Friday

When traveling, some people collect sno-globes or refrigerator magnets from the cities they visit.  My favorite thing to collect is old books.  I enjoy searching for small bookstores that are locally owned and operated.  You would be amazed at the beautiful out of print books I have found over the years.  Another great thing about local bookstores is the people who work there usually know a lot about the city I’m visiting. 

I enjoy older bookstores where the stacks are placed closer together and you have to dig to find hidden treasures.  The smell of older books also reminds me of elementary school.  Check out the home-made signs used to delineate the different sections (to me, this adds to the unique quality of older stores)

16 years ago I started my collection with 4 books I purchased on a trip to Memphis, Tennessee.  Today, I have a library in my home where I keep my collection.  When I am feeling under the weather (like yesterday) I pull a few books off the shelf and look through them.  They transport me back in time and I get lost in the moment.  Old books are almost as good as comfort food and certainly a lot nicer looking than refrigerator magnets and sno-globes.

I hope all of you have a nice weekend - Kenneth