Lazing around Le Square du Vert-Galant
Pont Neuf Bridge
Luxembourg Gardens
Spring. Is. Amazing.
It makes me want to dance!
I really have nothing else to say.
I am a sun worshipper, which sometimes makes it inconvenient to live in such an often gray place. But that probably makes the parting of the clouds feel more like a revelation, a nice day a tiny slice of heaven.
That would make this week hands-down fabulous.
And what else makes me happy?
Books!
Yes, it was also that time of year when SOS Help had their semiannual booksale. This time I came with a rolling suitcase. I was not playing around.
“Is that yours?” a woman asked, pointing at my suitcase.
“Yes,” I say, as I thumb through some of the loot I’d selected, asking myself if I really needed all of these books. (Answer: I needed 40).
“You brought a suitcase? Wow. Can I take your picture?”
I nod, only a tinge embarrassed. (Hey, it’s just a carry-on! I spied someone with a full-on transatlantic checked luggage type of suitcase!)
I don’t really mind, though. I’m a poster girl for good reads and warm sunshine?
Joy, joy, joy!
Has spring hit where you are yet?
paris (im)perfect 
Love it! The weather has been spectacular! And FORTY books! WOO HOO! Way to go! I went with my friend, Karin C, yesterday, too, but not until about 2:30 or 3 pm, by which time there were still *lots* of books, but I think that most of the best/newest/most interesting had been snapped up. I came away with 11, though, one a hardcover, and I am very happy with what I found. I was due to go see the Ai Weiwei exhibit at the Jeu de Paume afterwards, so I could only buy what I could carry & store in one of the lockers they provide there. No suitcase for me (you were not the only one, though. I saw a guy hauling one out of there, too. There are some book lovers in Paris, for certain!). I’m so happy that you supported SOS Help so well, though.
Good times, no? Springtime and books can’t be beat!!
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I actually just recounted. Forty-TWO! Yep, maybe I go a little overboard.
What’s kind of cool with the selection is that you’re exposed to so many different types of books. They may not be the newest releases, but it means I’m picking up books that I might not have thought to pick up otherwise – and often I’ve been so surprised and delighted. I’m trying to read far and wide.
And OMG. I cannot believe how beautiful it has been. Despite the name of this blog, right now Paris is PERFECT! ; )
Glad you’re enjoying spring, too!
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I missed the book sale again!! Argh. I would’ve loved to see you roll up with that carry-on bag! 🙂 Hope you got yourself some good reads.
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You’ll have to set an alarm in your online calendar to remind you of the next one! I seriously depend on the sales to stock up for the next season.
And yes, some people were amused when I walked in with the suitcase. A volunteer asked if I was there to donate books when I wheeled it in. Sheepishly I responded I hadn’t brought any; I was there to haul them away!
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In Paris with books? What could be better!
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So great!
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Down here in Bordeaux, the sun is out and life is good. I’ve got two or three books going, so I sympathize. Addictions ARE hard to overcome!
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At least it’s a pretty healthy addiction! Glad the sun is shining for you, too!
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WHERE is this book sale?! And is it still on?! Respect when it comes to your suitcase is all I have to say! 🙂
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Oh, Milsters. It’s only a one day sale every 6 months. I tweeted about it and put a post up on Facebook in advance, but maybe I should do a quick post about it in advance, too.
SOS Help is also a great organization – all proceeds go to them. http://www.soshelpline.org/events.html
And yes. The suitcase was a winner. I’ve done enough sales to know I’d had enough of the heavy, overflowing bags weighing me down. Wheels all the way from here on out ; )
Come to the next one!
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I am not on Twitter!!! *sobs* I feel like I miss out on so much stuff because of this alone, but I *cannot* go on Twitter… I have an addictive personality and it would just be… bad. Very bad. I guess I shall have to wait another 6 months!! Please can you post about it before you go next time! LOL I will come, suitcase loyally at my side.
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Oh, if you have an addictive personality, definitely stay away from Twitter. I know of what I speak. 🙂 I’d imagine Facebook is the same, too? I’m over there, too. I’ll try to write a reminder post next time. I think a majority of my readers are in the US which is why I stopped writing reminder posts, but for you, dear Milsters, I’ll try to remember ; )
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In the 6 month gaps between these sales, perhaps we should organise some kind of book swap – or are you one of those people that cannot bear to give a book away after you’ve read it?
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Adam, I’m trying to work on my issues with books. I actually *am* one of those people who has trouble parting with a book after I’ve read it (if I’ve liked it, I mean. I can part with it if I didn’t like it. But giving books I don’t like to people isn’t very nice!)
I love lending books out – but then I want them back. So swap and then swap back ; )
You know those book swap parties at Le Carmen? Yeah, I’ve failed miserably each time simply because there are few books I can part with. Just seeing a book I had a good experience with on my bookshelf makes me happy.
You’re welcome to come browse and borrow, though! I love borrowing books, too.
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I now realise I have too many books and not enough space to keep them, so I think the time has come for me to give some away. Like you, my favourites will stay with me, but there are plenty of ‘good’ books I’d be happy to see go to a good home.
The problem with Le Carmen is that it is very much an image thing,with the accompanying pressure of being seen with the right book (can a book be a fashion accessory? Probably…). At my book swap, people would be welcome to bring all the embarrassing stuff too – I’ve got plenty!
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Your book swap sounds like my kind of swap then. I agree about Le Carmen. Shocking discovery (or um, obvious disclosure): I’m just not hip enough.
I am more than happy to take some of those good books off your hands. If you’re trying to make space, I wouldn’t have to give you any of mine. Hey…this is actually starting to sound like the perfect arrangement!
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I would totally be in for a book swap!! I am moving at the end of this week and need to “get rid” of some of my books. 😦
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Oh, where are you moving? I’m heading back for a long trip to the States next week so don’t have much time to organize a swap at the moment. But hey, if you want to come drop off your books, I won’t turn them down 😉
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The suitcase — pure inspiration on your part!! Your weekend indeed sounded good. Happy reading Sion!
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Thank you. I was quite happy about the suitcase idea, myself ; )
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I don’t think there is such a thing as too many books. I’m envious of your carry-on-full score! I’ve been sick with one thing or another since the middle of January, and have been really giving amazon.com a workout – if I have to be on the couch or in bed so much, it’s going to be with a good book, and that’s all there is to it.
Also envious of the Parisian sunshine you shared. Oh, Paris.
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I know, not sure there’s such a thing as too many books, either. Well, too many books to read! So, so many I’ll never get to.
Sorry you’ve been sick. Hope spring and sun finds you soon!
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!!! What else can I say?
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I wanna know if you can get through the book ‘Consider the Lobster’ ehh ?! 🙂
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Yeah, David Foster Wallace is dense, right? For 1 euro a book, though, thought it was worth a try! I’ll report back ; )
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A fellow bibliophile:) I would have loved to have been there- even just to browse. I can no longer indulge myself as much though, have a space issue and am a very reluctant ebook reader at the moment.
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Yep, space is definitely an issue. I’ll have to part with a few books before the next sale.
I’m also a reluctant ebook reader. Trying to decide whether I’ll pick one up when I’m back in the States to try it out or not. We’ll see!
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