What You Need For A Reading Nook of Your Own

April's Full Pink Moon arrived on my birthday...a joyous gift!...and, absolutely knowing how to LIVE LARGE, (like you!) I treated myself to a frozen yogurt...smile! When the kind woman found out it was a birthday treat, she plopped a huge strawberry on top.

There are all manners of good things, on a daily basis, that, almost always, outweigh the not so good. Little kindnesses, treats that are both coming to us and, if we're smart, being given from us. One of the absolute best ways I give myself both grace and kindness is with a dedicated reading space.

After the Epic Mess and putting the bedroom to rights, I made a sweet little Reading Nook. I'm a firm believer that everyone should have a spot to call their very own, where they can sit and read or sit and think or sit and do nothing...all of which are done in my little nook.

The leather chair was a great find...not usually a fan of recliners but this one is on the shorter side and fits my body nicely...so nicely I've been known to fall asleep...wry smile. The sheep fleece keeps me comfortable, no matter the season, and, some years back, I knitted the purple wool shawl and use it to drape 'round my shoulders. The pillows are used to give back support and under my legs when the chair is reclined. A good reading light is a must and little touches like the battery operated candles lend coziness. Behind the candles is a green cafetan purchased in a Marrakech souk and hung for pleasant memories. Yes, that larger rug is Persian and was destroyed in the flood; while it can't be used in public areas, in the privacy of the bedroom, it's "okay".

Another cozy non-necessity is an electric fireplace that gives both ambiance and a little heat. It doesn't get very hot so the radio on top isn't in danger, neither is it hardly ever turned on. While reading, I'd rather have my imagination in use as opposed to warring with raucous noise.

The bookshelf under the candles contains books, magazines, writing boxes holding stationary, cards and colored pens to send notes and letters. It's not only reading I do in my nook.

The glass carafe was a gift from Sandra 2, my SC friend of many, many decades. It rests atop a small coaster from The Jefferson and another pleasant memory of a weekend with my husband.

This particular Reading Nook is in my bedroom and differs from others in the house and is only used prior to going to sleep. I love my space...each object has been placed with thought and consideration and every night, prior to sleep, great enjoyment is found here. Perhaps that's the secret to its success - loving the space, choosing each object with care, good lighting, comfortable chair, great reading material. It's a (not so small) way I, every night, take care of me gently and enjoy both space and act.

We're all different but the following are things that are a Must Have for my Reading Nook(s) and cozy contentment:

~A comfortable chair with good support...sides and back with pillows, throws, shawls or similar to cozy 'round shoulders should a chill arrive. The chair should have room to stretch out...a recliner or, perhaps a leather chair with ottoman, because one certainly needs a place to put up feet.
~A side table to hold book(s), beverage, essential oils, lotions, etc.
~a small aromatherapy diffuser with lavender essential oil. The diffuser doesn't have to be expensive as it's only going to be used for short periods of time and by the time I've read a chapter or twelve, my eyes are heavy with sleep and the room gently scented with lavender which is sleep inducing.
~Excellent lighting - I highly recommend OTT lights! There's an OTT light in every room in my house and my old eyes are greatly appreciative!
~A book case to hold old favorites and those to become favorites.
~While some do, I don't like cut flowers in a bedroom because their scent is overwhelming.

Do you have a Reading Nook? If so, what makes yours special for you and your situation?

Ponder this ~

"A reader lives a thousands lives before he dies. 

The man who never reads, lives only one." 

~ George R. R. Martin ~ 

Knitting as Therapy

It's that time of year when the needles are covered in yarn and a lot of flat surfaces have piles of knitted hats, scarves, cowls, fingerless mitts, etc. There are two little girls and four little boys in the valley and hats have been made for all of them. I'll make more hats, for the other children and folks in my life, before giving the remainder to someone who can put them in the hands of others who need a bit of warmth and prayer in their lives.

The hats are knitted on circular, round needles and finished on double pointed needles (dpn). Those dpn's take a little getting used to but the best way I've found to finish a hat. 

The blaze orange makes the little boys happy and, for some of them, keeps them warm while they are hunting with their Dad's.

Kollage Yarns make a square knitting needles which is, surprisingly, easy on my hands and the yarn doesn't slip off the needles...at least not as easily as round needles. Kollage Yarns also has a yarn made with 80% milk 20% cotton; I'd love to give that a try!

The brownish yarn is some Lion Brand Homespun given to me by my sister. She hated the dark color, found it difficult to see but, for years, I've used OTT lights that make all the difference in the world in my ability to see true colors. 

Even with the rainy weather and the sprained hands, a little bit of knitting is getting accomplished. Beats housework or mucking the stable any day of the week, eh?

Blessings ~ knitting ~ OTT lights ~ yarn ~ Kollage Yarn square needles ~ finished hats ~ DPN's ~ Lion Brand Homespun ~