BLOG CHALLENGE
This post relates to day 6 of this 30-day blog challenge (I know – I’m getting behind!). Anyway, do you want to join in? If so, for details on how to participate please check out: https://lifewithgraceandbeauty.com/2016/11/17/blogging-goals-whos-up-for-the-challenge/
Blog challenge prompt: DAY 6
All work and no play? We all need time to relax and unwind. What’s your favorite vacation spot? Why is this your favorite place to unwind? What is the best thing to do here? Where’s the best place to eat here?
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There are some exquisite places within this world and I have been fortunate and extremely blessed, to have holidayed in just a few of these places.
But wherever I go, whether it be on a tropical island, or a country retreat in the British Isles, or even just in my own back garden (during such times when I couldn’t afford to take a holiday, or my sense of obligation prevented me from doing so), the favourite spot for me has to be the wonderful world of an author’s creative imagination. It has to be the world within a new fiction book.
You see, for me the ultimate in relaxation, in glorious, unashamed revelling at the complete and utter freedom to please myself, to relax and unwind, to not be dictated to by a clock, or monotonous routine, or other people’s demands—but to be able to lie back, or sit in a space where I can absorb the delicious, obliging rays of warm sunshine and enjoy the ambience of my surroundings—has just got to be the joy of reading a new story, of making the acquaintance of new characters, of engaging with the various twists and turns of my vacation buddies’ convoluted lives.
And so, as a measure of my appreciation to the author, and also as a measure of loyalty to these fictional friends, I ride the highs and lows of their joys and disappointments. I empathise with their pains, sorrows and failures. I exult in their achievements and success. Yes, as the plot unfolds, I’m absolutely angst-ing (ok, I admit it – I’ve just made up this word) alongside them. I’m rooting for, and celebrating with them.
In other words, dear reader, the joy of luxuriating in a magical world of creative words and literary phrases is my favourite vacation spot. And if you add to the mix, balmy weather, tasty food, thirst-quenching drinks and melt-in-the-mouth, more-ish ice-cream, then, believe me, I’m in seventh heaven!
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Dream-achievers, where and how do you like to unwind? Please share your response in the comment box below and, if you enjoyed reading this post, don’t hesitate to like, rate, or share it with your social network contacts. My sincere thanks in anticipation.
A Purpose-driven achiever 
What an interesting perspective on your area vacation. My husband can relate – he’s an avid reader! I try to keep up but I don’t have as much time as I like to delve into books. I’d say he’ll agree with you whole-heartedly. Whenever we do break away, I guarantee there’s a book or two in his hand that accompanies us on our trip! And he’s a fan of John Grisham novels too!
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Thank you Grace. Yes, I have to admit I have read a few John Grisham novels and thoroughly enjoyed them. And my enjoyment of them and admiration of him as a writer increased when I discovered he is a Christian.
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