Lost in the Book

This painting is set in Villa Malfitano, a place down the street from where I used to live in Palermo. I used to go there to read, write, run, wander, climb trees, and lose track of time doing all these things. It was open to the public during the day but one time I didn’t notice they locked the gate while I was still inside. I had to go knock on the door and ask to be let out, the lady wasn’t very happy with me!

I love books but only read non-fiction these days as I find fiction dangerously consuming. I get completely immersed! I missed my stop on the bus one too many times and feel my brain occupied by the characters in limbo so much so that I can’t struggle to focus properly on my own life. For this reason I prefer to watch movies as the story wraps up within a couple hours and I can come back to reality.

What makes you lose track of time?