Beginnings

Some writing books advise you to begin a story with a bang, to jump right into the action, to "shoot the sheriff on the first page."
I don't do that. I like a more leisurely opening - whether I'm reading a story or writing one. 
I like to invite the reader onto the porch of the story -

Come on up, have a seat, take off your shoes, sit a while . . .
I want readers to feel comfy - 

and to be surrounded by air and light and natural beauty - 

I want to offer readers something worthy of their time - 

So, maybe you will come on up, set yourself down, stay a while . . . mm?