Hi! My name is June and I am a Bibliomaniac!
I'm beginning to see that I may just need to lay down some rules about book buying, even though it goes totally against my great thirst for collecting. Okay, so I went shopping at the Dallas Half Price Books again…three days later! In my own defense, when my best friend, Christi, arrived in town, being a bibliomaniac herself (as well as my partner in crime in regards to breaking the bank on book purchases), I felt she deserved nothing less than her own trip to the Dallas store.
Tuesday, Christi and I departed with great anticipation of great book deals. This was her first trip there and the excitement was obvious. Christi drove as we conversed the entire way. I'll blame the poorly marked intersection as the reason we missed our turn and not our intense conversation. On the bright side, our 15 minute detour in the wrong direction afforded us the luxury of looking at some absolutely beautiful homes and landscapes near Highland Park in Dallas.
Christi was awed when she first walked through the doors of the bookstore. I was so thankful I got to share that moment with her, as I assumed she felt much as I had on the previous Saturday. There really is a lot to take in!
We stopped to eat lunch at the attached café and to grab a cup of coffee. No use shopping while hungry. Afterward we attempted to stay together and look around but finally realized that it just wasn't working. We split up and went our own separate directions, each of us having our own slightly different taste in books. Every now and again we would text each other and meet up to discuss our latest find.
Finally we headed to a table—a shopping cart full of treasures, and enjoyed some pastries and coffee while perusing eagerly through our books. We had spent about 4 hours shopping thus far. Wow—were there ever some books! We had a stack between us.
I tried to remind myself that I had already purchased 47 books for the month and that I really didn't need more. However, I had ventured to the fiction section in hopes to find some fiction with real meat on the bones. I checked out a few authors that were recommended to me based on previous reading. To add to my challenge, I happened upon the fiction sale and clearance section. What a delicious find! So many great deals for just a buck or two. Some things you just can't pass up!
At the table, books stacked high, enjoying our coffee and calorie-free (NOT) desserts, we began talking about our discoveries. Of course I had to look at all of her books and she at mine--just in case one of us had found something that the other needed. Actually, that happened. Thanks to her I got a great mushroom cookbook on clearance and another on making salsa. I had just told my husband I wanted to start making my own salsa!
I can't tell you how painful and time consuming it was, sorting through the many books trying to decide which ones would go home with me. I was pleased that I was able to walk away with only 13 books. Hey—do you see that stack of books in the photos! I thought 13 to be conservative! And--all but three were from the clearance section. Two that were not were for my son, Wesley, in honor of my promise to bring him something home if he was good for his daddy. A little book bribery goes a long way!
It was a perfect trip for me. All six hours! My best friend, books, coffee, and sweets! How do you top that one?!!
(above: the 7 books standing up were only $1 each. The Far Side was for the hubby)
To ice the cake, Christi, Wesley, and I headed to the pool to cool off and relish the day after our Dallas adventure. We had such a relaxing time in the water. We hung out until close to 11pm.
It is what I call a perfect day full of great memories…well, all except for one mishap, but that is not my story to tell!
I'm giving it an A+
Oh—I almost forgot! Concerning the rules I need to lay down for myself (see opening line):
(Maybe) I need to read at least 4 books before I go book shopping again.
Unless there is a super sale somewhere.
Unless I have a great coupon that will expire.
Unless I just happen across something--by accident, which I simply know will make my life better.
Unless….well……
I'm really trying to stick with the 'read 4 books before you buy more' rule of thumb, but….life happens.
I'll get back with you later on this one. Until then—read a book!
...and much fun was had by all! It was a day full of loveliness and surprises, huh?
ReplyDeleteI will share with you my favorite "rule" about the consumption of alcoholic beverages, and I suggest you apply it to book collecting. (I do not know where I read this, but it is not original to me.)
"The first sign of a problem is when you start making rules."
My interpretation? Make NO rules about book collecting, and there is no problem :)
I love that we share such a passion about words and books and writing!