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I wanted to share one of the activities I enjoyed in quarantine during the pandemic.

In my normal circumstances (when I take a break or at the end of my day), I enjoy studying, researching and reading.

If you don’t have a library card or access to a school library, all the stores and markets have books for sale, and some pocket books are very affordable. When I went to pick up a prescription at Walmart,  the books for sale were on a wall near the pharmacy.

So, I have picked up a couple, waiting, until my local library was open.

Also, a large, online selection is fun to discover authors and affordability for whatever subject you research or like to read.

I understand if some of you will continue to get new information on TV. We like the History Channel, Food Network and National Geographic shows, but I also like the “rustle” of the pages in a book, especially the Bible (tissue material).

If the electricity goes off, I always have my books and hurricane lamps, flashlight, penlight or candles.

If you’re not reading or listening to an audio book, here’s what you’re missing:

• Expanding your vocabulary
• Experiencing, vicariously, new places
• Stimulating your mind
• Widening your horizons (learning new things)
• Meeting new, colorful characters
• Making  you laugh, cry or both

There have been a few books made into movies with excellent type-casting (that I’ve experienced): “To Kill A Mockingbird” and “Moby Dick” with Gregory Peck, “Mutiny on the Bounty” and the African Queen with Humphrey Bogart, James Bond stories with Sean Connery, “Blood Alley” with John Wayne and “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner” with Katherine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy and Sidney Poitier, “Uncle Buck” with John Candy and on and on.

I understand if you weren’t raised with books or adults who were readers or movie watchers, but you can find books now that you’re interested in, even teaching books.

I used one for refreshing myself studying a new language. I have a cookbook collection and gardening (hobbies).

My personal favorite and will always be a lifetime of enjoyment and study is the Bible. I have various versions and study books, thesaurus, prayer syllabus and more.

It’s always my FIRST read of the day. I’m also in a daily Bible reading for the year with a good Bible App — Bible Gateway.

The other reading besides the Bible material for me during my break times are considered recreation and diversion.

So, join me in, maybe, a new journey for you, or a pastime already for you any time you have to wait. You will want to continue this journey, for sure.

Whenever I go in my car on errands with my husband or am waiting for an appointment, I always take the book I’m currently reading.

Kathie Deasy writes about religion for Orange Newsmedia. She can be reached at kathiedeasy@hotmail.com.