Who Am I?

"Who am I?" Oh, hang on, I need to let my mind finish singing Jean Valjean's famous reprise from Les Miserables in my head.... and.... we're good. My name is Diane J. Owen. I am a

woman, a friend, a wife, a mother, a musician, a cook, a quilter, sometimes a baker, but most importantly, for this blog, I am a reader.

Once upon a time, I received an English degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Go Rebels!). During those three years, my mind was opened to many different facets of literature and even more confusing... ways to analyze that literature. By the time I walked across the commencement stage in 2009, I could write a five page essay without blinking an eye and theorize with you over Melville. However, what they didn't teach me was how to get a job with a degree in English. So, I came crashing down to reality, was offered a Graduate Assistantship in Recreation and, consequently, in 2011 was the proud owner of a Master's degree in Sport and Recreation Management.

Two months after receiving my Master's Degree, I became a Stay at Home Mom. I capitalize this position because it is THE most important job I have ever done and continue to do. A funny thing about becoming a mom, is that you lose yourself. You lose what makes you, YOU. You forget about your "self", because you become so completely and utterly focused on the tiny humans you have brought into your home, life, and heart. For me, I had spent five years in higher education, learning, studying, working, making friends, getting married, starting my own life. Then, suddenly, there I was, at home, alone, with this little infant that seemingly never stopped crying. Loneliness slammed into me and it was all I could do to not drown in the depression that pressed in on all sides.

As the years went on I learned quite a few things that all mothers need to learn to regain that person they lost when they became a mom. Here are a few of MY highlights:

1. You can't do it alone, you need friends.

2. "Me time" is necessary and should be a priority.

3. Find the things that make you tick.

4. You're never too old to learn something new.

When all else fails, I turn to books. And guess what? Those four "life lessons" I listed above? They can all be satisfied through reading. Many of my closest friends have been works of fiction. When I need to drown out the noise, I stick my nose in a book. When I need some relief to my soul, I open a book. I have learned more from books in my life than I can even comprehend. Like my dear friend Hermione Granger once said, "When in doubt, go to the library."

So, here I am. I read because it heals me, I read because I can, I read because I love it. I want to reach out to other book lovers like myself. I want you to share with me as I share with you. I want to inspire, captivate, and open new worlds for all of you. Welcome to Second Chapter Reads. Let's start a new chapter, together.

~Diane J. Owen~