It's rainy and cooler today then it has been. Though this was bound to happen as just yesterday it was 80 degrees and sunny. Last night I overheard Laura asking her mom if she could go to the bookstore. Darlene listened to her request and put it on the "To Do" list. Today at about 11:00 I suggested to Laura the we go to Barnes and Noble and look around. To which she answered with a resounding YES.
Books have always been a love of Laura's. I remember when the kids were young they would see me reading and ask why I read so much. I would reply the reading fiction kept my brain active, sparked my imagination, and let me paint motion pictures with my mind. Laura picked up on this and developed such a passion for reading. Even to this day she loves going to the library or bookstore to experience the smell of print.
Not too long ago my father asked if he could buy Laura a Nook for electronic reading - it was a generous offer though I mentioned that there is nothing that beats an actual book and Laura will always defer to the printed page.
Once we arrived at Barnes and Noble Laura knew exactly were she wanted to go. We went to the upper level and after a few minutes of going from shelf to shelf Laura settled on "The Hunter Games" by Suzanne Collins. We picked up a copy and strolled over to the Starbucks that is within the store. I bought Laura a mocha frappuccino, sat down, and, before purchasing the book, I read the first 15 pages out loud to her.
Now we have a point of connection between the two of us for at least a month. This will help all of us in so many ways. It's something that Laura and I can do together in short 10 or 15 minute time periods and it can serve as an ongoing topic of conversation. Reading together will spark Laura's imagination and fill her with anticipation for tomorrow which will have additional substance and meaning.
The third benefit is that while I'm reading with Laura, Darlene can spend the time taking care of herself by either going on neighborhood walks, calling a friend, or anything else that's on her wish list.
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