Tag: South Wales

Book dust and the curious world of ‘Book-ish’

It was like opening a book jacket into a giant book, when I opened the door into ‘Book-ish’, located in Crickhowell.  I looked up at the words ‘Book Dust’ above the shop door and let it settle on me.

I was Alice in Wonderland, as I explored the various rooms; and it became ‘curiouser and curiouser’.  Besides the books, treasures greeted me in every nook and cranny.  There were: cards, bags, soft toys, baubles, ornaments, but no sign of Captain Hook.

Passing through magical corridor from the main bookshop, I heard a little boy saying, “Wow!” to his mother, as they followed a staircase down into the children’s section.

And I hope that the little boy managed to find Harry Potter under the stairs, or perhaps he found some ‘read me labels’. Beyond the magical corridor, I was greeted with the aroma of coffee, alas there were no seats.

A gentleman, wearing a white shirt and waistcoat, looked up from his book. “Oh dear!” he declared. “I think there’s more seating upstairs.” he muttered, into his book.

Upstairs, there was a beautiful loft with a picture window framing a view of the Brecon Beacons, and plenty of seating.  A selection of wine was on display behind the bar that was decorated with lots of books. Various word and book games were scattered around for the customers to enjoy.  Clearly, this bookshop has been set up by a true book lover who values time to read, chat and eat. The ‘Book-ish’ cake menu has been designed to tempt the reader to stay. I chose The Queen of Hearts’ Bakewell Tarts. ‘Book-ish’ is a haven from the chaotic pace of modern life and a bibliophile’s dream.

I was writing for some time and taking pictures of the treasures, but no one asked questions.  I had entered a world of like-minded bookworms.  It felt as if I had travelled into cyberspace to meet my virtual friends.  Indeed, I was delighted that Sara Gethin’s book, ‘Not Thomas’ was there to keep me company.  The bookshop also hosts events in the loft space, and I couldn’t help wondering if Heidi also lives up there too.  I did find out that ‘The Snowman’ will be brought to life in the bookshop by Looby Lou.  I stayed in the shop for some time and imagined hosting a Books in Handbag meeting. I visualised bags and bags of books like a stairway to Heidi’s star filled sky.

I purchased a book entitled ‘Kindness: the little thing that matters the most’, by Jaimie Thurston. Indeed, the bookshop owner is spreading kindness to her customers by providing a reading space and not limiting time in the shop.  My Twitter and Facebook friends will understand my delight when I was handed my treasure in a brown bag that read, ‘BOOKS ARE MY BAG.’ I also discovered that the bookshop opened in the same month I launched my Books in my Handbag Blog.

Closing the door on the Bookish Narnia, I felt happy that I would return before the ‘Book Dust’ settles.  In the meantime, I must spread the word amongst my bookish community. Please don’t be late for this ‘very important date’ at ‘Book-ish’: a feast for the bookworm’s senses!

‘Sharing good news spreads positivity, changes attitudes and ultimately leads to more people feeling happy and encouraged.’

Kindness: the little thing that matters the most’, by Jaimie Thurston

 

Please see all my adventures at Handbag Adventures and my blog at jessiecahalin.com.

 

Treasure the World Around You

An ancient solitary tree beckoned me to attempt a footpath through a wheatfield

Walking has been a gift throughout this year. I feel fitter and healthier because we have walked over twenty miles a week. During the jaunts, we have discovered new destinations in our local area and opened our eyes to the natural world; ever-changing light also worked its magic.

I had no idea how many local lanes we ignored during twenty years of living in beautiful South Wales. Adventures were confined to the familiar tourist destinations, yet there were places on the doorstep. We discovered a lane in Michaelstone that leads to a footpath across farmland. An ancient solitary tree beckoned us to attempt a footpath through a wheatfield, and we were rewarded with a view of the Somerset coast. Once we reached the tree, we encountered a man following the same route. He made us aware of the original road ancient travellers used to reach London, and we considered how landmarks such as trees would have been landmarks in ancient times. As the man talked, he looked out to sea because his ancestors used to live in Somerset in the eighteenth century, and said he felt connected to them. Was he waiting for them to return? He seemed to disappear very suddenly into the distance.

It felt as if nature had conspired to present us with a glimpse of a Monet painting.

Though we have walked the same routes many times now, seasons and sightings of wildlife have rewarded us with different perspectives. Previously, we may not have had time to see the dragonfly waiting on a tree or spot bees on flowers. We never really paid attention to the livestock in the fields close to the house, or the progress of crops in the farmer’s fields. During the dark days of lockdown, we searched for colour and found it in our garden. Bluebells stood proud at the back of our garden and enhanced the character of the tiny shed. Furthermore, alliums planted in autumn 2019 presented vibrant displays throughout the spring and summer, attracting bees, insects and birds.

When Lockdown eased, we were able to visit Dryham Park in South Gloucestershire and could not believe our luck when we were able to get close enough to photograph deer in the park.

When Lockdown eased, we were able to visit Dryham Park in South Gloucestershire and could not believe our luck when we were able to get close enough to photograph deer in the park. The presence of these magnificent creatures had a calming effect. Dyffryn House, closer to home, tested us with torrential rain when we visited but we endured it and captured images of the rain sparkling on lily pads. It felt as if nature had conspired to present us with a glimpse of a Monet painting.

Our lives have been fraught with challenges, but seasons have remained constant and soothed us. Wildlife continue to keep themselves busy with their daily lives and remain calm until they sense a predator. There is so much to see in your local area if you look closely.

Bluebells adorned the back of our garden and enhanced the character of the tiny shed

All the best for 2021!

Have you discovered hidden treasure in your local area during lockdown?