Summer Reading, Plus Kane Report and Grayslake Update

I think it was Henry James who said there were no two more beautiful words in the English language than "summer afternoon." Well, I think I can do him one better with "summer reading." What about you? Don't you have to look every time you see one of those book lists? Here's what's in my stash; let's just hope there's enough afternoons!

I've started work from the bottom of the stack. "Decorate," by Holly Becker and Joanna Copestick, is lots of fun; think "Domino" magazine without the ads. "Romantic Prairie Style," Fifi O'Neill, is pretty much just that, and it features the homes of two rhubarb reign customers, Joy Waltmire and Anne Marie of NaDa Farm. "Anthology" just appeared in my mailbox, courtesy of the Anthropology website, a quarterly with yummy pictures and more text than the average shelter magazine. If the next issue is as much fun, I might just have to get a subscription!

I can't say enough good things about "State of Wonder" by Ann Patchett. Much of the narrative takes place in the Amazon jungle, where a Minnesota-based pharmacologist has been dispatched to bring her employer back details about the untimely demise of her lab partner. The drug company they both work for had sent him to find out why they had stopped getting information on the project they'd been funding for the last 20 years, which, if successful, would revolutionize human fertility. But none of that does justice to the book or the author's descriptive prowess. Highly recommended -- "Heart of Darkness" for a new generation. But don't tell me the ending! I'm not there yet. Also recommend: "Wide Awake" by Erwin Raphael McManus, especially if you need a little inspiration. That's as far as I've gotten to date. What about you? What's on your summer reading list?

Kane County was pretty decent, considering the holiday weekend and Saturday's heat. Sales were pretty evenly divided between furniture and smalls. Plus we got to see some folks we haven't in a while and go to Boyd's annual cookout -- both of which made the weekend a success! Thanks to all who came out to support the show.

Now it's on to Grayslake. I'll be headed to Starbuck's at noon for a strawberry smoothie, bag of almonds and an iced-coffee. The perfect drive-to-shopping-destinations lunch. Check back later this week for a peek at what I find (check our Facebook page for photos too). And do plan to join us for the show, which will have the added show-within-a-show -- Vintage Paper! Yum.


Don't forget to print the above "coupon" for half-off regular admission. Make a bunch to share with friends, too. Or just call the blog up on your phone at the door. See you there! xo