We crossed the river, yesterday. We skimmed impatient hands across jewelry, postcards, record albums, tin canisters emblazoned with long-dead logos, crockery. My eye was momentarily entrapped by these shiny things, distractions all. The sun riveted its heat into my flesh, dribbles of sweat danced down my arms before diving off of my jagged fingernails to land in the grassy unknown, spent. My eyes, shaded, landed on a pile of ink and ideas cobbled together with old leather and faith. This fellow was on top… Continue reading
Tag Archives: Shopping
Shopping for the Bookworm: NovelPoster Mini-Edition
You’ve probably seen text-based artwork by now. Although my favourite site, Etsy, has some lovely examples, today I am spotlighting a couple of images from NovelPoster. In addition to the artwork shown below, they also offer posters of Pride & Prejudice, the Odyssey, Alice in Wonderland, Huckleberry Finn and The Wizard of Oz. Enjoy!

The Great Gatsby by NovelPoster. $40.
The grey-ish background is actually comprised of the full text of the books.

20,000 Leagues by NovelPoster. $40.
Images courtesy of novelposter.com.
A Reading List a Mile Long: Bas Bleu Summer 2012 Edition
When it comes to books, I am straight-up greedy. I offer no apologies, only slow, regretful sighs that I cannot own all the books I want to read. Or read all the books I want to read. I could probably spend all of my waking time reading, until it carried over into my dreams, making my life a soft, sweet, contented whirl of words. Other people’s words. Oh. At this point, I would cease to be a writer. Maybe this isn’t such a good idea after all, but you get my drift. Books-I need them in my life. These are the volumes and literary-related goodies making me drool and pant and dream. Enjoy! Continue reading
Shopping for the Bookworm: The Great Gatsby Edition
It’s no secret that I am skeptical of the Baz Luhrmann adaptation of The Great Gatsby. Since it is set for a Christmas Day release, we will be inundated with ads for another 6+ months. Now that we have seen the trailer I am, for the most part, content to turn my back on the growing hullabaloo surrounding the movie. Instead, I’m going to re-focus on the book. What a concept, right? In that vein, this Shopping for the Bookworm is dedicated to all things F. Scott Fitzgerald/Gatsby. Enjoy! Continue reading
Shopping for the Bookworm: New England Transcendentalists Edition
For some reason, I have been thinking a lot about the New England Transcendentalists. Maybe it is the image of Margaret Fuller that stares down at me from one of my inspiration boards. Whatever the cause, it is a fine subject to be preoccupied with on a lovely Spring day. In honor of today’s one-track thought process, I’ve collected an inspiring and eclectic group of NET-inspired goodies. Enjoy!
This shop is so full of literary-themed profiles that every visit requires a gargantuan exercise in restraint. I want them all, I went them all now! Continue reading
Visiting The Book Loft in Columbus: Where is human nature so weak as in the bookstore?
Books. I love ’em. If you’ve been following my Project 366 (A Year in Books) you know that I am not picky about where I buy them. Although I play no favourites, there is one bookstore I could happily spend the rest of my life in: The Book Loft in Columbus. It is my paradise, my succor. My idea of the happiest place on earth. Time stops in its narrow aisles and cramped corners. Continue reading
Shopping for the Bookworm: Edgar Allan Poe Edition
The Raven, a thriller starring John Cusack as Edgar Allan Poe, arrives in theatres later this month. In anticipation, I’ve collected the best and weirdest Poe-themed goodies from Etsy. Enjoy!

Edgar Allan Poe-Handpainted Wooden Kokeshi Doll by Licoricewits. $17.00.
I have no idea what I would do with him but he is adorable!

Edgar Allan Poe Painting-1-inch Scale Dollhouse Miniature by Particularly Unusual. $7.00.
I do not own a dollhouse but I want this anyway. Is that creepy?

Scrabble Tile Pendant-The Works of Edgar Allan Poe by Missing Pieces Studio. $6.95.
What a quirky, bookish piece of jewelry!

Edgar Allan Poe Pillow by Old Village Hall. $60.00.
Your guests will think twice before settling on your couch.

Zombie Edgar Allan Poe Poster Print by Erika Jane. $10.00.
What an inspired combination!

Tales of Mystery and Imagination Book Purse by Novel Creations. $47.00.
A new way to carry your favourite book with you.

Edgar Allan Poe-Pop Art Spray Paint Canvas by Mr Slappy. $30.00.
You can call me morbid, but I really want this for my studio.
Diversions-15 April 2012
- The Fictional Characters Birthday Calendar on Flavorwire is the best thing I have seen all year! Unfortunately, I share a birthday with a character from Type-Moon. Oh, well, it is still a fun bit of fluff.

Fictional Character Birthday Calendars-July. Image courtesy of Flavorwire.
- When I saw the amazing band Alabama Shakes in concert back in December, I knew they were standing on the edge of big-time success. Their free show at a local dive bar brought out a few hundred of us die-hards. My friend and I were lucky enough to spend about 40 minutes chatting with the entire band; we even shared pet pics with Brittany (she has a bunny!). Now their first album has dropped and the Alabama Shakes are everywhere. Including on Letterman. Check out this brief profile of the band on Bust Magazine‘s blog, which includes footage of their recent Late Show performance.
- I’ve been doing yoga and pilates for years. When I recently saw my first pair of Blake Brody In-Studio Footwear ballerina flats, I squealed. Meant to be worn while working out, they combine comfort and eco-consciousness with serious style. They’re slightly pricey (for me, anyway) but I’m eager to invest in a pair, as I know I will get more than my money’s worth. By the time I decide between the Amanda and the Daryl, I should have enough dosh to make the purchase!

The Daryl in Leopard by Blake Brody. Image courtesy of blakebrody.com.
- The closer I get to going home, the more homesick I become! I’m really looking forward to my (brief) visit in early May. Until then, I’m stalking Etsy for reminders of Columbus. I love this photo by illumiquest.

Columbus Ohio Downtown Photograph by illumisquest. Photo courtesy of illumiquest on Etsy.
- The closer I get to going home, the more homesick I become! I’m really looking forward to my (brief) visit in early May. Until then, I’m stalking Etsy for reminders of Columbus. I love this photo by illumiquest.
Shopping for the Bookworm: Mystic Moose Book Bags
Since I usually schlep around half a dozen books on my petite person, not to mention all manner of writing paraphernalia, I cannot have too many tote bags (or, that’s what I tell myself whenever I whip out my debit card to add another to my collection). I buy them like some people buy socks or lip balm, which is to say frequently. Continue reading
Diversions-7 April 2012
Here are some recent discoveries from around the ‘net. They are not all literary based but they are still compelling.
- Few things in life beat the sensory joy-fest of clutching a book in your palms. But my love for the written word is too large to be contained by inky pages alone; I’m greedy, I want to read all of the words in the world! This voraciousness has forced me to accept technology in all of its modern mediums, from a Nook to downloadable PDF books. I still buy way too many physical volumes, as curling up with a glowing and buzzing machine is a huge atmospheric mood killer. However, since so many classics are free, it’s painless to give them a test-run before buying a real-life copy. I don’t do that as much as I should because I am a really compulsive book shopper; wandering through aisles between stacked books makes me absurdly happy. But there are times when I appreciate the chance to read something for free without hoofing it to the library. Finding a free downloadable PDF of Alan Watts’ ‘On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are’ is definitely one of those times. I’ve never gotten around to reading this volume-until now. You can find it here.
- Sal at Already Pretty has a thoughtful, well-mannered piece about defying cultural expectations about dressing as we ladies get older. I’m an extremist and fierce individualist with authority issues, so I am not about to turn into a pearl-wringing, neutral-wearing forty-something when the time comes. Although she doesn’t take the discussion as far as I think it needs to go, it’s nice to see it discussed at all.
- The lovely Gala Darling gives detailed pointers about how to have an at-home retreat. Yes, please.
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Vintage hand-painted suitcase by bluebernice
Would it be a bit odd for me to pack a suitcase for that at-home retreat? If I had this one, I definitely would!
- Marc Wavra is a fantastic Cincinnati-based photographer-artist. I’ve been crushing on his colourful images for a few months now.
- I came across this scrumptious Grilled Portobello and Peach Burgers recipe by Green Kitchen Stories on Design Sponge just in time for grilling season. I want it in my belly now! The photographs are guaranteed to make your jaw drop and mouth water.

