On Saturday, Books with Pictures was FULL of people for their first annual comic con. Hundreds of people came, shopped, drew, and had a great time. The day after, however, was another matter.
The bookshop was open, but the scene was quiet and peaceful. Auntie Bridgett was by to help clean some new graffiti off the mural.
Some kids made chalk art while their Momma shopped.
I filled up the watering cans and gave all the little live things a drink.
Amarette Gregor opened up her shop, Pup Tent Flowers and Gifts, and made lovely things.
And Auntie Katie finally got to read in the peace and quiet of her own garden.
I love Books with Pictures, whatever is happening!
Sunday was Mother’s Day, and also my first day out of the house since I’ve been sick. Rain was predicted for most of the day. This did not discourage your Auntie Katie, however.
She let me know she and the Cousins would be by to fetch me so we could have a picnic. She brought a beautiful bouquet from Amarette Gregor’s tiny Pup Tent flower shop, which operates out of Auntie Katie’s garage.
After the inevitable snags of closed bakeries and Mother’s Day crowds, we acquired lunch and desserts from Piccone’s Corner and Le Petit Province, and were on our way.
We drove up to The Grotto, also known as The Sanctuary of the Sorrowful Mother. We bought tokens for the elevator ride to the top and were not disappointed. The rain stopped just as we arrived, and had painted every leaf with sparkle and every path with shine.
We found a perfect dry spot just across from the statue of St. Francis.
Fittingly, we were visited by a dozen robins and junkoes as we ate bread, pate and wonderful cheeses. Beautiful desserts topped of the perfect meal for the perfect day.
It was one of those precious three-generation afternoons that just melts my heart.
Cousin Jasper usually doesn’t like his picture being taken, but agreed to pose with his mighty umbrella/sword.
We shared stories and tiramisu and were very silly.
When the food was mostly gone, we walked around a bit and got back to the car just as the rain started up again.
What a miraculous, loving, exhausting outing. Love,
One thing I love about going for long walks is that you never know what you’re going to learn.
Grandpa Nelson and I headed south the other day, and ”almost accidentally”stopped at Palio Bakery in Ladd’s Addition for snacks and coffee. While we were there, we texted Auntie Katie, who came by and shared our cake. We caught up on news, and then it was time for the Cousins to be coming home from school!
Down at Books with Pictures, I found something new. Amarette Gregor has opened up her new business, Pup Tent Flowers and Gifts, out of Auntie Katie’s garage!
I asked how this came about, and Amarette said that she just walked into Books with Pictures, introduced herself to Katie and said, “How would you like a flower shop?” And she did!
Amarette’s business is mostly pop-up and delivery, but she also has display space in the garage.
After hugs and a chat with Jasper and Kestrel, we walked through the Clinton neighborhood, passing the historic Clinton Theater, where they still show The Rocky Horror Picture Show every Saturday at Midnight.
As the weather is getting colder, these long walks will be on hold until Spring, but I sure love walking around town!
Dear Liza 