The Comfort Zone: Reading {Fairy Talk}

Reading is my passion. Do I need a lot around me to read? No. I can read pretty much everywhere, with the only exception of planes where stress hinders my mind's capacity to wander off, disconnect and let the book lead me by the hand. But that's fine. I do not live on a plane.

Having humbly said that, I did notice that I surround myself with small touches of comfort in the evening that make my reading station at home a haven for my body and mind. Ever since I have discovered Noisly, the reassuring sound of a crackling fire inhabits the background. It could be a campfire by the beach, with its lively memories of my teenage summers, or a winter fireplace warming me up while snowflakes lace the dull sky outside. 

Most of the time, a cup of hot, smoky herbal tea, my favorite one being Calme from L'Infuseur with its orange blossom zing, just enough to take me south - Sicily, Morocco? - sits on the nightstand. Sipping is very different from drinking: it is an unconscious step-by-step act of reconciliation with yourself and the world. 

One sip.

A bit of reading.

A bit of thinking.

One sip.

Piles of books have found their place in my daughters' room too and I am making bedtime reading a cherished tradition. To help them get in the mood, touches of comfort are essential: they are exceptionally allowed to lie in the same bed while I read; I have equipped my eldest daughter's bed with an easy-to-use reading light, encouraging her to keep on turning pages on her own if she wants once I have left the room... They snuggle up in bed together, giggling with anticipation at what the book I hold in my hands contains. Sometimes they choose, sometimes I choose. It is a game with flexible rules. The same reading lamp stands proudly by my bed too now: I can read, sip and drift into my book without annoying hubby with a strong light and, most importantly, we skip the manly complaint "When are you going to turn that light off?!".

One sip.

A bit of reading.

A bit of thinking.

One sip.

When I read, I also comment, draw and more generally underline, annotate the pages of my books. I know some of you are going to be horrified when reading this! Books are sacred for me, which means that they need to be used otherwise they fall into oblivion. My way to use them is to react on the spot to whatever crosses my mind while reading. I have gathered my colorful pens and post-its in one handy pouch that sits happily by my bed now. I can reach it quickly, open it and take out any tool I need: a stamp, a post-it, a marker... Before putting everything in one handy place, I used to curse for 10 minutes while rummaging into every drawer of the apartment "Where is that damn pencil?!". That won't happen again.

If you think about it, a few small arrangements are sufficient to prepare the ritual reading time - for kids or adults alike. A bit of light, a bit of comfort, a background presence. 

One sip.

A bit of reading.

A bit of thinking.

One sip.

Credits: Unsplash (edited by The Daydreamer)

N.B. In the post above, whenever possible, I do provide links to some items or services that I mention. Note that, as always, my articles are unsponsored and contain no affiliate links. I provide links as additional - dare I say "comfort"? - information for you.