Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Favorite Places Tuesday...On Wednesday, An Addendum

I did a bad, bad thing. In yesterday's post, I failed to show you the adorable gift my mom made for me. She drew me this little dude...and then had him framed. He hangs out in my bathroom now and I smile every time I see him. Towl. What a hoot.

I also failed to mention the extremely generous donations made to my Tuition Savings Fund, also known as the "Call-It-Your-Tuition-Savings-Fund-And-Then-Blow-It-All-At Powell's Fund" from Brian's family, whom I adore.

Speaking of Powell's Books, that brings us to Favorite Places Tuesday.

This store, also known as "The City" is the largest book store in the world. That's right, in the world. And it's right here in Portland, Oregon. The shelves at Powell's boast over 1,000,000 volumes in any subject you could ever dream of. Used and new books sit side by side on the shelves, the prices are remarkable, and it smells like coffee and pages. A little (or city block sized) slice of heaven, you might say.

When I walk into Powell's the first thing I do is grab a map. Yes, a map. This isn't Border's, people. Then I make a b-line to the Blue Room which houses literature, poetry, and classics. It is here that I stand, my head tilted all the way back, my jaw hanging open as I read the titles on the top shelf twelve feet above me. Too high, you say? Well, here's a ladder.If I'm not convincing you enough that this place is magical, here's a direct quote from the website. "Any minute now an owl will swoop out of the ceiling, snatch a paperback from one of the endcaps, and make off to read in peace somewhere in Reference. Owls live here, you can sense it." Oh, I can sense it alright.

Next I wander into the Rose Room, where children's books of every kind lie in wait for me on the shelves. I have found some used gems here, I tell you. On the cheap, too.Brian and I brought my mom to Powell's a few weeks back and she honestly didn't know what to do with herself. I think she was overwhelmed. Needless to say, she walked out with a small stack of books and has since reported that she loves them dearly. Ahhh, the conversion is sweet!

If you come to visit us in the Great Northwest, I will take you to Powell's myself. And there is no need to be sad that you don't live near The City, because their entire inventory is available online.

Oh, no, no. It was my pleasure.

10 comments:

Mellanee said...

Cute blog Belina. Interesting that "POWLs" would use OWLS to invite YOU to their store. LOL
Luv You
MOM

Unknown said...

Are there any books with pictures?

Kaylynn said...

I love book stores!

Liv said...

Whoa. And I thought the "Book Shelf" in Ogden was big. It's nothing compared to yours!!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE NOT READING!!

Kimba said...

I remember when we went here the first time. Or maybe it was just my first time. Either way, I found that book, that Confessions of a Slacker Wife book, and laughed my head off. And then I burst into tears, uncontrollable tears, and freaked you and Bridge out.

I still loved Powells though. :) Even if I got lost and only saw a tiny part of it. And I LOVE the smell of old bookstores.

Kimba said...

Also, Mellanee, Mom #2. LOVE the Towl! You've always been clever...clever enough to discover when three girls are trying to be EXTRA nice and clean your house....for our own selfish sleepover purposes...

Leslie said...

I absolutely have to visit Powells some day. It sounds like a pure slice of heaven...
Actually, visiting YOU would be even better. Are you guys coming for Christmas? Let's plan on getting together. Even if it has to be late at night since Christmas time is so busy. Let me know when you will be here and I will plan it.

heather said...

TOWL. Genius. I saw a doormat at Target last week that Payton loved. I liked it too but thought it would be more for you. (I can't go stealing your THING now, that would be LAME.)

lauren said...

um, i seriously think that i would achieve nirvana in that place, and i'm not even buddhist.