Powerful forces

I didn't realise what powerful forces of habit and desire were at work when I opted to give up reading for the month. Today I've stopped short in the act of picking up a book, browsing the pile of magazines heaped on the kitchen table, sliding my favourite SMH supplement out of the office paper pile... at every turn I'm reaching for some words. The house is a minefield due for a sweep. There are piles of books in the lounge room (current reading, books just arrived, and books waiting to go back to various lenders), and a stack of magazines and newspapers on the kitchen table, all shiny and alluring. A dozen or so books beside the bed (current, just read, waiting), more magazines beside the sofa (recently read, can't bear to throw away). I keep drifting toward these lovely piles of words. Tomorrow they're all off to the studio to rest out of sight for the month. Like a chocoholic on Weight Watchers, I know it's best to put distraction out of reach.