Last year I picked up and read, more than read, thoroughly enjoyed and absorbed Life is a Verb by the insightful Patti Digh. One of the many, many, many things I learned during my journey through her book was the concept of writing in the margins. *GASP*
For years, I've been the type to keep my books so pristine you barely noticed a crack in the spine. I would use a bookmark rather than dogearing the pages, I was keeping 3M in business with my use of Post It notes. I read every.single.word.written. out of respect for the author's time and effort. And, highlight or pencil marks? What? Are you crazy? Deface a book? Isn't that tantamount to marking a moustache on the Mona Lisa?
Always up for trying anything once, I figured I could write in the margins of HER book since it was her idea. The margins are FILLED. This new practice brought me to the stunning realization that not only is her story written in the book, but part of my story is written in the margins! No notes to find in a separate notepad. Perhaps, I have some romanticized notion that some day, when my story is written, someone will find part of it hidden in the margins of some, now well-worn books, well worn out of love and enjoyment not disrespect:
Everything absolutely anything by SARK
Ordinary Sparkling Moments by Christine Mason Miller
Style Statement by Danielle LaPorte
The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women by Gail McMeekin
I Thought It Was Just Me by Brené Brown
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
Those are a handful of books that have taken up residence on my night stand over the last year or so. I suppose I should consider reading a novel, eh? Anyway, these are the types of books I enjoy. People reveal a great deal of themselves by how they write their books and the experiences they choose to share. I love how other people look at the world. I don't always agree with it, but I do enjoy the outlook of others.
I have recently, as in yesterday, been asked to join a group of ladies reading Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project, which had coincidentally been picked up at my local Chapter's store earlier this week. Yes, I do go to more than just hockey rinks! Though, it was at the hockey rink I was found reading the book last night prior to Cole's game. One of the mums I don't know well, but quite like, hollered up to me and asked what I was reading. I showed her and then she surprised me: "I always read with a pencil, too."
So glad I write in the margins. So glad to find others who do, too!
Do you write in the margins?
