In the morning it was very cloudy and cold but later in the afternoon the sun finally rose up. On my way to get my last paycheck, I stopped by at the University District to check out some books. After reading an article about the local used bookstores vanishing phenomenon, I tried to support them as much as I can. My thought is actually on the both sides of the spectrum. I don't hate internet book selling chain like Amazon or the big cooperation like Barnes & Noble. In fact, I think Amazon is pretty awesome and Barnes & Noble at Northgate is actually my hang-out place. With Amazon I can find all the rare books that I can't find( or don't have time to search for ) and there are also some used books that are really cheap. With Barnes & Noble, I just like the interior atmosphere. I think it's more comfortable to find books and absorb them than in most used bookstores. Now, on the other hand, local used bookstores are inevitably high priced due to the small owning business rules but they are definitely more charming. The fact that you can go in and not know what you might find is pretty cool. You may encounter some really good books in much more low price. Plus, it's good to reuse books, I think. In fact, I like reading books that show signs of wearing. It kinda makes me feel nostalgic in a way.
I didn't buy any this time. I was going to get one of the Alan Watts's early writing about Zen and religion and all that but I grew tired of reading about them. I've been reading Alan Watts and Joseph Campbell for over two years, man. Plus, I couldn't find another Harry Mulisch's books so I just walked out. Speaking of Harry Mulisch, if it weren't for the legendary magazines like Frame and Mark, I wouldn't have heard about him at all. Dutch people are so inspiring. Mulisch is like the European Haruki Murakami. His writing is so hip, philosophical, and heart-breaking. And his plots and the use of words are so engaging and fluid.
Back at home the scene outside of my window is so utopia-like. I opened Glenn Gould's Mozart piano Sonatas, made some coffee, heated up a coconut bun, and sat down at my computer writing this.
I'm ready for some more drawing.
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