Summer Days

Our loyal friend and volunteer, Faye Farrance, with her little Pekingese, Gizmo, sent us this window shot. It is worth posting again (it appeared in an earlier blog). The geraniums, the reflection of the balloons and the simplicity of the display reminds us of lazy summer days.

Thank you, Faye.

Photo: by Carol O'Handley of Kingston

Display: by Vavoom Photography

Passionate about books

Passionate about books. One of our favourite pastimes is visiting Pickwick Books, a corner bookshop in Waterdown, Ontario. Owner, Des Brady, is barely visible behind a counter of endless volumes that are waiting their turn to be shelved. There is sufficient space to maneuver around displays of rare and fascinating books. One of Des' favourite quotations is, "Can anything be finer or more delightful?" (Chapter IV Pickwick Papers.)

When asked why he opened a bookshop, his only comment was, "I've always been passionate about books."

Pickwick Books is located at 325 Dundas St. E., Waterdown.

Tel: 905-690-0632

Fax: 905-632-0329

Nature is painting for us, day-after-day pictures of infinite beauty if only we have the eyes to see them.

~ John Ruskin, English Art Critic 1819 - 1900

Flowers are sunshine, food and medicine to the soul.

~ Luther Burbank American Botanist 1849 - 1926

Flowers take the tears of weeping night,

And give them to the sun for the day's delight.

~ Joseph S Cotter Jr. Author A White Song and a Black One 1861 - 1949

The best things that can come out of any garden are gifts for other people.

~ Jamie Jobb, Author My Garden Companion

Photo: my veranda where we spend our days ~ and evenings.

The Inevitable Espresso Machine

Booksellers have acknowledged the arrival of the espresso machine. No, not the coffee! The books-on-demand machine that produces your book while you go out for espresso. No more packing, shipping, shelving. No more unsold remainders -- books returned to publishers, to be shipped again somewhere else. Costs mounting.

There are only four of these marvels in Canada. (Or is it three?) Titles, the McMaster University bookshop in Hamilton, Ontario, has one of the latest models.
We excitedly purchase a book. $25. Attractive cover graphics and clean type. Tightly bound soft cover. Can't beat the delivery.

We are still fondling our book a week later. We could not do this with an e-book. It is going to take time to weigh the pros and cons. Meanwhile, thank you Mark, Titles Manager, for bringing this latest wonder to us. We have been asked how long the process took; I will have to ask Mark but it seemed like less than a couple minutes.

Writer Lois Marlatt

Kids, hold onto your hats! Lois is bound for another adventure ~ travelling with Brock and Becca is always fun. Where will it be this time?

October 3, Saturday, 11 - 3, join Lois at The Neat Little Bookshop for another adventure. Where did Lois take the kids this summer? (Last year it was on the tall ships.)
Sometimes it is hard to tell whether Lois is describing her holidays with her real family or with her imaginary characters. (Sh-h-h, don't tell Lois.)
Author of Canoeing on the Grand River, Saddle Up In Saskatchewan, Vacation In Vancouver, At The Calgary Stampede and RV To Edmonton, among other titles, Lois always entertains. Parents, Grandparents, big "kids," expect to be whisked away on a plane, train or automobile ~ always to Canadian places. Free admission. Books for Sale.

Resume Clinic

The Neat Little Bookshop is considering hosting a series of workshops on resume writing, the modern workplace, interviewing techniques ~ and of course, whatever discussions may come up. We are easy!

Let us know if you are interested.

For those of us who have had to reenter the workplace, the trauma of writing a current cover-letter or anticipating the buzz words -- or what are they called? -- keywords that trip a computer, a little help from somebody in the business can mean the difference in getting a job.

905-577-5635 Give us a call or e-mail us: lwalker@mountaincable.net.

We have lined-up a dynamic personality; we know you will enjoy.

Wednesday Storytime

If Ace could read...

This week's storytime book was to be Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors but when Ace showed up, we switched to Benjamin Bunny.

After school, every Wednesday, is Storytime. Everyone welcome. Free Admission.

We usually have cookies, if they are allowed.

Contact us at 905-577-5635 or lwalker@mountaincable.net