I have talked many times about stopping to smell the roses, quite literally, on my dog walks but lately, I've an even greater joy. Someone has installed a new street library and every day there are new books of an excellent standard.
I delight in the new offering, and will text my book club or friends to see if they want a particular title. I even took a rock climbing one to give to my chiro!
The other afternoon, there was the most beautiful picture book. It was large format hardback, that opened to A3. It was set in Paris and the lion roamed around all the places I knew so well.
I sat on the kerb in the sunshine and read the book, pouring over the beautiful art work. I returned the book for someone more appropriate (hopefully with a young child and a trip to Paris planned). It was an uplifting and magical pause to my day. An unexpected luxury that left a stain of a smile on my lips, and an wistful ache for Paris in my heart.
It was the joy of spontaneity or unexpected leisure. Reminding me of the truth in Stephen King's words 'Books are a uniquely portable magic'.
Linking with #StackingtheShelves #TrafficJamReboot #SundaySalon #SundayPost #AnythingGoes #Bookdate #TalkaboutItTuesday #WWWHimsy
absolutely! I like your friend there too. Aloha
ReplyDeleteNow every time you visit those places you’ll think about the lion.
ReplyDeleteBooks are magic! Take care, have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteLittle Free Libraries are so much fun! Especially when you discover one nearby you didn't know was there :) So glad it's adding joy to your daily walk. My husband gave me one for my birthday, but I haven't had the time/energy yet to paint it and get it set up - but I can't wait to host my own! And what a beautiful picture book. Our sons are adults now, and I do miss enjoying beautiful, clever picture books. Hope you're enjoying your walks and your books this week -
ReplyDeleteSue
Book By Book
'Books are a uniquely portable magic'. Yes!! I actually had this quote on my blog this week too! It is so true.
ReplyDeleteSerendipity!
ReplyDeleteI think I should go out right now and put some lovely picture books into my Little Free Library. It's sunny today, and perhaps someone will walk by and be struck as you were here by a book!
ReplyDeleteI like to contribute to street libraries and sometimes get to talk to someone browing at them. Books bringing us together.
ReplyDeleteThere's a line in I think Matthew Reilly's Einstien's Secretary about how if you read books you never need to engage in small talk (or you always have something to talk about - I forget. Will try to find)
Delete“If you ever meet someone and you notice they are carrying a book, say "Wunderbar!" and rejoice. This is because books are the finest conversation-starters in the world and to discuss a book is to have a real conversation with a stranger and not banal small talk.”
Delete― Matthew Reilly, Mr Einstein's Secretary
There are a few Little Libraries where I live and I like adding to them. I also give books to the libraries in my county for their book sales.
ReplyDeleteI accidentally posted before I finished my comment and filled in my name etc. I also leave books around town on benches etc.
DeleteThat sounds so lovely. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful! Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
What a wonderful way to spend a spot of time. I sure hope such a lovely book will find it's way into the hands of an imaginative child.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely, and the illustration on the cover of that book is most definitely 'whimsical'! Thanks for linking up with #WWWhimsy and I hope you stumble over more unexpected pleasures in the days ahead! xo
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful book and gorgeous pup too! I love a good street library situation - they're full of treasures.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a nice highlight of your day to have! I love little libraries and the treasures they sometimes hold.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to read this Lydia! It was fab to imagine you sitting on the kerb reading that delightful looking book set in Paris.
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