Book bags have always played an integral part in my life. I love to read and I love to travel. I love to have a book in the vehicle just in case I get delayed or held up somewhere.
Therefore, a book bag, or reading bag, is an essential item In my travels - both near and far.
Even in today's digital, on-demand world, I'd rather have a good tale between hardbound or paperback covers than myriad book titles loaded on a tablet. Still, you'd likely find a tablet in my reading bag to take notes or access information at the click of a few keys. I am not a light traveler. Wherever I go, books are always part of my journeys, my life's travels, my entertainment, my comfort.
My habits of having portable reading material began at an early age.
The first book bag I remember was in third grade. It was deemed a book satchel and I adored it. I can't recall if backpacks were on the scene then, I only know my book satchel represented the best and most stylish way to transport homework and textbooks.
Unfortunately, my book satchel and I parted ways decades ago as styles and trends change, but its image I will never forget. It was a deep, royal blue with a floral-printed flip top adorned with orange, lilac and pink flowers. Atop the floral flap was affixed a hard plastic, royal blue handle with indentations for fingers. It was a lot like the retro luggage handles of the time.
The floral flap fastened onto the bag with a silver, turn-lock fastener. Two pockets at the bottom of the bag flanked a small slip pocket containing an ID card. In my mother's beautiful handwriting, my name, my grade level and my home phone appeared, along with my school and my teacher's name.
With that satchel, I recall identifying with or trying to emulate Mary Poppins. though my bag did not resemble hers at all. I knew I wouldn't be immediately transported like her. For that, after all, I'd need the umbrella.
But it was the contents that transported me and made me ascend, figuratively speaking. Every time I picked up my coveted satchel, I knew I was on a journey of exploration and discovery, and my satchel contained some of my favorite things to accomplish the goal.
In a physical sense, my satchel and I merely trekked between the school bus, the school and my home. I even took it on some overnight trips, filled with books. But regardless of where I was, the satchel was my portal, my passport to knowledge as it held my library books, my elementary readers.
I know a book, knowledge, learning can transport someone. I'm proof positive.
As I progressed through middle school, high school, college and as adult/lifelong learner, my love of reading and purchasing books remained and my collection of reading bags grew.
I'm usually riding shotgun on any trip. The book bag situates in the front floor board near the purse, which provides easy access.
Time was when the reading bag included a map. (This was before GPS.) Now standard items stuffed inside it include free publications (travel center offerings, magazines and tabloids) and/or a carefully curated overview book about the area(s) we are visiting.
As a reader and a writer, the bag also includes a journal for capturing notes, impressions, feelings and recalling the day's activities or any other bits of inspiration.
There's also usually two or three books about whatever interests me during that time.
My husband good naturedly refers to it as the "traveling library."
Tis true.
A good chance exists that another book will be purchased on a trip, so leaving a little bit of room inside the bag is a must.
With the right sentiment, pattern, image, style or size, another reading bag is a likely purchase. It can stow away in a suitcase or perhaps go into immediate use for hauling souvenirs, clothing or other accoutrements.
The green movement has brought about a proliferation of reusable bags in varying fabrics and themes.
Combining function and style, a reading/multipurpose bag is the ticket to enjoying the written word while on the go.