I have a strange habit that is exclusive to books and music, which is that I bring them home (or download them from iTunes), and take anywhere from a few days to months before I actually open them up and enjoy them. Part of me wonders if this is some weird unconscious desire for delayed gratification, but my intuition tells me that isn't it. I think it is more about trusting I will open the pages or listen to the sounds when I am ready, when they will make the strongest impact.
I feel a little bad when friends or family members give me a gift of a book or music; I want to warn them it might be a while before I enjoy them, because, well, that's just what I do. That sometimes it is enough to simply look at my bookshelf or music list and see a certain title sitting there, ready for me to dive into it when the muses tell me it's time.
Yep, I totally do this too. I bought a ton of CDs over the summer that have yet to be opened. I have a whole bookcase full of books that haven't been read yet.
Posted by: Leslie | February 05, 2010 at 09:46 AM
i totally do this. i was the girl that had halloween candy sitting there until just the perfect moment, when it was NEEDED. my kids... not so much. they tear MY mail open before they even make it in the door. the wisdom will come for them though, because i don't believe the mailman knows the moment we need the key to open our heart. only we do.
xoxo
Posted by: jenica | January 22, 2010 at 01:13 AM
I do it too! It's nice to know I'm in good company. I also like the quiet and feel self-conscious about it when other people come over. hope you feel better soon!
Posted by: Jill D. | January 16, 2010 at 07:10 AM
there are so many delightful and wonderful things about you...love ♥
Posted by: Thea | January 14, 2010 at 07:51 PM
I just came across your blog today, and I just had to tell you that I am in love with it. It is so beautifully eloquent and genuine. It lit up my morning. Thank you. I'm looking forward to more. :)
Posted by: Jessica | January 14, 2010 at 09:26 AM
I love when this happens - when you realize other people are doing it too. Your book, purchased at the last Squam, was one for me.
Me, I think I do it for different reasons - I think it has something to do with enjoying the anticipation and not wanting to be disappointed by the real thing. It's the idea of what it is going to be that excites me most, or I'm not comfortable with disappointment.
On the practical side, if the thing is an audiobook or music on iTunes, I find that if I don't enjoy it right away, I'll forget that I have it :)
I'm happy to report that your book was NOT a disappointment, and I return to it over and over...
Posted by: Annette | January 14, 2010 at 08:01 AM
Me too. Especially if I think the book is super special. Last month I got a copy of Sally Mann's Proud Flesh and it is still in the packaging from Amazon! I'm not sure when I'll open it, but I'm sure it will be exactly when I need to.
Posted by: Sheryl | January 14, 2010 at 07:38 AM
yes...
i do this too!
Posted by: leonie.wise | January 14, 2010 at 07:34 AM
I do this, too! :) Like you say, it's all about that moment you know is coming, when that beautiful music or book will be exactly the thing you need.
Posted by: Sarah | January 14, 2010 at 06:58 AM
someone else does this too?
Posted by: Michelle Shopped | January 14, 2010 at 04:10 AM