Those of you who are long-time readers will recognize the Library and World HQ of Easy & Elegant Life. Books have always been a great escape for both me and Mrs. E. Happily, our daughter is proving to be a reader, too.
With all that has changed during the crisis at hand, one thing has helped to keep me grounded, reading. Thanks to Amazon and ABE, Barnes and Noble and Bookshop I’ve been able to feed my habit with great ease. Actually, it’s been too easy and I’m now committed to reading what I’ve bought before I buy more. All the bookshelves here and upstairs are full anyway. Most of the flat surfaces are covered too.
When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes. Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam, Letter to Jacob Batt (12 April 1500); Collected Works of Erasmus Vol 1 (1974)
Where I made my mistake was to order and read the modern equivalent of Plague literature: Loner by Wayne, Engleby by Faulks, and waiting on the table beside me is The Road by McCarthy. These will not put me in the sunniest mood. Fortunately I stumbled across a pile of books under a side table and pulled out a copy of Mastering the Art of French Eating: Lessons in Food and Love From A Year in Paris by Ann Mah, which inspired me to make steak-frites a couple of nights ago. Homemade frites aren’t that tough, although a frying/candy thermometer would have helped. We Learn Nothing by Kreider just made me laugh out loud; much needed.
Must get my mask on and answer the door; a case and a half of wine is being delivered. Apologies to Erasmus, but my tailor is waiting on some shirting fabric for the foreseeable future.
What are you reading these days?
Dear Chris,
Yes, your home looks very much like others in regard to books and more books.
Hoping that in the not so far future I will find the time to sit down and read our physical books that I’ve never had the time to read… Always on the go, preparing for another seminar or writing manuals etc. and traveling world wide for our consulting.
Will start serious typing next week for self publishing our updated and final book about Modern Mushroom Growing 2020 and zHarvesting.
Quite a challenge but it sure has helped me so far to sail through this social distancing period. For both of us, the days are far too short; never a boring moment.
Best wishes to you and yours and so happy your daughter got the same genes!
Mariette
Chris, I think my book buying habits are keeping Amazon in business. The Amazon driver did drop off your book to me a week or so ago and I am looking forward to a relaxing day sometime in the near future that will include learning from the sartorial master.
I am picking up your book today from our local bookstore since they offer curb side pick up! I am also picking up Drinking French by David Lebovitz as a Mother’s Day gift for my wife, and a few children’s books for my kids. I have to finish 21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari, and then I will get to Colonel Sun, which I picked up from my local used bookstore before lock down.
My Mother bought me a sweatshirt with the Erasmus quote when I was in college, and I’ve held on to it since it reminds me of her, and the love of reading we shared.
Nick, How was Colonel Sun? I keep meaning to get a copy.