ARE YOU TREATED DIFFERENTLY BECAUSE YOU READ A LOT?

My mom read to me all the time when I was a kid, which started my obsession with books. Because I enjoyed reading so much, it only made sense that I enjoyed studying in school. No matter where I went, a book traveled with me. I read just about anything I could get my hands on including Harlequin romances, The Godfather, Sidney Sheldon and more.  I really wanted to learn, learn, learn, or escape into other worlds. 

But I was also a serious tomboy heavily into sports and hanging out with the guys. Better at extreme sports than a lot of the boys, no one seemed to think that was unusual. But being a reader - that was a different story.  I didn't really understand it at the time, but often I was the butt of jokes and considered a nerd because I always carried a novel. I wouldn't say that I was bullied necessarily, but there were definitely occasions that I felt ...different or as if I didn't belong. 

Even now, there are certain situations when people see me carrying a book versus a phone that causes a few double takes.

Most people have rigid ideas about nerds, but here are 3 definitions on what that word really means.

1. A person seen as overly intellectual, obsessive, or lacking social skills. Such a person may spend inordinate amounts of time on unpopular, little known, or non-mainstream activities, which ... Wikipedia
2. A person who behaves awkwardly around other people and usually has unstylish clothes, hair, etc. — nerd in a sentence.    https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nerd
3. A person who could be one of the most dangerous people in the entire world. Nerds have invented machine guns, assault rifles, armor piercing ammunition, high explosives, etc. www.urbandictionary.com

I'm not sure if those definitions are truly accurate these days.(if they ever were) Just because we spend a lot of time in bookstores or in libraries doesn't make us socially awkward.  It just means we just love to read. Now, I'm the person that everyone gives their unwanted books to when they're doing Spring cleaning. I get the  magazines that no one wants anymore.  I even have random novels left at my door!

There are a zillion blogs specifically dedicated to books/authors and we're ranting or raving about books all the time! We're the cool kids now! Being a reader is almost like being a rock star because we get tons of attention. Yay!

MANGO LOVE - I totally adore the tart/sweet taste of a mango, so coming across this recipe from Bon - Appetit was perfect.  This particular recipe comes from the Pub Royal in Chicago and is a big hit with patrons.  Mangos can be addictive, so Joy from joyousreads.net/ and I really need to watch ourselves. (lol)

FROZEN RUM-MANGO LASSI

INGREDIENTS

11/4 Cups Peeled Fresh or Frozen, Thawed Mango Pieces

1/2 Cup Gold Rum

1/4 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice

1/4 Cup Golden Syrup or Honey

2 Tbsp Plain Whole Milk Greek Yogurt

Pinch of Kosher Salt

1/2 Tsp Ancho Chile Powder

Mint Sprigs - this is the one plant I can actually grow

INSTRUCTIONS

Puree mango, rum, lemon juice, golden syrup, yogurt, salt, and ½ tsp. ancho chile powder in a blender until syrup is dissolved. Add 4 cups ice, and puree until mixture is smooth. Divide the Lassi among glasses. Garnish each with a mint sprig and lightly sprinkle with more Ancho Chile powder.  This drink works well without alcohol or the extra heat.

NEED MORE FREE BOOKS?

www.freebooksifter.com

www.bookcrossing.com/

www.bookmooch.com

https://openlibrary.org/

PET SMARTS

According to a recent survey, pets want us to get our rest while sleeping, so statistically 56% will never wake us up. 

But there are those few who could care less, and will stop by for a visit at least once 30% of the time.