In which I can’t decide what to write about so traipse off into tangents.

I have this print by artist Juli Adams. It’s got this girl with a blanket in her lap, a cat on the blanket. In one hand she’s holding a cup of tea (or possibly coffee, I suppose, if you like that sort of thing). In the other hand she’s holding a book. The title: No Talking. (If you’d like to see the print, click here.)

That’s how I get when I’m reading a book. Just give me some quiet space and let me do my thing.

[Imagine a photo of Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. I’m taking down all images not created By Me because I read something about copyright and am now paranoid.]

People who don’t read for pleasure confuse me a little, I’ll admit. These are the people with whom I have no idea what to talk about if we try to embark on a conversation. It takes a little work to find talking points with a person I’ve just met who doesn’t read, especially because I have never had the happy talent of (how does Mr. Darcy phrase it?)  “conversing easily with people I have never met before.” My topics usually include, “What do you like to read?” or “What have you read lately?” Now that I’m a mother, I often ask if the person has children. It’s just easier. Even if they don’t have kids, they usually have pets (not to be confused as the same thing). Conversations about jobs or work are a very last resort, because the truth is, I’m rarely interested. Sorry. I’m self-absorbed. I tried to change that for awhile, but decided to embrace it and start a blog.

This is not to say that I don’t enjoy the company of people who do not read for pleasure, because I certainly do enjoy their company – after we have flailed around for some common ground on which to base conversation.

It’s something I need to work on.

Oh! Speaking of things I need to work on (there are many, but go with me for a second while I talk about ONE)… My Turning 30 Challenge! Have I made any progress? Well, yes, actually. Husband taught me how to build a fire in a fireplace. And…that’s about all the progress I’ve made. It just hit me that the 30 thing is really happening this year, as three of my friends turn 30 this month (Happy Birthday(s) N, B, and B!). I have only a few weeks to meet my challenge, so um, I better get on top of this.