BookCrossing.com

One website that I'm a huge fan of is BookCrossing.com. I love not only the idea of recycling books, but that once a book is registered, it can be followed on it's journey. (Each book that is registered has it's own BookCrossing ID--BCID--with release notes and journal entries associated with it.)

Even though I heard of the website years ago, I signed up when I found (or "caught") a book that was registered on the site when in Nelson, New Zealand. I myself have "caught" two books, and released several. Often times it may not get journalled when it's caught, but when it is, it's fun to see where it goes and what people think of it. I'm finally reading some books I've had for a long time, and since this bibliophile has far too many books to keep, I'm hoping to release some in the Spencer area.

I've already left one at Shaky Tree and plan on leaving some more as I read them. I'm hoping to spread the BookCrossing word and get some more people involved. The more books there are to "hunt" for the more fun it will be!

Fluff

There's this little store that I've been hearing about called Fluff. It's in the same building as Southern Archery down on Hwy 18 heading east. It's an antique/vintage store where you can pick up anything from a dining room table to a pair of gloves. The best part is the first room that's sort of like a boutique filled with all sorts of glam/Hollywood little items: jewelry, delicate clutch purses, fur shrugs, etc., etc. It certainly is fun to look.

I picked up this little teacup, 'cause, hey, I'm a sucker for souvenirs bought way after the fact:





And this, a small make-up bag made of soft eelskin:





Hours are limited: Thursday 10-6, Friday 10-5, and Saturday 10-4.

"Valentines for your Sweetie"

Available at Shaky Tree Coffee! Handmade Valentines, one-of-a-kind! Made by me (yeah, me). $2.50 each.




I am not a particularly romantic person, nor have I had a "sweetie" on Valentine's Day to celebrate with, but Valentine's Day is the day after my birthday, so I sort of consider it a "bonus" birthday. I get really excited about hearts and candy and Valentines and for the last several years I've been crafting my own Valentines.

In progress, in the studio.

Chad Elliott at Shaky Tree

Tomorrow (Thursday) night, starting at 7:30!

"This Thursday is a last minute performance we scheduled to raise funds for his newest album Redemption Man. He is nearly finished with the mixing of the tracks and can't wait to share it with you. This is just one way you can be a part of making this album a success so we hope to see you all!"

the facebook event page.

What warms you on a cold day?

I don't know if you noticed, but it is darn cold up here in winter. On days like today, one gets a craving for a hot drink. Shaky Tree Coffee (5 W. 2nd St, Spencer) serves not only coffee and tea, but a darn tasty hot chocolate.

Theirs is made with chocolate syrup and steamed milk (or soymilk or water if you prefer) and can be topped with whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate. Yummmmm.

Barista Levi Lillie drinks a mini-hot chocolate.

Vintage Valentines

I love shopping at antique stores because I like finding things that no one else has. Mainstreet Mall Antiques (303 Grand Ave, Spencer) has two booths where you can find vintage Valentines for $1 to $3 or so. Very charming! Good for collecting or giving to your sweetie. There is writing on the back of most of them ("To Ivan From Mary Ann") but that just adds to the charm.

"Puss in Boots brings this Valentine that says if you'll be mine than I'll be thine"

Snowshoeing Along the Little Sioux

Snowshoeing yesterday along the Little Sioux River, right here in town. It was ridiculously cold, and a bit windy, but with the right clothes on it wasn't too awful. And the sun was even out for a little while!