“Reading is a discount ticket to everywhere. ” ― Mary Schmich

I have talked many times about stopping to smell the roses, quite literally, on my dog walks but lately, I've an even greater joy. Someone has installed a new street library and every day there are new books of an excellent standard. 
I delight in the new offering, and will text my book club or friends to see if they want a particular title. I even took a rock climbing one to give to my chiro! 

The other afternoon, there was the most beautiful picture book. It was large format hardback, that opened to A3. It was set in Paris and the lion roamed around all the places I knew so well.

I sat on the kerb in the sunshine and read the book, pouring over the beautiful art work. I returned the book for someone more appropriate (hopefully with a young child and a trip to Paris planned). It was an uplifting and magical pause to my day. An unexpected luxury that left a stain of a smile on my lips, and an wistful ache for Paris in my heart.

It was the joy of spontaneity or unexpected leisure. Reminding me of the truth in Stephen King's words 'Books are a uniquely portable magic'.