When I was very young I had a book (The Women's Room, Marilyn French) that proclaimed very loudly on the front cover 'This book will change your life!' It didn't. There are other books, that come in quietly, under the radar, making no such empty promises but changing your life in ways you can never imagine. Mistress Of Myself is such a book. When I found this book I was immediately drawn to the lovely drawing on the cover. Once I started reading Mrs Robert Henrey's book I so closely identified with her writing that I couldn't put it down. It is the story of a woman approaching middle age who was questioning everything and looking for a new raison d'etre.
Then, this unassuming tome helped me find mine. It was after reading this book that I decided I wanted to do something creative, additional to my day job. So, I started a shop on Etsy. I slowly put a few books on, and since that day last year I haven't looked back. I 've found something I love doing, and it gives me a perfect excuse to hang out in book shops. This week the book that started it all was snapped up. I do hope it has the same positive effect on it's new owner, I think of it passing through women's lives like a paper Mary Poppins, quietly making a positive change and moving on to the next owner when it's work is done.
About the author, Mrs Robert Henrey;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madeleine_Henrey
Etsy shop;
oooh, sounds a good one - I shall track it down! I've bought several books in the past that have promised to change my life, but they haven't! Or, to be fair, perhaps there's an insidious trickle of ideas that make you think differently later? Thanks for your comment :)
ReplyDeleteWell, I found you via a comment you left on another blog, and found a fellow bibliophile. I sell antiquarian and collectible books on Ebay! It has always been my dream to have a bookshop, and since this isn't going to happen, this is the next best thing, and as you say, an excuse to look around bookshops, looking for books to sell on - my first foray was using a joblot bought at an auction and turned out to be financially very successful. Some books though, I can't bear to part with..... I have read Mrs Henry, but can't recall this one so will need to look out for it.
ReplyDeleteI like your blog and will be back....
VTT thank you, I think most good books leave me percolating for a few days afterwards. Hope the weather turning over the next few days doesn't halt your builders impressive progress.
ReplyDeleteMaggie - Thank you, it's good to hear I'm not the only one to have difficulty in letting go of books too. I haven't had the courage to go to an auction yet. That seems like a very grown up thing to do!
Just discovered your lovely blog (via Maggie's), and as a book addict, I am delighted to have done so!
ReplyDeleteSo, you have found yourself a proper reason for hanging out in lovely old bookshops - very clever! Look forward to following.
B@WA - Thank you for your kind comment. I was very inspired by the photography on your blog. Good luck with getting your jewellery business online and running in the new year.
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