It seems sites all over the web have been dedicating themselves of late to helping shoppers find the perfect holiday gifts. Not to be outdone I thought I’d share a little array of bookish items that have popped up in my travels. Even if you’re fed up with shopping I hope you’ll find the fun in some of these. Simply click on the photo of the item to be taken to the website for more information.
Anything by Curly Girl. Her wordsmithing is as perky as the images she designs – so many fun ones she’s worthy of a post all to herself. I love her greeting cards too. This little wall hanging would go well above a bedside table. Could be accompanied by a tiara and cape … make that a nice tiara.
A bedside table must. A little house to light your way through your bedtime reading (would that be a lighthouse?) and a storage spot for your book too. Book not included though light bulb is. (Fire extinguisher optional?) More collected words to be read and enjoyed on the wall rather than bound in a book. This is simply delightful!
Charm bracelets are very popular and this version is specifically for the bookish. Charming! Penguin UK has collected its bookcovers into a selection of postcards. Puffin titles are available too in a separate selection. Is there ever a season that Tiffany doesn’t have a creation to crave? The “notes” series will be noticed by literary types. A literary quote of Louisa’s that I love. Turning one’s brain is a good thing, right? I know at least one of you will find this message hitting close to home! Tis the season for flannel jammies and a good book … and what do you expect? It gets dark at 4 o’clock! I saw these at Chapters but haven’t sniffed them yet. Apparently Jane Austen evokes gardenia, tuberose and jasmine while Charles Dickens is tangerine, juniper and clove. Whitman? Grass, thyme and clover. Each is labeled with a quote from the author. Jane’s is: “There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” Perhaps she would have liked the poster above!
in·trep·id (ĭn-trěp’ĭd) adj. Resolutely courageous; fearless, brave, bold. See Synonyms at brave. (1627 (implied in intrepidness ), from L. intrepidus “unshaken, undaunted,” from in- “not” + trepidus “alarmed.”). Additional synonyms: audacious, gritty, gutsy, heroic.
I happened upon word of a wonderful endeavour in our fair city a month or so ago and it’s been dwelling in my thoughts ever since. Our little blog here seemed like the perfect spot to launch a conversation about it and perhaps even inspire a flurry of action. While I dallied, sorting my thoughts and words, The Vancouver Sun and the Vancouver Courier coincidentally both printed related articles this week. The focus? The Intrepid Pens.
The Intrepid Pens is a creative writing workshop and book club based at the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre on Cordova Street in Vancouver. Founder, facilitator and nurturer of the group, Amanda Grondahl encourages the women living with addiction, poverty, and homelessness to engage their creativity and self-expression through writing of their own. She also gives them an opportunity to explore and discuss novels of the group’s choosing. In her own words from her blog she says: ” … how amazing it is when 15 (or so) women get together to talk, read, write, share, laugh, and grow; how group members’ writing has improved; how group members’ confidence is soaring; how some are sharing their stories for the very first time; how beautiful it is that those who struggle with reading or writing are read to by fellow group members – their work transcribed for them, and read aloud by their friends; how we’re learning through reading and healing through writing; how several group members have already been published, and how group members talk with excitement about writing more, learning more, and doing more…” Amanda believes there is a “quiet magic” taking place within the group. She is adamant that the women are as important to her as she might be to them and fondly speaks of “my ladies” as she writes “… we are a little family of writers and readers and friends now. …”
Amanda makes it clear that she is enormously grateful to a number of sponsors, friends and families who offer help, support and donations. There are a few very easy ways in which Bedside Table Books and our readers can give The Intrepid Pens a little boost of encouragement too:
Firstly, Amanda and her fellow Intrepid-ers have applied to the Pepsi Refresh Grant Campaign with hope of qualifying for $25,000.00 toward their cause. The grants are based upon the number of supportive votes each applicant receives. Please take the time to add your vote by clicking here and then crossing your fingers that the group is selected to receive the money. Voting deadline is October 31st.
Secondly, The Intrepid Pens have need of the following:
Novels (new or used copies)
Writing supplies (journals, notebooks, and pens)
Bus tickets for transportation around the city (Adult 1-zone Faresavers)
Money (for books, supplies, food and drinks, transportation, field trips, and special events)
As readers, many in book clubs, you might like to review the Intrepid Pens’ impressive book list (they are reading great stuff!) and see if you have any copies you’d like to donate. If your book club or a group of your friends has recently read one of the list entries then suggest anyone not wishing to keep her copy share it with the Intrepid ladies. Another option is to shop for a few copies and send them along.
I hope this fine venture and its story captures your hearts as firmly as it does mine.
Visit the website for The Intrepid Pens here and follow their story or make contact.
You may recall another special book club in an earlier post this year. Read The Word is Their Bond from March 12th.
You may remember my reference to Katrina Kittle in an earlier entry related to the Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop. I promised to write more about her and today is the day. Katrina spoke at the conference not about humour (though she was charming and witty to be sure!) but about the craft of writing. She is a writer who takes the responsibility of her role very seriously and while it is tempting to say she’s “gifted” the reality is her gift is her dedication to exploring social issues and then presenting their nuances in a most readable and inspiring way. Please do not be daunted by the tough topics (AIDS, Child Abuse, Addiction, Divorce …) Do yourself a favour and take the plunge. She is a sincere storyteller – you will find humour along with some sadness and be left with a hearty whiff of optimism. I have read The Kindness of Strangers and The Blessings of the Animals and am delighted there are two more to relish. (Traveling Light, Two Truths and a Lie)
I most recently read The Blessings of the Animals. The story focuses on a veterinarian (Camden) who is left by her husband and must forge a new understanding of herself and the important relationships in her life. The characters in the wide cast have intriguing stories of their own and are surrounded by a delightful troupe of wise animals, each with its own tale too. (Tale/Tail? I know … too much!) For the record, I’d like to come back in another life as Muriel the Goat – ahhh the sass!
A wonderful discovery within the pages was a reference to a real-life Blessing of the Animals. This enchanting ceremony at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City (there are others around the world too) celebrates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (this Sunday, October 3rd in 2010) and blesses the animals in his honour. Katrina incorporates it into a poignant part of her story but this video gives you a little peek of the real deal.
The cover of the the Blessings of the Animals book is so appealing. Katrina shares her feelings about it in her own blog: “What I love about this cover for The Blessings of the Animals is that not only does it suggest (rightly) that a woman and a horse will be key players, but it speaks to me of love, of trust, of comfort (which one is comforting the other, or is it mutual?), and even hope (grass that shade of green can only be springtime). Combined with the title, hopefully it will compel potential readers to want to know more.”
Pick up a copy of The Blessings of the Animals and keep an eye on the news media this weekend for coverage of the feasts and ceremonies.
Click here for an earlier post on books and their covers.
If I could just paint myself into the image above I’d be pretty darn delighted. What a perfect spot to read! I’ve heard a few conversations lately about where and when we read. I, for one, always have a book with me so that if I’m caught waiting somewhere in my day’s travels I can sneak in a few bonus pages; I frankly panic if I’m without something to read or write upon. Any handbag I ever own must accommodate a trade paperback and a notebook – it’s simply a rule. In reality most of my pages are read in bed before going to sleep. There was a time when my beloved fussed about the bedside lamp shining and over the years we’ve explored a variety of mutually acceptable solutions to this “problem” (as he perceives it). One year I was perplexed to discover a head lamp in my Christmas stocking. He interrupted my horrified thoughts of cave exploration with “For reading at night of course!” My head-bobbing battles to stay awake “to just the end of this chapter…” are now accompanied by a dramatic light show. I’m determined that the best solution is to have him become a bedtime reader too. I have met with some success recently thanks to Stieg Larsson. The blog at Abe Books posted a piece about Reading in Bed and a lively discussion arose about the variety of positions. Do you lean back surrounded with pillows? Lie face down, propped up on elbows? Or are you a side-reader? This also applies to beach reading in my mind – I’m perpetually singed on the front because I find it uncomfortable to flip and read lying face down. As much as I savour my bedtime reading I most enjoy cuddling up in a cosy armchair with a blanket and a mug of something. Early on a weekend morning before everyone else rises is even better … if I haven’t stayed up reading too late the night before!
I just came across my horoscope for today on msn.com and felt compelled to share … Cancer June 22- July 22
“When’s the last time you read a really good book, hmm? Why not email a few friends whose taste you trust and ask for a recommendation or two. Or, better yet, pick up one of the classics. They’re the classics for a reason, you know (because they’re really good!). Then make yourself a nice soymilk hot chocolate and spend the evening reading, reading, reading. You’ll be glad you did.”
I might replace the soymilk with a cup of my favourite Lady Grey tea but sounds like a good plan otherwise!
My favourite classic would be Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Or maybe Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier. And I was reminded of my beloved Heidi by Johanna Spyri recently … So if your horoscope advised reading a classic (and it has for all you other Cancers out there) what classic would you read? What, my “friends whom I trust”, would you recommend?
“Whimsy!” One of my favourite words and almost always accompanied by an exclamation mark. It begs for it. A whimsical turn of phrase can be utterly delightful and cheer one’s day considerably. Deborah Lloyd and the designers at Kate Spadeare on to this. Known for being “graceful and exuberant”, “witty and playful” the brand has incorporated evocative expressions into the customer’s experience. Easing the significant pain of the price tag one will find a little bit of flirtation in the phrases printed on the tags in bouncy italics. The following are some sample messages:
“She tucked her coral lipstick away and floated back to the party.”
“Occasionally she dreams of Italy. She dreams of cheese shops, persnickety Fiats, and very fine leather goods.”
“Share your last piece of gum.” “Read the classics.”
“She had cocktail in hand and confetti in her hair.”
Stitched on a ribbon in the waistline of a pair of trousers: “He went to the tailor to buy her some pants and when he returned she had shipped off to France.”
On a package of replacement buttons: “button up, sugar cup” and in a display window, a very simple but telling: “beguiling”
Inside a range of bangles are the words: “Make a day of it!”… “Play hooky” … “Smile at a stranger”… “Give it a whirl!” … “Daydream”
Ok so I know you’re thinking words, words, words … what about books Bedside Table Book Lady?
Such obvious lovers of words couldn’t possibly avoid including books in the designs they create now, could they? Admire these literary-themed lovelies – they’re clutch purses!
One of my favourite gifts to give, and to have received, is one (or all) of the Kate Spade books – Occasions, Style, and Manners. Filled with gorgeous watercolour illustrations by Canadian, Virginia Johnson and cheerful and informative commentary throughout.
Need motivation to convert to an e-reader? How about these covers by Kate Spade for the Barnes and Noble “Nook” ? The pink one has “She kept her nose in a book …” inscribed on the front cover ” … and her head in the clouds” on the back cover.
Keep your eye out for snippets of whimsy wherever you go. Bookish whimsy? Even better!
When you think of your favourite author hard at work, what do you picture? Rustic ateliers with views of rooftops? Remote cabins deep in the woods a la Henry Thoreau at Walden? The Guardian newspaper in the UK featured an entertaining series called Writers’ Rooms showing a photo and a bit of back story on the space by the writer his or her self. I loved some of the unexpected little details and found the entries witty and fun. The Vancouver International Writers and Readers Festival followed up with a version of its own on its website, exploring the work spaces of local authors. Equally engaging!
Steven Galloway (The Cellist of Sarajevo etc.) wrote: “The sign on my door read “Roy’s Poodles, Poodle Training and Poodle Related Services” and from time to time I’d advertise a job opening. Once someone from the Government of Canada’s Human Resources division put their card under the door in response to a posting for a fully accredited canine acupuncturist. Good times.”
Michael Morpurgo (The Butterfly Lion, Alone on a Wide Wide Sea etc.) wrote: “For many years, I wrote on our bed in the house. But there were complaints about ink on the sheets, dirty feet on the bed, and we felt we should try to create somewhere else, a storyteller’s house.” (Read more )
And of Jane Austen’s space: “Having no room of her own, she established herself near the little-used front door and here ‘she wrote upon small sheets of paper which could easily be put away or covered with a piece of blotting paper’. A creaking swing door gave her warning when anyone was coming, and she refused to have the creak remedied.”
Writers in the movies seem to always have enviably well turned out havens for their work. Remember Diane Keaton’s alcove in Something’s Gotta Give? or Colin Firth in Love Actually hard at work on a novel in Italy and feeling quite distracted by his Portuguese housekeeper… Click on the photos to connect with the videos of these scenes.
Last summer, our family decided to embark on an impromptu weekend camping trip. It was our first outing in a tent beyond the wilds of our back garden and so the boys were excited, we were enthused, and the dog was downright giddy. It was the perfect time to head out as much like our present state of weather affairs, the sun was glaring brightly in what felt like an endless streak of hot days. In a desperate gesture to alleviate my guilt for not forcing the boys to be more diligent with their school assigned summer reading list, I tossed in a copy of James Herriot stories, endorsed by “the list”. We had great fun arriving at camp, setting up our abode, exploring the environs and cooking “camp” fare for dinner. After a lively contest of biggest-bubble-blowing we began to tidy up. Long low rumbles were starting to roll in the distance and the sky took on a gloomier look. Uh oh. We raced off to brush our teeth and made it back to the tent in time for the first few, but determined, drops of rain. In a panic we gathered everything in under the tent or into the back of the nearby car. Then the rain became seriously forceful! And those rumbles … much louder and now accompanied by dramatic flashes of lightning. The four of us, and our furry friend, all tumbled into the tent and zipped ‘er up. It poured. No. It POURED! Kudos to Camp Daddy who took that extra minute to tie down the rain shield “just in case”. We stayed dry and counted one-thousand-and-one, one-thousand-and-two …. That darn old storm was so intense and it cruised right over us. It literally made headlines in the next day’s news.
But was that the most memorable part of the adventure? It actually shared billing with the reading aloud (by Mom in her best English country accent and vet voice) of James Herriot’s stories. As we cuddled in the tent I read aloud by flashlight, one story, and then another and then … they kept asking for more! Now that the boys are teen and near-teen our night time tradition of reading before bed has sadly gone by the way-side; it’s hard to read a bedtime story to your kids when you’re often asleep before they are! But they loved this and so did I. Pretty sure the dog did too.
Reading aloud to children and teens has been studied and proven to be hugely beneficial to their academic achievement and general success in school. That’s all fine and dandy. I recommend you find a good book, candle-light or a flashlight, a cozy space in a tent or cabin and cuddle up for some good old reading aloud just for the sake of the treasured memories you’ll make.
We’re packing up for some vacation time in a cabin by a lake and in among the bug spray, the sunscreen and the bathing suits I’ll be tucking in a book to read aloud. James Herriott was a hit, Stuart McLean stories or Bill Bryson perhaps this year…? I won’t allow myself to be disappointed if the boys don’t cuddle up and tune in, but I have a pretty good feeling that even a year “cooler” they’ll still be game.
On any visit to a used book store I get quite caught up in imagining where the books have been and how they ended up on the shelf in a dark, dusty and crowded shop. It strikes me that there is a sense of desperation in a used book store – a pathetic tone – all those poor old books abandoned and desperately craving a new home; a little like the dog pound but for books! (Some of you might take issue with me on that.) On a cheerier note though, many of those lonely books hold within them wonderful treasures, just waiting to be discovered.
One used book shop proprietor (Michael of Popek’s Used and Rare Books) enjoyed his collection of “forgotten bookmarks” so much he started to archive the items and formed a webpage to share them with others. In Michael’s words: “I work at a used and rare bookstore and I buy books from people everyday. These are the funny, heartbreaking, and weird things I find in those books.” The collection is so much more than bookmarks – there are recipes, postcards, letters, grocery lists, ticket stubs, photos, drawings … ranging in vintage from recent times to decades and centuries ago. Each item is carefully transcribed for easy reading and the book in which it was found is always listed. It’s entertaining reading!
Visit Forgotten Bookmarks here and enjoy the treasure hunt! Here are a few samples of entries:
The found business card is of a William G. Clark, Narcotics Investigator, Narcotic Control Bureau, Department of Health, State of New York and was found in this book, “Firearms: Pleasures and Treasures” by Howard Ricketts. Published by Putnam, 1962.
This photograph of a woman has no details written on it. It was found in a book of poetry: “The Poems of Adelaide A. Proctor.” Published by Thomas Y. Crowell. The book was inscribed and dated “Christmas, 1901”.
“Baseball ticket for Game 75, The New York Yankees vs. the Boston Red Sox, September 18, 1955, at Yankee Stadium. Found in “Journeyman” by Erskine Caldwell. Published by Signet, 1953. If you are interested (Michael was), the Yankees beat the Sox, 3-2. ”
And one of my favourites:
Are you tempted to tuck a little surprise in your book for someone to find some day?
I confess to an overwhelming desire to peer at people’s bookshelves. I try to do so politely but don’t you agree it’s such fun to see who they cook with, what fiction appeals, where they have traveled or want to travel, what poets inspire … ? It’s so revealing and usually leads to great conversation. Now, I may peek, peruse or flat out ponder a friend’s shelf but I’ve never gone so far as to record its contents. Talented artist Jane Mount does though and in a most wonderful way. These delightful little scenes capture the colourful spines of special collections. Here are Jane’s own words:
“For a while, I’ve been documenting people’s bookshelves as a form of portraiture; you can actually learn a lot about folks by their books’ covers. Now, I’m working on a series of “ideal” bookshelves: sets of favorites in a genre—mine or someone else’s—amalgamated in a picture, even if they don’t usually live on shelves anywhere near each other.
We all show off our books on shelves like merit badges, because we’re proud of the ideas we’ve ingested to make us who we are. We are proud to display what has inspired us, as we should be, and we hope to connect to other people by doing so. When I paint someone else’s bookshelf and they have some of the same books I do, I feel amazingly joyful about it, and about them.”
Jane has a number of her works for sale on her etsy webpage but can also do custom bookshelves – your bookshelf. Learn how and see some samples of her work: http://www.etsy.com/shop/janemount More information and a wide collection of her bookshelf portraits can be found at http://idealbookshelf.typepad.com/
Meanwhile, I’m in the midst of trying (it’s been taking me months) to pack up my boys’ baby books and I’m suffering. I end up sitting on the floor reading and remembering all those cozy times when the boys smelled so yummy after a bath and we snuggled up at bedtime with our favourite stack of books. I just can’t part with them. A painted permanent record of our collection could be just the solution!
