Last Friday the sun was out in the City of Roses and I was running around getting ready for my nieces's 21st birthday party.
Why not stop for a bit at Powell's? Right?
I have been visiting the nationally-known and locally-loved store since I was a girl and to say that it's part of my routine and my life is an understatement. Long before the Internet existed I was using this book lovers' destination as a much needed resource—along with the local library system of course!
Walking the two blocks from where I'd parked my car I enjoyed the familiar sights.
There were the usual humorous things to see too—even if I was the only one laughing.
No folks, this is no longer a trash can once it's painted and planted!
As for the Italian cypress, it reminded me a bit of the old drunk men I used to see in this area as a girl. They too leaned up against the walls of building just like this poor thing.
Portland looked much different during the 1970s. I suppose to outsiders, we still look different, but in a much more friendly way.
For instance, we have our urban windmills atop buildings. Everyone does that right?
Since I hadn't been to the downtown location for several months I'd not yet noticed that the gardening section had been expanded a bit.
There was a great display of new books and I was happy to see they've included a cheap section again with older titles that don't cost as much as the newbies.
Yes, it's harder now to find great deals on books here but that's happening everywhere.
My favorite section was still very much intact.
Beside it is my other favorite section in the store. As someone with a background in critical theory and philosophy relating to art history and visual analysis this section has been nice to transition into over the years. At least with gardens you can actually talk about something.
Upstairs in the arts area I was excited to see vintage typewriters on display with houseplants. This is a nice
Ficus elastica.
Some of the other houseplants didn't look as nice but this is a bookstore after all. I felt like turning this Sansevieria but then I decided that I might look like one of those obsessive characters in that popular tv show you've probably heard about that's filmed here.
Before I left I was looking at hiking books because I plan to go on more plant and nature adventures this year. It was strange to me that an older edition of one of the used books seemed familiar. I looked on the back and suddenly remembered that my dad had resold the remainders he'd purchased from the original publisher when they'd gone out of business. I may have actually put this sticker on the back of this book because I used to do things like that when I was younger. As the daughter of a publisher, I was lucky to grow up surrounded by books. I always could earn some extra money too.
When I was a young girl my Saturday mornings downtown at Powell's with my dad were often the highlight of my week. We'd often spend several hours there together reading quietly and watching people.
It was really nice to remember those memories just before leaving and I also found some great books for my niece.
Walking the two blocks from where I'd parked my car I enjoyed the familiar sights. 
That's right I'd forgotten the garden section was expanded across the aisle! We are so lucky here to have a great bookstore that devotes serious shelf space to gardening titles. I am always shocked when we travel and end up in local bookstores elsewhere how little space we gardeners get.
ReplyDeleteThe great thing about Powells is that they ALWAYS have something wonderful - even if it wasn't just what you came looking for. And of course, they ship. I often order online from them, but being a penny-pincher, I pick it up at the store to save the postage. Then when I'm there I find something additional to buy, have a cup of coffee, look through the literature rooms, before you know it, I've easily spent four times the postage cost. Smart move, Powells!
ReplyDeleteA favorite haunt...and the best place to wind up a tour of Portland when out of towners visit.
ReplyDeleteI have ridden my bike twice to Portland from Seattle and both times it was my goal to stop at Powell's. I think that I am now in good enough shape that when I get there I will actually make it to the store. Thank you for taking me on a walking tour. It was very enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteWow Charlie! I cannot imagine that ride but I know it's a popular one! You should definitely check out the store sometime. It is an amazing place. Thanks for commenting too!
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