October is almost upon us. The leaves are donning shades of russet, gold, and warm spice. They crunch beneath my feet and dance in autumn breezes.

The arrival of fall brings opportunities for me to visit schools and take part in Read In Week. Honestly I am happy to visit schools anytime I am invited so feel free to ask. Read In Week is a celebration of books, stories, and poems,. Students are encouraged to discover new books, to read for pleasure and some might even want to share their own stories.

Over the weekend I was at a book fair in Sherwood Park. Throughout the afternoon various authors spoke about writing and some even read excerpts from their books. I was transported into their stories, the demands of the world and social media forgotten. I was simply present, a listener to histories, mysteries, adventures, challenges and dreams. It was a precious gift and reminded me how important it can be to turn off all the distractions and choose to be present to a moment, a person or an experience.

Go find your favourite kid and read with them or make a pot of tea and curl up with the book you just haven’t gotten around to starting. Be transported and read.

Peace

laura