Book Ends

An afternoon at a used book shop has got me feeling very You've Got Mail. In other words, I'm uber excited, feeling rather perky and creative. I have this sort of joy and zeal in my eyes.

"What will NY152 say today, I wonder. I turn on my computer. I wait impatiently as it connects. I go online, and my breath catches in my chest until I hear three little words: you've got mail. I hear nothing. Not even a sound on the streets of New York, just the beating of my own heart. I have mail. From you." -- Kathleen Kelly

I know what you're thinking, "Stay on track, Ashley!" So anyway, I visited the store with the intent to pick up some cheap art books and create a hanging lantern like this:

While it may be  a little overdone, I think they're charming! 

I plan to hang mine over the sofa/sleeper in our bedroom to give the space some texture and personality.

It would have been too easy to just pick up some random cheap old books. I want my lantern to have some meaning behind it. Much to my surprise, after five minutes of sifting through stacks of books about the Renaissance and Japanese watercolors (boring), I found a book of essays by Clement Greenberg. Cue the hallelujah chorus. This is just the source of inspiration I was hoping for. 

I first was introduced to Greenberg at Mizzou in a contemporary art class. I was absolutely smitten with my professor, and she ignited this passion inside me for abstract expressionism specifically. Some of Greenberg's essays were assigned as class reading material. His words paired with my instructor's adoration and knowledge made something click inside me. As cliche as it sounds, I'll never be the same. It upped the ante for me in my world of art awareness. My love for impressionistic greats like van Gogh and Matisse suddenly broadened to modern masters like Frankenthaler, Motherwell, Rauschenberg, etc. 

I'm absolutely delighted by the treasures I found at Book Ends. If you're unsure as to how you should spend you next free afternoon, I would encourage you to seek out an old bookstore. I know that you'll find something fabulous. Here are a few of the items I brought home...

And after a day filled with excitement, I didn't think it could get any better... I stopped by the Post Office to pick up an unexpected package. I was initially worried I ordered something and forgot about it. I knew I hadn't ordered anything from Canada. I was thinking, "Could it be the dog's heartworm meds? That seems rather shady." In a state of panic, I ripped open the box in the parking lot and found this little gem smiling at me inside the box.

My mom sent me this vintage VW bug she found on etsy. I think it's precious!

And because I'm feeling rather giving, enjoy this bouquet of sharpened pencils. From me, to you...

Oh Happy Day!

Toodles,

ANF