Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Books, Dandelions and Wild Violets


"A book is like a garden carried in the pocket." Chinese Proverb


Last Saturday Scott, Chelsea, Gabby and I piled into the car and headed for Peoria to shop at our favorite Christian bookstore. Sadly, due to the decline in our economy, this bookstore that has existed for all of my memory, is now closing its doors.

Although it's hard to see it go, we did enjoy a shopping spree we wouldn't have been able to afford without the fabulous discounted prices. Everything in the store was down to 90% off the original price. Can you believe it?!!! All music CD's were either 5o cents or $1.00.

We spent a blissful two hours there where I immersed myself in as many books as possible before they either threw us out or Scott dragged me to the car.

I am of the same mind as the late Groucho Marx who said, "I find television to be very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go in the other room and read a book."

Remember ~ I gave birth to and raised a librarian {Hilary}!

Gabby is also an avid book lover already and behaved remarkably well for a two year old with lots of energy spending such a span of time in a bookstore.

We came away with a total of 17 books { 2 of which were childrens books that Miss Gabby chose herself}, 2 CD's, and 9 greeting cards. Our grand total, tax included, BEFORE the discount would have been: $263.50. Never in my life have I been able to spend that amount of money at one time on books!
Grand total we spent AFTER the discount: $25.65 ~ PAID IN CASH!!!
That's the price that ONE of the books I chose would have been without anything else!

So~ here's my stash............... {Oh, the darling oversized teacup with flowers was a gift from Hilary.}

"Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book."
Author Unknown

Here's a picture of Phoebe enjoying her story time courtesy of Gabby in the kitchen floor. Notice she's "reading" from a Webster's book of quotations ~ NOT one of her new books! But I don't think Phoebe minded the lack of pretty pictures too much.

After story time, Gabby escaped {and I mean literally~ I have to keep the back storm door locked all of the time} to the backyard for her other favorite pastime of flower picking.

We should all be like little children ~escaping out the back door to laugh and dance in the sunshine and green grass amidst the dandelions and wild violets!
And remembering to settle into the life of a good book as often as possible.

13 comments:

Becky said...

Oh, Gabby, what a sweet little angel you are! Do you know how much I love you and pray for you? I'm so happy that you are my special little friend!

And Kathy, what am I going to do with you? I sent you an email yesterday, but I have to tell you once more that you totally made my week with your thoughtful surprise! Being a fan of history yourself, you must know from experience that dreamy feeling I had when I studied that treasure!! Oh, you are too, too kind!!

I hope that anyone having a birthday tomorrow has a simply fabulous day!!!

Becky

Danette said...

Hi Becky!
Told you I'd do a blog post again today FINALLY!
Love the pretty tulip picture.

And to my other Becky~
I'm not MIA anymore!
Thanks for checking on me and spurring me on!

Love you all bunches and bunches!!!
Danette

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

What sweet photos! Love the books you found, too! What a great deal..I'm SO jealous! Love your blog!

BECKY said...

YAY!! I'm doing my happy dance because you're back!! I know...I look silly, but I'm happy!!

I have been grieved by all the places around here that have closed as well. So sad. I am delighted though that you got to help them out and gift yourself at the same time!! How fun is that??!!

I just want to pinch Gabby's little cheeks!! What a cutie!!

Hope your week is full of sunshine and joy, sweet friend!!
Hugs 'n love,
Becky

Danette said...

Becky~
Silly is good. Silly is ALWAYS GOOD! Dance on girl!
And you have a happy, sunny week too!
Danette

Danette said...

Just an FYI~
I keep trying to post comments on all your blogs and only a few are working out. I'll try again tomorrow. I'm reading up on all of you though and enjoying it!!!:)
Weird ~ I seem to be able to post comments on my own blog, but where's the fun in that?!
Catch you all tomorrow, hopefully.
Nightie~Night!
Danette

Eclectic Chic Style said...

Wow what an awesome clearance you found!!! That's incredible!!! I was so glad to see you back posting, you've been missed. Gabby is an adorable little angel!!! What sweet pics.
♥ Teresa

Bridget said...

Books, music, flowers, having someone read to you - all good things!

Lallee said...

I love that image of escaping out the backdoor to pick flowers. Such a precious smile on Gabby's face as she holds on to the flowers.

Enjoy all your books!

Anonymous said...

You haven't posted in a month! Where did you go? :) Miss you!

We need to get together soon! I have a new fur baby for you to meet :D
Love you all!

carey said...

I have good news for you! Berean was sold, it is going to be Hoerr's Berean Bookstore. Amelia's former boyfriend works for them. I am glad however that you found such good deals! I miss you dear friend. Want to get together this week? Malory, Ivory and Malory's suprise would like to come too! Love ya!

The French Bear said...

Hi Danette, I just wanted to pop in and say hi, how are you? I hope that you are doing well and keeping busy!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B

Unknown said...

Hi Danette,
Just popping by to say I miss you. Hope all is well! These are precious pictures of little Gabby!

~Liz