Paper

Paper is one of my favorite things. Pink post-its. Torn scraps found in pockets. electronic receipts with that waxiness that disintegrates the marks on itself. My pad of notepaper with a polka-dot border. Crisp paper with a watermark. I love them all. I wander into any paper shop I find not because I have money, but because I like to look, feel, and smell the paper. My friend Sarah shares my love for paper. When you find someone who loves something you do, there is a little moment of joy. So, I wanted to share some things with you that I love. Maybe you will like them to.

1. White Chocolate Mochas  

I love these. The first sip is always ecstasy. I don't get them very often because they are expensive, maybe just once or twice a month. People may rail against the "big company mindedness" of Starbucks, and I don't prefer their coffee, but one thing they do right, is keep things the same. So when I do have that blissful cup in Edinburgh in site of the castle or Greenville at a Barnes and Nobles, it will always taste the same. It is always a moment of comfort for me.

2. Bookmarks Magazine I admit it. I am addicted to reading. That has been one of the most frustrating things about this whole two-weeks-flat-on-my-back thing. The medication and the weariness have made it hard for me to read. And it has been frustrating. A part of me has been missing. Finally I rigged up a book rest that I could prop up on my stomach so that I could continue to read. Even after reading for seven or eight hours while working on my PhD, I will still com home and read something, even if it is just a friend's blog post or a New Times book review. I love the feel of books and the smell of books. And that is why I love, love, love this magazine.Every issue is a treasure trove of information for the book lover. And (this is the best part my friends) they NEVER give away the ending in reviews. Ever. The next time you are in a bookstore or library see if you can find a copy. It is worth every penny of the $27.95 for a year long subscription. Even being in Scotland, I still subscribe, my Mom ships them to me, and they give hours of delight.

3. Story Corps is project about stories. People's stories. The type of people like you and me, not just the Paris Hiltons and Britney Spears of our world. Story Corps has two mobile recording studios that travel America letting people record their stories. Stories that make me laugh out loud, cry, or get mad, but they are stories about people across America. Stories that should be heard. They only last about five minutes, but they are worth it. You can sign up on itunes or listen through the website. Listen to Seymore and Marcia's story; it is one of my favorites. It will be worth your time.

4. Writer's Almanac, another podcast. Always under five minutes, so it is easy to listen to on your way to the car or while you are shopping. Garrison Keillor's wonderful reading voice makes poetry glimmer. A daily podcast, he will give a bit of history, literary or otherwise, and read a poem. Sometimes you might like the poem, sometimes you might not, but give it a try.

As the days get shorter, and the nights get longer, I think I will be curling up with my new copy of Bookmarks and maybe even spring for a White Chocolate Mocha.

 

  

Comments

[Elisabeth WK]

You are a gem! I am praying that you are back on your feet and in the library very soon.

[jen oliver]

Hi, Kat! Some notes:

1) Like paper? Browse around paper-source.com. They are not a mere crafting store/site, but a truly tasteful PAPER site! Melita Matzko worked at one in Boston and introduced us all, and we are HOOKED...Lots of fun!

2)I always...ALWAYS...ALWAYS!!! think of you whenever I see a white chocolate mocha on the menu at Starbucks. (Always.) ;o)

3)When I was in Salzburg I took a solo trip to Vienna, just to get away from everyone and be alone. I was worn out, homesick, and on the verge of a major sickness that would lay me up for three weeks. Know where I found comfort in those Vienna streets? In the Vienna Starbucks. Oh, I made time to have "Kaffee" in the Mozart cafe by the Opera house--it was cool, but it didn't provide that taste of home that I needed right that moment. Starbucks, with its overstuffed chairs, white mugs, and familiar scents and sounds, did. So, I get it! Actually, even when I get homesick (for Massachusetts) here in the Midwest, I go to the Barnes and Nobles Cafe in Valparaiso to lick my wounds. It always helps!

Praying for you!

[Katherine]

Thanks Jen dear. The Lord has been good. White Chocolate Mochas are positively euphoric for me and for a few moments I am back in South Carolina.