books and secret hiding places

June 7th, 2006

I spent several hours sitting on the floor in Mrs. Dalloway’s, one of my new favourite bookshops. I slowly flipped the pages of many books, including a new one about artist’s houses, a book of essay’s by Pablo Neruda, the artist’s mentor (which had some wonderful quotes), and a small volume about the love of bookstores. None of which I bought, though now I wish I had. But alas, I am trying to lighten my load before the move. So I settled for a postcard from the store which I glued into my journal, so when I look at it I will recall my afternoon spent there. There is nothing like a bookstore where the books are handpicked by an avid reader and the staff talk excitedly about books all day long. I should know, I used to work in one of the best. (secret note: If you look at the photo on the front page of the site it might intrest you to know that the painting “opens” to reveal a secret cupboard behind it. The whole store was designed this way. Mr. Hoare has excellent taste in paintings and several of them are original group of seven pieces.)

Jun 7 2006
12:11 pm

maureen writes:

keri-
is this post a scan of the postcard you bought? just wondering…
love,
maureen

Jun 7 2006
12:19 pm

eliane writes:

Well, we all know how the game ended for Michel Foucault!

Jun 7 2006
3:04 pm

patricia writes:

Ahhh… I always wondered what bookstore you worked in, when you lived here! Lucky you! Nicholas Hoare is indeed one of the best. I get dizzy with joy every time I enter that place.

Jun 7 2006
3:19 pm

Cam writes:

Eliane, how did the game end for Michel Foucault?
Keri, I’m having a bad day but I always feel better when I notice you’ve posted something new. Thank you!

Jun 7 2006
3:40 pm

eliane writes:

He died of AIDS.

Jun 7 2006
4:04 pm

Cam writes:

I didn’t know that. Thanks.

Jun 7 2006
7:32 pm

a writes:

Wish I was in CA to visit Mrs. Dalloway’s. Some of my favorite things in one place. Thanks for the link.

Jun 8 2006
9:03 am

Lil writes:

I love Nicholas Hoare. Just a few days ago I went to the one near where I work in Montreal and bough the last three issues of McSweeney’s. It doesn’t get any better than NH in Montreal.

Jun 8 2006
11:20 am

susanna's sketchbook writes:

Nicholas Hoare’s bookstore in Toronto IS special. So quaint with a good selection of books on art, cooking and travel. Tuscany Artists Homes by Sgaravatti and Ciampi is really beautiful. It makes me want to pack up my bags and buy a one-way ticket to Italy!

Jun 8 2006
4:28 pm

-- j writes:

thank you for that great quote. i don’t know how but you always seem to touch on a subject that is currently relevant to my situation. these past few days i’ve been starring at my manuscript in horror as it has taken on a life of its own and it certainly wasn’t what i had in mind when i first began.
the big antiquarian bookstore on brattle street in downtown boston is one of my favorites. the owner knows me by name and interest, that is how often i visit. there is nothing more soothing that sitting amongs piles of books.

Jun 8 2006
5:19 pm

Nikkita writes:

Hi Keri,
I stumbled upon your blog through my cousin’s blog, trudesign, and I really enjoy all of the inspiration. I like all the handwritten entries and lots of ideas. I thought I should tell you I’ve added your link to my page. Nice site!

Jun 9 2006
5:21 pm

Jessica writes:

Ok, so I love the blog. But just this question – how can we go on searching for individual happiness when there is SO MUCH wrong in the world? Is not all the focus inward just a distraction from more important issues?

Jun 11 2006
10:14 pm

my pink sky writes:

i love this quote…it’s probably true for any artistic endevor, that the process is what makes the end result so amazing and beautiful! i hope to always be changing and becoming…
~mindy

Jun 13 2006
2:30 pm

Kir writes:

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Jun 13 2006
2:32 pm

Billy writes:

Hi ! Your site is very interesting. Thank you.

Jun 13 2006
6:11 pm

rumina writes:

I always enjoy your tidbits and quotes. Just a question, if you will: what Foucault piece or book is this quote from? It’s actually surprisingly personal and hopeful compared to the stuff of his I’ve read. thanks!

Jun 15 2006
12:56 pm

Buffy writes:

Amen Foucault.

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