered my family with love, praise and gifts, which my children went crazy over! I think that I got the best gift of all, though with them simply being here. However, my graduation gift was something that fit my so perfectly, I was left nearly speechless and am still, nearly two weeks later, giddy every time I even think about it or walk by it.

A Nook is an e-Reader, much like the Kindle that sells on Amazon, except it is sold exclusively at B&N and BestBuy. In my busy life, I had not even heard of it until I opened up the clear hard cased box and began to let the gift sink in that I realized what I held in my hands. The thing that I wanted to do most this summer, with exception to writing, was to simply read and now I had this amazing little tool that I not only could read on, but it was light, portable, sleek, open-ended and full of thousands upon thousands of books, so many of which are free! I felt liberated from the confinement of the library, my own collection of books which I have read and re-read, and in awe at the ability of my parents to hone in on such a key aspect of my life.

For me, reading and writing go hand in hand. They are like a BBQ grill and meat, chocolate and coffee, summer and camping. They just have to be together because one compliments the other. And so, as I read and explore my Nook, I have found myself writing more, which was the first part of my summer goal. Perhaps it was their plan to inspire me to both read and write, to build up my confidence so that I will one day write my book. Perhaps it was simply because my parents just know my soul and what lies within the confines of my heart. Either way, I am in love. Now, I do not think that my Nook will ever take the place of some of the larger collections of literature that I have, nor will it ever have that "old book smell" of an antique book, but those books are for rare and special occasions. My Nook is for my everyday life, something that I can take with me everywhere I go and have my soul nourished by the masters of literature. Thank you, mom and dad for all of the great gifts in life that you have given me, for without you I fear where I would have ended up.