“You see, bookshops are dreams built of wood and paper. They are time travel and escape and knowledge and power. They are, simply put, the best of places.”
~ Jen Campbell
That was when I finally breathed out, and my body relaxed.
Not when the plane pulled back from the aerodrome.
Not when we took off into the sky and the world fell away behind us.
Not when we landed at our holiday destination.
Not when we sat at a little Italian cafe eating pasta and soup for breakfast!
No.
That moment where my whole body relaxed was when I walked into a musty, busy Antiquarian and Second-Hand Bookstore.
I felt every muscle in my body ease, the tension melt away, the fatigue lift. I was surrounded by books. The smell of them, the heft of them in my hand. The selection, too many from which to choose. I spent an indulgent hour there, and bought a volume of old letters and poems. Then I went next door to a cafe, and ordered a large pot of tea. I sat and sipped tea, and immersed myself in my book as the world walked past my table.
And it was good.
Much love, Nicole xx
Book shops truly have that feeling of coming back to what’s familiar and lovely no matter where you are..thanks for the beautifully written reminder.
Last week you were so ill and now you mastered a flight to europe: wow, that must be magical healing. Or are these chinese herbs magical plants 🙂 ?
I’m not in Europe, I’m much closer to home. But my location is a secret! (There is no way I could have made it to Europe!!!) I’m still ill, but less so, and I have my favourite travel mug and Chinese herbs with me, and I’m dosing up three times a day. They are indeed magical plants and I am very grateful for their healing powers. I’ve learned that you can be unwell and still live your life. In fact, if I waited until my health was stellar I’d probably never do anything! Nx
I´m sure this holiday (even it is not in Italy ;o)) will help you to get well soon. Relaxation is always a good medicine. Enjoy it! I do also believe in the superpower of plants. Often the most ordinary ones like nettels (are there nettels in Australia?) are very beneficial.
I am so happy that you are relaxing and found a book store to lose yourself in!!! I hope you have many more discoveries and joy like this one! Lots of love sent your way!
I just hope a lot of people would still be reading and be very interested in books coz nowadays they’re into internet for infos
Sounds great!!! Enjoy an extremely well deserved time away😘♥️🌈
I love the look of books old or new. I love the different smells of books old or new.
I love the feel of books. I would much rather hold an actual book than to read it from a screen. I have always been a Bookworm. One thing my husband and I wanted when we built this home was to have our own library to house our many and varied books.
We found an old fashioned Carpenter who had learned his trade over many years and he did us proud. I love to just go in to our library and take out a book and sit by the bay window or indeed just to sit by the bay window while I take in the sights and smells of all the books, magazines and old newspapers we have collected over 2 lifetimes.
You have a library in your house? I am coming right over!!! 😍
You would be most welcome ☺️
Aaaaaahhhh… I sighed a sigh of relief for you, Nicole. And I smiled. Nice to know you’re relaxing and taking care of yourself. Much love to you… 🙂 xox
Books are amazing
The simple joys of life…a book and a good cuppa…and a holiday! Enjoy Sweethearts…XOXO
Oh Nicole, that is such a moving description of your experience there. I felt my body relax a little too and I am going to seek out something similar here today; order a big pot of tea; and breathe out. Thank you so much! xxSimone
OMG Heaven on Earth for sure. Enjoy the magic in the treasure you bought and maybe another visit before you wing it home.