Happy Sunday! Ritva is the host for this week’s Lens-Artists Challenge. In this challenge, she is looking for photos of books that inspires a love of reading. Looking at my archive, I’m not sure I have that but I’ll certainly try.

I’d like to start with a story.

This was about 12 years ago, I was an engineering student trying to pass the licensing exam. It’s called the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. I heard the exam structure is different now. Back then, it was an 8-hour exam with a 30-minute lunch in-between. Any bathroom break is cut into exam time.

It’s a nerve-wrecking exam, at least for someone like me, despite having all the formulas given in a reference book. I am also someone who doesn’t test well. I am the type of person who knows the material well but would choke on any exam. I endured this exam 3 times in a 2-year period before giving up. I was working multiple jobs, had school, and with my mom constantly putting me on edge, I couldn’t concentrate.

On the book, it says, “Pass the exam or get your money back,” I should’ve done it but maybe, it’s my fault, not the book’s.

Time for something happier.

My mom and I were in London about 2 years ago. One of the places we visited was the British Library. There was an exhibit full of important documents and books. I am someone’s who loves to see historic books, especially the handwritten ones. Why? What’s the saying? “They don’t make ’em like that anymore.”

After the exhibit, we walked around the library, wandered from floor to floor. It was near the top floor when I got a glimpse of this wall-to-wall bookcase filled with rare books. I wish I could get a look at some of the title but will probably need a pair of binoculars to do so.

Ever since I started working at my current job over 7 years ago, I’ve made it a goal to visit the mall across from the office at least once during the holiday season. I love the holiday festivities. It’s not something I can experience at home and makes me smile whenever I see the lights, and hear the music playing. I especially love the story playing out in front of me at the push of a button.

There’s a different story at each of the 4 entrances, this just so happens to be Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. Even though I’ve heard the story before, I can’t help but press that button every time.