Why does it feel like I was gone far too long? I did so many things in the real world. It seems I will be venturing more often. I used to venture so often that I never even knew this world here with all of you existed. It is wonderful here, I miss it soo much!!!. So, as a treat for you, I spent an extra long amout of time in a very special and wonderful place, one of many that I visited these few days away. ( I also took tons of photographs).
The place I am about to share is called "The Book Stop." It is a used book store and let me just say, if you ever saw any movie with a magical bookstore that you wish you could play in and get lost for hours in mesmerized bliss in, this is the one! I assure you of it!!!
Dino was going into town with me. We were both going separate places, however, we stopped here first, as we can never get enough. And, if I hade forgotten to tell you…Outside of my Gallery we are building a Gypsy Wagon which will actually be a puppet theatre. I know!! Magic + Fantasy!!! So, of course, the funny way my path always unwinds…I walk to my favorite section in the shop and what is the first book I see??? Dino Grabs it…We both stare in awe and excitement.
Is that wonderful or what??? What inspiration for our Gypsy Theatre. Now, I am going to say a few words here, and then just show a bunch of photos. First of all, this shop has rare books, unusual books, children's books, all books. But, most of all, books you might never ever find, and for a good price too!! There are also drawers of art prints and all kinds of art stuff, vintage books and strange things, maps, and so much more I can not even tell you!!! So, instead of attempting to tell, here go several pictures…you can always click on any photos to enlarge them….
Did that give you a small tour of an enchanted book shop??? No matter where you are in the world, if there is a book you are looking for, call "The Book Stop," they might have it. Especially if it is something really special. You could have it shipped????
Isn't it special to have a place to go, where you can have peace and silence and dreams after dreams? It makes me feel like a little girl in a great big place, with intrigue that has no end. Where are your favorite places to retreat to? I also love churches. I went there right after the book shop. I love the smell of the candles and the silence. A time to sit with thoughts and just be. That is so important!!! Now, on a side note, I did make some purchases at the book shop that I will share at the end of the weekend.
I will venture again this weekend, and I have to crack the whip on myself and really finish those commission pieces!!!! I am stuck right now. They are for a man and I am getting too involved in perfection. I realized that in the word Paint, if your remove the t, you have "Pain," which is what I am feeling with these two pieces! Pain!!! I decided to walk away for a few days. I will tackle tomorrow and Sunday. Have a wonderful weekend. Go venture too!!! I'd love to hear where that leads you????
Vanessa, welcome back! Looks like you had a good time venturing out. I wish I could visit this book shop with you, it looks amazing! My favourite places to retreat to includes libraries, art galleries, cafes, parks and book shops! Love the Alice in Wonderland print and the vintage letterpress/cashier? in the second picture, I want it!! Can’t wait to see what you do with the gipsy wagon/puppet theatre 🙂
Are you going to travel with your Gypsy caravan and put on puppet shows for children around the country? Because if you are, you can park on my lawn.
I want that White Rabbit poster. So AWESOME!
hey lady! can we had that bookstore to the list of places to visit when i visit you? i love love love used bookstores. there is a great one in denver and my favorite part are the binders they have filled with stuff found in old books-photos, letters…i can flip through those for hours. i dream of having a big library full of old books and paintings by mark ryden.
Love book shops and spend far too much time (and too much money) in them, that one looks WONDERFULL. Love to light candles in churchesas well, there is a wonderful shrine in Walsingham that I’m planning on visiting soon so that I can share the photographs with you all.
Yay! You survived the real world and took some cute pictures of it while you were at it. 🙂
Oh my goodness my dear, I almost hyperventilated with excitement at your Gypsy Wagon Puppet Theatre! And that book! The Marionettes one. Did you purchase? Did you know puppets and masks and theatres are 3 of my favourite things!!! I have had it in my mind to make a puppet for ever and I shall some day (what is stopping me – I must!!). Have you read any of the stories or books by Angela Carter – I am sure you would adore them, magical and charming, at times charmingly sinister. Oh but Vanessa you have inspired me! I have to go and paint now…. And the book shop was clearly made especially for me – only in the wrong location…….
My favourite retreats – museums, my mind, a good book anytime anyplace, any coffee shop with rustic wooden furniture a view of green fields and a corner of coffee and walnut cake. Lovely to see you back!
what a wonderful shop, just lovely….I have stepped into solitude for a moment, the mean cheese is being watched by my bubs….
I was half expecting to see a tale of your mouserson….I am sorry he left my world and fled to yours.
the magic of the internet I guess
The marionette book looks fabulous – how perfect for your recent Gypsy Wagon project! Best of luck on completing the commissioned pieces… may it be pain-free.
Lovely lovely, a place after my own heart! Tonight I am doing a little venture of my own and going to a place I love but have been neglecting for far too long … I will post about my little journey later!
OK that’s it…I swear, if I thought the car would make it down there, I’d be in it, camped out in your gypsy wagon, and making you take me to that book store. I absolutley love love love (3 times) books…in fact, you’ve totally inspired me to set up the library tomorrow (it’s been banished to the guest room closet for some time now)
And thank you dearly for the wonderful comment…I tell you, I’ve been in the fetal position crying every day for 2 months (and that’s when I thought the relationship was going well…hmmmm…) although, I think it’s just my lifetime of sadness coming up to be expressed…this boy just helped me knock down a wall I had up apparently. My first love love just contacted me about a week ago to appologize for the way he left things with me (15 years ago…that one was the hardest to get over) people are coming out of the woodwork from my past, and I’m wondering what ever kind of things am I clearing up this time? So…thanks to your comment, I am reminded of what gifts are just waiting for me to take away from this experience? That will help keep me going for sure…
xoxoxoxo
I just adore book stores, especially the enchanted ones…And as an enchanted creature yourself (of that I am very sure), you are the perfect visitor…
PS And definitely no to men with clear nail polish and hairdryers!!!
Your favourite book shop is simply wonderful!! I love books stores both new with their cafe corners and comfy couches and old with their dusty piles…perfect escape!
Your gypsy wagon project sounds fabulous! how wonderful to have Dino in your life to plan and create!!
Happy Valentine’s in advance!
What a glorious book store!
Can I come visit you!? You offer such wonderful tales!
Thats it!!!!! You need to write and illustrate hip childrens books that also have that old-fashioned sensability. I LOVE your line drawings!