When I cross the threshold of a used book sale it is akin to sending an ice cream addict into a room filled with vats of ice cream in every possible flavor at rock bottom prices. It is exhilarating, breathtaking and dangerous.
The Kern County Library hosts these events especially for people like me several times a year.
This year I visited three times and I put limits on myself.
I partook but I didn’t become ill from over-the-top binge book buying.
I boldly set my limits and kept them.
On the final day, when all books are half off, I scanned the table marked “vintage.”
I found a book from 1893. It was a collection of John Ruskin speeches given as a gift, complete with an inscription.
I stood, perfectly still, and noticed a man on the other side of the table. He and I had earlier had a silent exchange over a box filled with vintage poetry. I waited for his hands to slide over and pass by a collection before I gleefully picked it up.
When he managed to get directly across from me, I couldn’t help myself. I caught his eye and said, “I found one from 1893.”
He put his collection of Rousseau aside and said, “Really? A first edition?”
I spurted a gleeful, “I’m not sure!” as I handed my treasure to him for a brief perusal.
“Ohh… and you got a hand written inscription…” he said, admiration coming from deep in his throat.
“I know!” I squeaked. I may have actually flapped my hands in jubilance at this point. "It was back when John Ruskin was a hot ticket!" I figured if he knew Rosseau he must also know Ruskin. He must proud to be a super nerd, too.
He handed the book back to me and I went on my merry way.
It takes boldness to be as quirky as I am and perhaps for you to embrace as quirky as you are. I remember my early thirties when I tried so hard to fit into someone else’s mold.
I would never have allowed myself to look as foolish OR as passionate as I did in those moments back then. It was like there was a stopper, a fear of allowing myself to be fully me.
Today I a consistently ridiculously, wonderfully me. The things that I would have been embarrassed about in the past are things people love the most about me now.
I don’t even bother asking the perpetual, “What took me so long?” question anymore.
Everything is right as it should be, including me with my silly, quirky, uniquely me behavior.
Boldly tell me something quirky about you. (Your secrets are safe with me!)
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© 2014
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The question is making sure to carve out the time and to document it all in a way you'll enjoy reading about bold choices in a most authentic, real-me voice.
I'm grateful you are reading.