You know when you've been working or maybe stuck at school for weeks straight and you don't do, or focus on anything else but that? It gets a bit.. uh.. stressful -- and boring -- doesn't it? That's exactly how I can describe the past work week that I just had. Yesterday though, I had a much-needed small adventure with someone who shares the same love for books and reading as I do. Our "hang-out" days, consists of a lot of things. But I noticed they almost always include unplanned trips to the bookstore or the library, vintage stores, coffee shops and cafes, and maybe a picnic -- if the weather will allow. Simple and not too spendy -- just the way I like it.
Here are some pictures that I got from the day. Feel free to skip, but just thought I'd share :)
**
Bookstore browsing
**
Bookstore browsing
And for some vintage shop finds..
- I love visiting these kinds of places, and seeing the treasures that have been kept alive (and some, working) for years and years. Most of the stuff here are from the early 20s-60s.
**
Things I Couldn't Resist Getting:
Things I Couldn't Resist Getting:
These are special. I didn't even second guess myself. I knew I had to buy these composition notebooks from the (I'm guessing 20s-40s) from two different students. Both are boys. The one on the left includes a rough draft of a story about a sailor, trying to get his own boat. The other one on the right, is the one that made me buy. In it, was a poem written for a girl that he loved, but has passed away. The setting takes place in her funeral, and I don't want to ruin it, but I will try to copy it and post it up, because it truly is lovely.
My new favorite notebook :)
-- the covers are made of fabric with sewing of birds and their cage, tea cups, cupcakes, bows, and flowers. On the back cover, is the same style, but with an image of a tea pot.
And two books:
1. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
2. The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald
-- which were both on sale by the way ;)
**
I will now leave you with the last bit of randomness.
Meet few of my collection of vintage/antique glass bottles..
At night.
At night.
And during the day.
Have a great weekend everyone.
What a perfect day-- love your finds. (that is a cool old typewriter). We really are similar sorts, aren't we? Lucky you, to have a real life bookish friend to go parading with...
ReplyDeleteThat sounds so fun! Those antique composition books are really neat! How cute that they wrote stories and love poems in them.
ReplyDeleteThere are such wonderful shots, especially in the vintage stores. Those bottles also are such a nice touch to a room. I love how they look during the day the most.
ReplyDeleteI love this post, thank you for inspiring me to have adventures like these myself!
I simply adore antique books. I want to own a library full of them, I absolutely love the look of them!! Nice post!
ReplyDeleteI love vintage stores like that! We don't have many in the area, so I am super jealous. I have to say, I would LOVE that typewriter. I have always wanted an old one, but I can't seem to find one around here.
ReplyDeleteThe composition books are an awesome find! I hope you post the poem!
That typewriter is to die for! Also liked a couple of the vintage signs...Can't wait to read that poem, sounds like a gem.
ReplyDeleteYou'll like The Bookshop, I hope. Penelope Fitzgerald is a great writer.
Thanks for sharing your "plunder"!
You should post the poem up! I'd love to read it!
ReplyDeleteRandom tidbit regarding the typewriter from the 30's: The store owner told us a little history about it. Apparently, this was used for children and students to learn how to read, write, and yes, type.
ReplyDelete@Lesa: It was definitely the epitome of a perfect day. And yes we are such similar sorts! In fact, I kid you not, I actually thought of Mrs. Baja Greenawalt when I read the boy's poem to the girl. I bought it, telling myself someday, I may be able to find out more about the writer behind the words. Hm.. I wonder.
ReplyDelete@Stephanie: That was exactly what I thought as well. There is something so incredible about finding old notes, stories, and writing of previous owners, in books.
@maytagger8819: Thank you! I have a lot more bottles, but those in the photos are my favorites! I love the way they look when a bit of sun hits them. Almost like a very neat kaleidoscope.
@Sarah: I do too :) I knew if I bought one antique book, I would eventually start collecting them = my pocket will be completely empty all the time.
@Allie: The vintage store we went to was a bit of a drive from where I live too, so I really was just lucky to have a trip there on Friday. I wish there was some closer to me. But then again, maybe it's a good thing or else, I might just find myself browsing there all the time! And yes, I will post the poem :)
@ds: Yes, it is! I loved it when I first saw it, and loved it even more when the shop owner told us a bit of its history.
I am currently reading The Bookshop and while I have not read much to give a valid review, I can already say the writing is excellent.
@Kayla: I will =)
Those are some sweet pics! Just seeing all those books makes me drool. That is def one of my favorite pasttimes - finding a cozy used/new bookstore and searching for treasures. Very cool. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful day for you! I love browsing used bookstores & thrift stores! What incredible finds the notebooks were! I also love your green glass bottles! I collect them as well. Congrats on your finds & thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHow cool that you thought of Mrs. Baja! I have no doubt that you can find him or at least find a family member that would know some of the history.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to post more about my search for Mrs. Baja soon--- my compulsion to blog is competing with my compulsion to garden.
Lesa
@runnersami: Oh yes, I wanted to purchase all the vintage books and find a permanent home for them, but of course, I don't think my poor pocket will allow that much spending. haha.
ReplyDelete@My Book Barn: Thank you! It was a great day, :)
And there is truly something about glass bottles! I love especially how they look when a bit of sunlight hits them just right -- so beautiful in such a simple way.
@Lesa: You're so right, the possibilities are endless! I wonder though, where to begin if I ever do try to look for its history. I should have asked the owner of the vintage store.
And can't wait to hear for about Mrs. Baja -- so exciting!