Swap Your Books and Make Some New Friends

     For years, I operated under the mantra, "No new people," thinking the world was filled with untrustworthy cats who wouldn't like me for me and must be filled with nefarious agendas. I thought I had all the friends I needed: kittens I've kept around since the days of yore, a husband I'd had for 16 years. Then I started blogging and found out the universe is filled to the brim with new people: like-minded souls I may never meet personally who brighten up crappy days and open worlds to me. People from far-flung places whom I wish I could invite over for a cup of coffee, people I would listen to all day long about dharma, aromatherapy, chinoiserie design, travel and funny stuff.
     A few years ago, a neighbor and I moved into our houses the same week. Our boys go to school together, and we'd wave cordially but I didn't really know her. About six months ago, my massage therapist's massage therapist called looking for a new yoga teacher at a new mixed martial arts studio in town. The joint ended up belonging to my aforementioned neighbor across the street! I ended up becoming the in-house yoga instructor and landed a new BFF in the process. Loves dogs, loves to read, and has a wicked sense of humor. I call her Marion the Librarian because she drops off bags full of paperbacks, preternaturally sensing when I've just finished the previous stack.
     Book sharing and book borrowing is the new Borders. My literacy has skyrocketed, and my book budget is practically nil these days. Through her, I've discovered Tom Robbins, the most excellent author of my new favorites, Jitterbug Perfume and Half-Asleep in Frog Pajamas. Weird like Kafka and Camus, literary as hell. As you attack your spring cleaning, why not start a book swap amongst friends? It's the ultimate recycling campaign! Happy reading! Your Kitty.