Ariel and I went as a "girl date" again, but this time we picked up my mother to join us. They filled their bags and were very patiently waiting for me at the exit door. How can you walk away from a room full of books, when they are practically free?
I figured out by the amount of books that I chose, I paid 17 cents per book! And Ariel paid 13 cents per book!
17 cents a book! WOW!
If I had found a few more, it would have been even cheaper than that. I love this sale. It has become one of my favorite things that our city has to offer. I feel like I'm stealing from the library though. But in all honesty, I'm happy to do it.
Actually, I'm probably too happy to do it. Sales like this can bring out the worst in you when it's something you love. Last time I enjoyed myself so much, I told my mom she just had to go to the next sale. Three days before the sale, I had this horrible thought that I'm ashamed to say.
What if she took my books? There are only so many really good books there. What if I didn't get all that I needed for myself? What about me?
Honestly, it wasn't until I got there and saw all the books that I realized how ridiculous I was being and feeling. The tables are loaded with books! And it worked to my advantage to have a friend there. We found each other books. It was helpful to have a fellow friend hunting.
How many times does that happen though? That our thoughts turn selfish and we start to just look out for our self? I'm sad to admit, it's probably daily that it happens. I often find myself arguing with my child about what they are not doing because it leaves me with more work. I catch myself thinking if they would just do this, then I wouldn't have to do it. It's all about me and what I want.
I'm constantly reminding my children that we have to look out for others. We need to be doing things for someone else because it's the right thing to do, not because it's what we want to be doing. But am I reminding myself that?
Doing what God wants is not always easy. It takes sacrifice and work. It's about being selfless and not thinking about you. It's putting other people's needs above your own. It's about being a servant, and giving up your rights. But after all this is done, God gives it right back to you.
"If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it." Luke 17:33
It seems I keep being reminded of this verse in many different ways. Last week it came from a simple, ugly, selfish thought about books. This week I was reminded of it when I was yelling at my child for neglecting to do their job because it caused more work for me. Who knows where the thought will come from next time. But I pray that I will be ready, and willing to serve, to give up my rights for another with no questions asked.
With that being said, I wanted to share my beautiful treasures with you all. Ariel and I found many good books!
Ariel was able to find several American Girl mystery books, which in itself would have made an awesome treasure. I've read a few of these and really enjoyed myself.
Nancy Drew! I think my daughter shares my heart, because we both love a good mystery book. I find there are so many mysteries in life that we almost never solve that it's very appealing to read a book where you can figure out or are given the answers.
We recently watched The Little House on the Prairie together as a family, so Ariel was really excited to find two books from the series.
A couple of classic books that you can never go wrong with... Ariel had both me and my mother showing her books she should try out. She was especially excited when I found her The Phantom Tollbooth a book her second grade teacher read to the class two years ago. It was the first one she decided to read once we got home.
My goal this sale, I wanted to complete my Left Behind series. I only had 1 of the prequels left to buy, and the last 3 books of the series. I didn't get my prequel, but I did find the last two books. I was pleased!
When I was in middle school, my favorite author was Janette Oke. I read every single one of her books, but have never owned more than a couple. If I had acted quickly, I could have got her entire Love Comes Softly series, but I hesitated and didn't want to choose them unless I could get them all. Once I finally started to collect them, the rest were already snatched up. Oh well... maybe next time.
Both of these authors are wonderful. I especially like Francine Rivers. I bought this book series for my mother for the past two "Mother's Days", so I already knew the series was good!
Some of those mystery books I told you I was fond of. Mary Higgins Clark writes very originally. She has lots of books, and all the stories are very different.
I was a little interested in these two, and thought Ariel might also like to read them.
Some random books here... I've always wanted to read Little Woman, I like The Client already, and the others just sounded good.
Both of these books are a blast from the past! I loved Full House when it was on, and I own all the DVD sets. I found this book in the kid section, but I bought it for myself. It's so neat because it has a page for each member of the Full House family. I have no idea what I'll do with it; maybe just add it to my keepsake box in the basement.
The 1940's book is full of good information. Ariel is having a Kit Kittredge birthday party, so I thought the book might come in handy. It's very close to the time period of Kit.
I didn't want to go home empty handed for my boys, so I looked long and hard for some books they would like. I believe the Maze book is the favorite of Gabe's.
Now that I have a new load of books to read, I first enjoy cleaning them up. I place a high value on books and take care of them in the best possible way. Several of the books I chose this time were previously library books. They all had plastic slipcovers that I was able to carefully extract and stickers that came off with Goo-Gone. They look like new and are all beautiful additions to the library I hope to have one day.
If you ever want to borrow a book, I would be happy to oblige you. The only thing I ask, please treat the books very respectfully. I hate to see a book with folded corners, covers rolled back, and pages torn or spilled on. I treat books like you would a Bible. All of them are very special to me!
The books this time were so much fun to find, and I honestly will be counting the days until the next sale in September. I promise, if you come, I won't worry that you'll be taking books away from me, unless of course you grab it out of my hand!
Happy Reading!!
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