Thursday, November 19, 2015

Thursday Thoughts...

“When I open them, most of the books have the smell of an earlier time leaking out between the pages - a special odor of the knowledge and emotions that for ages have been calmly resting between the covers. Breathing it in, I glance through a few pages before returning each book to its shelf.” 

Haruki Murakami

This quote about old books in old bookshops perhaps, is just so right.  I have been trying to work out what it is about old books that I love so much. Is it their tatty covers? their thick pages? their smell? their stories?

All I know is that I feel like adopting each and every old book I come across; I feel like rescuing them and I'm not sure quite why. I thought I might want to make something with them, but I don't always want to.  Sure, I sometimes use old Reader's Digest pages to make pouches for my pebbles or for Barry's earrings; but I rarely pick up a beautiful old book and want to make something with it.

Somehow it is more personal than that. There is definitely something wonderful about holding them in your hands, feeling their age and history; the weight of them, the wonders they offer you inside, and yes...the smell of ages.


I took this photo in the studio of a wonderful Japanes printmaker in Tatebayashi on our last cultural exchange - it shows a beautiful old book I so wanted to hold.

The main reason I chose it today is because I was hunting for pink - along with Jennifer and Julie. The soft, worn, faded to pink, cover of this book just captured all the emotions of this quote for me.

To see other pinks from around the world - have a look a Jennifer and Julie's blogs.

6 comments:

  1. What loveliness and exquisite words that book must hold! Thank you for including Roy in your Thursday thoughts once again. Enjoy!

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    1. I think so too J - I enjoy the challenge of matching photos and colours to words!

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  2. The photo of the book is perfect, and makes me think of all the wonderful things about old books that you listed above, including the smell. I do make things out of old books sometimes, but there are many that I can't bear to cut up, and they become objects that decorate and enrich my home.

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    1. That sounds a fair bit like me Sharmon - some are just beautiful items to have around you aren't they? Go well.

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  3. A wonderful revelation of love for old books and the photo speaks of that love and with pink.

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    1. Thank you! The book was a lovely connection tot he quote and the colour... go well.

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I appreciate your thoughts and comments; thanks for taking the time.