Cynthia Eden’s Post on Wednesday had me thinking about the environment I prefer for reading and writing, which equals working for me. Obviously, peace and quiet would be ideal, a roaring fire and a cuddly cat would make it complete, but come on – I write fiction, I don’t live it. My life is kids and meal times and chauffeuring to events and if there were to be a roaring fire, chances are good I’d have to go chop the wood first.
Then Cynthia mentioned beach time and I realized summer had arrived when I wasn’t looking. In the past, I’ve struggled to find a way to use my laptop in the sun. I’ve come up with some pretty ingenious methods of limiting the glare, including sunglasses, bonnets, cardboard boxes, but I’ve yet to come up with a way to block it out altogether. 
Then I got a Kindle! That means I can read in full sun. Since becoming a Kindle addict (on the first day) I’ve noticed that my reading time has expanded exponentially. Now I read in the car, at an appointment, while baking, outside, inside, night time and early morning.
The Kindle always returns me to the same spot that I left off so I don’t lose time trying to find my place. It’s easy to hold and easy to turn the page. However, I’d only thought of it from a pleasure perspective and not a work perspective and this is where the convoluted conversation dovetails. I can also use the Kindle for work AND sit in the sun. Surely, sunscreen is a justifiable business expense?
That means I can take my own work to proofread, research books to study (of course all my friends’ new releases are research!!), beta reads for other writers and anything else I find to read on my Kindle – to the beach!
Does anyone else envision sandy beaches, sunshine, blue sky, and me with my Kindle and a cold Marguerita at work? Yeah the last word is where I’d have stopped before too – but not now. Now it all goes together beautifully! And not only does it go together – it goes anywhere. I’m portable. Beach – here I come!
What about you? Are you going to take a book to the beach or travel to exotic places? How are you going to enjoy your summer?
I love my Kindle! I might take it to the lake this summer. Most likely, I’ll be sitting on my back porch reading. It doesn’t sound exciting, but I’ll enjoy it.
Hi Edie,
I think sitting on the back porch reading sounds just fine! I will be doing plenty of that myself. Having the Kindle opens up so much, especially with being able to read in the sun. With the beach ten minutes away and rarely crowded, there’s always a corner to make my own. My favorite time to go? In the evening. It washes away the stress of the day like nothing else.
Dale, I’m the same. I read while stirring the pot on the stove, while waiting for my kids at their various activities, and love how easy it is to take anywhere. It’s coming into winter here in Australia, so I’ll be reading it in front of the fire, or snuggled up in bed.
Good morning (evening??) Michelle.
I prefer cold to dead heat so don’t mind a mild winter and can find an excuse for a fire any time. My kids just bought me an outdoor fire bowl for Mother’s Day so I can indulge on long summer evenings as well.
The Kindle has really opened up pockets of time for me. For that I’m grateful!
Dale Mayer`s last blog was …Blogging over at Magical Musings today
Hi Dale! My Kindle and I are inseperable. Like you, I take it everywhere. I’ll be on my patio this summer with mine, as well as in the car, traveling to baseball games and family get-togethers.
Hey, pass those margaritas, will you?
Hi Misty,
Absolutely on the margaritas! We could have a summer long virtual reader/writer convention! No holidays planned? Just kick back and relax this year?
I might go out on a houseboat for a few days if I can arrange it.
Dale Mayer`s last blog was …Blogging over at Magical Musings today
I’m headed to Charleston, Atlanta and NYC at various times in the next few months, and I’m looking forward to the travel. I’ll have my Nook with me, and while I won’t be reading outdoors, it comes in handy on the plane and at the hotels. And now you’ve got me thinking of a margarita by the pool… Hey, it IS Friday afternoon on my coast…
Hi Amy,
Short trips are nice in that you get to look forward to another one once you get home from the first one! I might plan a few day trips around the countryside this summer. I have yet to explore much of the Okanagan. There are many winery tours – ya know, I could probably get into those!
Dale Mayer`s last blog was …Blogging over at Magical Musings today
Siiiiiigh. My Nook, a margherita and a peaceful sunny corner of my garden. Sheer bliss. If no one is home at the same time … bonus!
I love going to the beach, but I dislike swimming. Just sitting in the sun with a book is my idea of a little slice of heaven.
Thanks for reminding me of what’s coming, Dale. I have a ton of books loaded onto my Nook and am looking forward to chugging those margheritas and reading in peace.
Hi Liz,
You and me both. I was just out pruning my perennial garden that’s taking over my backyard and setting up my new outdoor firebowl (Mother’s Day gift) and on the days I don’t make it to the water, I’ll be more than content in the garden.
The margaritas and homemade lemonade (hard lemonade of course) beside me and knowing I’m not alone – perfect!
Dale Mayer`s last blog was …Blogging over at Magical Musings today
Dale, this line made me LOL: “Obviously, peace and quiet would be ideal, a roaring fire and a cuddly cat would make it complete, but come on – I write fiction, I don’t live it.”
Yeah, I know the feeling…
As for an ebook reader, it’s on my to-buy list for this year. The problem I keep having, though, is deciding between Kindle and Nook — I like features of each and have heard raves and raves for both… Ahh, decisions! But I will definitely be taking books with me wherever I go this summer!
Marilyn Brant`s last blog was …Halloweenin May!
Hi Marilyn,
I went through the same decision process on the ereader. The price of the Kindle was the deciding factor as it was a gift from my kids. I love it though, especially because of the ability to read outdoors.
Books and summer are like mustard and ketchup – made for each other !
Dale Mayer`s last blog was …Blogging over at Magical Musings today
I am going to hit the beach as many times as I can!
The oil is (mostly) gone and, after missing my beloved beach last year, I am giddy to be going back for long, lazy days. I’ll be taking my kindle, my paperbacks–anything I can find!
Cynthia Eden`s last blog was …My Favorite Countess–Guest Post & Giveaway
Hi Cynthia,
I’m so glad that oil has disappeared. That would have been so hard. At least this summer you’ll get to enjoy the beach again. I find I prefer the evening for going down or early in the morning when the crowds aren’t there, but if it comes down to it, I’m not fussy if it means I get my swim in.
Here’s hoping we both get many long lazy summer days on the beach!
I’m going to be traveling a lot this summer, most of it business, but fun business!
Karin* aka Harlow!`s last blog was …National Bestseller
Hi Karin,
Now travelling would be fun. If you can combine some holiday fun with business then it’s even better. Surely you can arrange some ‘fun’ business in a great place or two. Might I suggest Venice? How about St. Thomas? Or closer to home – how about Florida/
Have a great summer!
Dale, I just bought a Kindle a few weeks ago before leaving on a trip to Charleston and San Francisco. The purchase was prompted mainly by Edie Ramer’s raves about it…and the intense desire to finally read CATTITUDE. On my trip I also brought a paperback I was finishing up. I saw immediately why everyone loves the Kindle (or Nook) for travel.
Other than not being able to read it on the plane until the “electronic devices” okay notice is announced (don’t understand how a Kindle could interfere with navigation of a jet plane, but who am I to argue?)…it was great! I love having a large part of the world’s library at my fingertips and have already downloaded several of my favorite classics to re-read. Lucky it holds 3,500 books, or thereabouts.
My summer still has a lot of travel ahead and my Kindle will travel with me! Thanks for an interesting post…and a great beach picture.
Deb Maher`s last blog was …From Sea to Sea
Hi Deb,
I can’t imagine what difference a Kindle could make to the aviation industry – but I certainly won’t be testing that out! I’m glad you like the beach picture – that’s my beach! No, I don’t own it, darn, but that’s only ten minutes from my house. I meant to put up a caption stating that and forgot!
I couldn’t see the value in a Kindle until I got one, and now honestly, I can’t imagine being without!
Thanks for stopping by – have a great weekend.