by Maureen L. Bonatch
Photo from our vacation at Islamorada, Florida |
While on vacation this year at Key West, Florida, we talked
with a girl, who said that she spent two months traveling on a boat, and
currently lived on a sailboat and absolutely loved it. I stood there with a
million questions running through my mind. I just couldn’t wrap my mind around
living like that since it was so foreign to what I was accustomed to.
I could feel her enthusiasm, but shuddered at the thought of
enduring the long hot nights until she saved up for some kind of air
conditioning—while I envisioned having so few possessions and so much freedom.
Yet, I knew in reality I could never live that life. I was too set in my ways, too
much of a willing slave to my routines and possessions. But in my imagination,
I could live that life.
Oh, the Places You’ll Go
As a writer her story intrigued me. It would be a fabulous
setting for a character, or something I would enjoy reading about. Because as a
writer, and a reader, there’s something magical about exploring places I might
never see. For every beach I walk upon, I think of a book I read years ago
about sea turtles, I believe it was The Beach House by Mary Alice Monroe. I
know nothing about sea turtles, but after reading this book, in my mind I think
I kind of do, because I lived that life with that character.
What an indescribable joy to live so many lives in one
lifetime. In reality, I’ve lived in one state all of my life, but in my mind
I’ve been to many places that exist in the world, and others that only exist in
an author’s imagination—and mine.
Get On The Train
There are two camps. Those who love Disney and all it
entails and those who…don’t. I admit it. I’m in the second camp. I kind of put
all those places—Disney, Epcot & Universal etc.— in one category. I apologize to all of you who adore this
magical world. It could’ve been a few unpleasant experiences, or it might’ve
been because I’m rather introverted and don’t enjoy masses of people and long
lines, but so far I’ve never seen the magic that enchants others.
But now that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter world
exists in ‘reality’ at Universal Studios, I have to admit I would really love
to see that. To be able to actually physically arrive at Platform of 9 ¾ at
Kings Cross Station (and not just in my
imagination) and get on the train to Hogwarts would be fabulous.
I’ve been to Hogwarts in my mind many times and could only
imagine the thrill of seeing it brought to live and how amazing that must feel
to J.K. Rowling to see her imaginary world introduced to reality— to mere Muggles
;)
I’ve Never Left the Mountain
I live in Pennsylvania, so there are always some mountains
in view, but they’re not the Misty Mountains. You know, The Mountains of Moria.
Those of you who’ve read the Hobbit, and the Lord of The Rings books will
understand. I read these books years ago, but I still think of that world as if
it actually exists because the author brought it to life so magically.
They enchanted me, and still do. I traveled through those
mountains with Bilbo Baggins and his crew and experienced the awe and terror
they endured. I loved it—in my imagination. In reality I might be more of a
wimp than a warrior.
Sail Away
Photo from our vacation at Islamorada, Florida |
I love puttering around in my home, surrounded by familiar
things and places. Thus, exploring the world writing or reading a good book is
a fabulous way to get away from the everyday all while staying in the comfort
home.
There are days I just want to sail away from all my troubles and daily
stressors, and I can, just by sitting down with a book, or writing a new
character. Perhaps one who lives on a sailboat might be in my foreseeable
future.
Do You Have a Favorite Book
Destination?
Need a New Home for Your Stories? Don’t Miss Your Chance at
Winning a New Kindle right Here.
Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her
love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keep her
there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she
survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu, her teen
twins & alpha hubby keep her in line. Find Maureen on her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
7 comments:
Great post, Maureen. I loved the references to Hogwarts and LOR. I read The Hobbit to my last 6th grade class years ago. We were all transported to that magical kingdom. Every book I read takes me to places I've never been or to a place I've visited. I used to be adventurous but I'm a homebody now. Limited mobility puts a crimp on traveling far away. But in a book, I can visit anywhere I want.
The imagination is the best road least traveled! I too am a puttering, house-keeper. I do some great daydreaming with my hands wrapped in yellow gloves while my mind travels one of those roads.
Thanks for sharing.
Francesca Q.
That's why I love reading so much - books are open doors to other worlds! I grew up in the Oregon country, and while I was reading Tolkien at a young age, I used to watch the mist rise from the trees and imagine there were elves and hobbits out there. I searched for them while riding my horse in those woods, but alas. Never found them. :)
I'm with you on the living-on-a-boat thing. Couldn't and don't want to.
We visited the Harry Potter venues at Universal Florida a couple years ago. Absolutely awesome! Had been to Epcot years ago and now it seems very outdated. Too much Disneyland here to even visit Magic Kingdom in FL.
I also enjoy reading about places I will probably never visit. In the mind is better than not at all.
Thanks for visiting ladies. I usually prefer my imaginary travel- no packing, you don't forget anything, it's never too hot and you still have the comforts of home :)
Anne Rice transported me to New Orleans and I couldn't WAIT to go there. Still my favorite place to visit . . . and base my books.
I'd love to go to New Orleans. Never been- except with Anne Rice :)
Post a Comment