Category Archives: books

Ad Absurdum

One of my classes is turning into a nightmare for technical reasons. My book orders aren’t going through for half of the books. Something about not being able to order from the publisher or something. For one of them the publisher is Norton. When did Norton stop selling books to schools?

Then to make things a little more absurd (ridiculous?), one of the book buyers asked if I could maybe email the author. You want me to email Goethe? I had a pretty hectic day, this just pushed me over the edge, and I started laughing. Generally I am slightly more tactful and professional. I just sat there laughing uncontrollably for what seemed like forever, but was actually more like three minutes. I composed myself and explained that Mr. Goethe is a tad indisposed right now and I would have better luck waiting for Godot.

In the meantime, if anyone needs me, I will be on the phone with Mr. Shelley.

Bookstores and Fairies

I went to a bookstore I have been wanting to go to for some time up in Ventura. I didn’t have the kids today, so I took a day to go wander around.

My Riverside Chaucer is basically falling apart, and I need a new one (new to me, not necessarily brand new, but in better condition than the one I have). When I went up north last weekend I couldn’t find any complete works of Chaucer at any of the book stores. I decided to try this bookstore that I used to love.

They specialize in rare books, and things not normally found in other stores. I spent over an hour in here, but did not find what I was looking for. They had only one Canterbury Tales collection, but it was translated, and badly at that. I did find some nice french novels since I need to refresh my skills there, and a book on medieval life. I got those, but still no Chaucer.
I wondered around until I came across a different store that pretty much sold everything under the sun. I found their book section, and even though they didn’t have Chaucer, they had this:

I sat on the floor with it for a while, reading all the marginalia the previous owner left. It was interesting, and definitely something I want in my collection. This thing weighs almost as much as I do (and I know, having carried it all around Ventura today), so I think I will still be using my Riverside one for everyday reading.

Had lunch at a nice restaurant where I amused myself with the writing on the walls:

Then I found a store that sold all sorts of little whimsical things. I found some beautiful fairies that I would love to own, and Ally would adore:

Unfortunately these things cost a fortune, so I didn’t get them. They had dozens more, and I had to leave before I spent hundreds of dollars on ceramic fairies that I don’t actually need. One day very soon Ally and I will start our little Fairy Corner where we will collect these.

The rest of the day was rather uneventful. Went home, boxed things up, threw things away, found things I didn’t even know I had, donated things, and cleaned. Tomorrow I am taking the kids and my mom for a special outing. I am excited!