A wonderful family popped into the store this morning and spent a good portion of the morning going through the children’s books - old and collectibles. They do not like new books. I’m not sure how old the three boys were. I’m going to guess 8 and 6 years and an eight-month old. They once lived in South Africa. Now they live in lower New England but do quite a bit of traveling. I’m sure the mother told me she home schools. They were all just so clever, so polite, so pleasant. By far one of the most enjoyable families that have come in. I felt sad when they decided to leave the store. They were heading to Shelburne Museum next. While they were here the mom discovered my stash of items I have found in books used as bookmarks. One item she found were some loose Chinese/English flashcards. The boys were able to say what the word on the card was. What an amazing family! Obviously I gave them the cards. And a few other items that she found in the basket. It just feels great to share the discovery and pleasure of bookmarks with someone who appreciates them as I do. Needless to say, I will always remember that family and wish them much success and happiness. Oh, another family came in during the afternoon - I hope they are regulars as I think it’s been their third visit - not that I’m keeping track. The daughter is an avid reader and just so cute! She must be about 8 years old. Very intelligent. Children are so great aren’t they? Well, most are. I won’t go into the one family that came in yesterday who’s mother had no control of her brood. Still finding children’s books tucked into the adult area. How did they sneak them there? We were watching them…and the chair from the children’s corner. How did they manage???
So what have I found tucked into books? Here’s some of the items: crocheted cross, photographs, cards (handmade and store bought, some new some old), store receipts, bookmarks from bookstores, postcards, recipes (like rhubarb & custard pie. Yum!), Saint and prayer cards (praying to finish the book?), hall pass (did they make it back to their class?), jokers from a deck of cards, a map of Capri, house chart to the 1961 House of Representatives, doctor appointment reminder cards (did they remember?), a valentine (”I’ve “booked you” as my Valentine Teacher dear!” from Bradley. How cute!), Triple Blue Stamps, doodles, long expired grocery store coupons, plane tickets, used envelopes, event passes, report cards, book plates, and many pressed flowers including four leaf clovers. A couple of items to note would be a Tex Ritter Amigo Club card, an advertisement card promoting “Wampole’s” Tasteless Preparation of an EXTRACT of COD Liver”, and a Dave Winfield Padres card (value?), and a Defense Stamp Album and so on. Nothing really special but all so interesting don’t you think? I’m going to set up a display with all the stuff soon. Won’t that be fun? Oh yes, if I know the owner I return any valuable items including photos. And I don’t sell them.
Nice to take a break from ’sorting, pricing, shelving’. Ah!
