Sauk Valley's premier bookstore/coffeehouse features fiction, non-fiction, children's & local interest books.
Open 7 days/week, we also have fine coffees & pastries, wooden puzzles, children's art supplies & other toys, handmade fair trade goods plus priceless conversation. Special orders welcomed.
I write this today, as you all know we have limited access to internet. "Limited" includes time, space, inclination, money, and other resources, although there is the philosophical argument that none that I have named are resources.
Thank you, Kelly Dunphy, for continuing to keep us in the loop on family, friends, and even what's happening in Dixon & environs. I thank her for all those years ago nonchalantly giving us a used KitchenAid mixer (ostensibly because she got a new one) with three attachments (of which I use one extensively), so that I have been able to bake. Baking has given me a sense of organization, peace and purpose that is rare in the world (are those resources?). The exercise has also given Larry and me a lot of carbs, albeit delicious ones. I am not good enough a baker to go commercial, so the only cookies or teabread (un)lucky Books on First customers would be able to have are free (and sometimes burnt) offerings.
Thank you, Larry's siblings and cousins, especially Bridget Barry, Pat Dunphy, SC ("Young Charlie") Dunphy, Mike Blackburn and James Romeo Blackburn, for helping us out at the farmette and for keeping us in the loop on the other end of the Dunphy family, and thus, keeping Carolyn Chin feeling like she's in the Dunphy family. Larry is not the most reliable conduit of relaying what's happening, but I have the good feeling most of the time and that's what counts. We still have a freshly killed and dressed heritage (Spanish Black) turkey for sale if anyone's interested.
Thank you, All the Customers of Books on First, but especially some -- too numerous and in some cases, too shy, to be named, in Dixon, Amboy, Sterling, Polo, Grand Detour, Centralia, Franklin Grove, DeKalb, Rockford, Chicago, Oregon (the town and the state), Iowa, California, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Germany, Ireland, Kenya, and beyond -- who have supported us even as factories closed and taxpayers voted down school budgets. I have always maintained that wonderfully brewed coffee and professionally made lattes with delicious baked treats -- some imported from Chicago (e.g., Swedish Bakery in Andersonville, D'Amato's on Grand & May, Middle Eastern Bakery on Foster) are affordable luxuries, and it is gratifying that so many of you agree. BUT most of all, BOOKS are Everything that anyone can want (or give) in Entertainment, Enlightenment, Enjoyment, Education, Engagement, but to name a few. We happen to sell the printed, bound kind and will continue to promote reading in all its forms (especially if you buy it from Books on First).
Thank you, Authors, Researchers, Poets, Illustrators and Other Writers and Artists, for continuing to do what you do, for whatever motivations. We must include established book publishers in our appreciation, however misguided they have been on how to sell a book, because history will show that writing is extremely important for preserving history, documenting ideas, sharing experiences, fueling imagination, but writing is nowhere without being published. And, a hardcopy printed bound book still beats out when there's no clear line of sight for the satellite dish, when the power runs out, when you're hunting down an old favorite read to give to your favorite reader, when you want to stretch out in the bathtub or the beach, or when Books on First with free wi-fi for its customers is closed.
Thank you, All you other creative types, finding solutions to fit this world so that there will be a world for our grandchildren and their grandchildren. My question has always been why don't we take care of situations before they reach crisis proportions? (Yes, yes, I know the answer: when weighing cost-benefit, we're not at the tipping point yet!) Take the nutria, for example. Using this rodent's fur for fashion (again) as we attempt to eradicate the swamp rat only makes sense, from popularity in our grandparents' time to being "Righteous Fur." I'm hoping it can totally replace sable from the geographic area of Russia/Mongolia which remains one of the few animals whose fur is prized yet is unable to be raised in captivity. Or, the "Asian Carp" (actually 8 kinds of fish, but mainly, the silver carp, rebranded silverfin) which has been taking over rivers and canals in the United States, and our response when DNA had been found near (and thus, threatening) Lake Michigan, has been poison, dynamite, electrocution, wringing our hands, and appointing a czar to wring our hands for us. It seems like catching, cooking and serving the fish as food (actually raised in aquafarms in Vietnam and elsewhere) is a natural solution. In a different, but related vein, is a new kind of aquafarm cum hydroponic vegetable farm, growing lake perch and arugula energy efficiently and water sustainably. So much creative solutions to our world which is growing both in population and demands on the environment. Especially here in the United States of America, with Manifest Destiny, we should and will be the ones to pioneer forth and shape our own future for the better.
It has been said that I am obsessing too much on the phrasing of this blog (which I dispute, because I actually sometimes often heed the following): a blog is a "weblog," meaning it's a diary and that timeliness is supreme to correct spelling, good grammar, proper references, accurate quotes and other structural prissiness. It is "of-the-moment." In fact, the "best" kind of blog is about other blogs! How much more of-the-moment can you get?
I am following Beattie's Book Blog and as we look to the Christmas season with visions of snowflakes and mittens, within this last 24 hours he had published a notice of the launch of a new barbecue cookbook, great for the summer to come. That brought home to me quite quickly that Graham Beattie is a New Zealander, although it is through his blog that I discover news of an independent bookstore in Massachusetts closing. Not to say that I wouldn't have found the news elsewhere, but this is simply affirmation that blogs do have meaning.
Further on logs of the diary kind, I recall vividly a tidbit of writing in a textbook we used when I took a high school notehand (simple form of shorthand) class (taught by the oh, so beautiful, poised and graceful Mrs Jackson, wife of then Mets coach ... (you see, in proper writing, at this point, one would need to recall and then, confirm through research what the coach's name is,* etc, etc, but then, the momentum of this blog dissipates, etc, etc, so thus, the ellipses ...)). For teaching such skills as typing, dictation-taking, court reporting and shorthand, the textbook has specific passages for the students' practice and testing. One such passage talked of the First Mate of a ship docked at port who had gone ashore and returned drunk. The captain, who had stayed aboard on watch, noted in the ship's log, "The First Mate was drunk tonight." The First Mate wanted the comment struck as his drunkenness was a very unusual occasion and did not warrant note in the ship's log while the Captain argued that truth is truth. The passage continues and ends with the following: "The following night, it was the First Mate's turn to keep watch and he noted in the ship's log, 'The Captain was sober tonight."
Meant to be merely wryly humorous to teens, I'm sure, man, at aged fifteen, to me, this was deep stuff. And, now at aged 50, it continues to teach me that while truth is truth, we should stay wary of interpretation, perception and definition as they are much more malleable, mischievous and misused, thus much more powerful and much more dangerous than mere truth. Today, this is called "framing the argument."
*I abhor the almost daily discovery of the lack of research and confirmation or the use of the internet as the sole source for research and confirmation in today's (published) writings. It is my suspicion that James Frey in writing A Million Little Pieces was merely being lazy rather than lying or stretching the truth. One also must remember that much goes on the truism that one can be sincere but not telling the truth. He probably wrote as he remembered the incidences to be. He might have so believed the exaggerated version of events in his mind that they became to him what really happened. So, he might have been writing sincerely if not truthfully. Where are good editors when you need them? Established publishers must search their collective soul, decide what their role in the future of the written word is and then, get a good public relations firm, so that people will believe there's a reason for their existence and justification for the mark-up on books.
This morning, I heard a little bit of NPR's "Speaking of Faith" before coming into the store. Today's program was on Abraham Joshua Heschel, who "prayed with his feet" by actively fighting against injustices and keeping religion relevant in the modern world. There were some resonant quotes (to the best of my recollection without further researched confirmation), which I would like to share: "The opposite of good is not evil, but indifference." and "In a democracy, a few are guilty but everyone is responsible." I would not qualify the society as a necessarily a democracy, but any kind of group or relationship, everyone is responsible, whether he takes the responsibility or not. If he does not, he should not be identify with the group, whether he says, "I am American," or "My name is __[personal]____ __[family]_____ ." There was also a quote/discussion too long and articulate for me to botch up here, about how religion should stop blaming science as an attack on religion and the reason why so many people question the existence of God and relevance of religion, but should look to itself and how it is presented in today's world ("today" being in the 1960s and 1970s, but still resonates today). Today, my wonderful husband Larry and family by marriage -- Laurie, Kelly, Jim, Bridget, Eileen, Nellie, Laneita and many others, will be throwing me a 50th b-day party! Food includes pork belly recipe from Thomas Keller's book Ad Hoc at Home. More later!
Just sending a clip of a nice story that was on the Today Show this morning about a deli worker named Ed, from Winnetka, IL. At about 40 seconds into the clip you see Larry’s daughter, Kelly -- (she’s blonde and she says “Thanks, Ed!”) So besides Larry’s daughter making major morning television, watch the entire story, because it’s very inspiring!
Just a For Your Reference, I don't know about anybody else, but Larry's children have always been civil and Kelly is a great example of a Larry adnascentia (Save the Words!) or acorn not falling far from the tree -- she is not only civil and respectful, she's sensitive to people's needs (whether they be strangers, acquaintances, friends or family) and a darn hard worker. Thanks, Kelly!
And, we'd like to take the opportunity to highlight the civility and respect you will find from all of us at Books on First. Thank you, Brenda, Antoinette and Bri.
In the collective consciousness of this nation and most of the world, "9/11" has a certain significance. For each of us as individuals, though, it takes on a different meaning for different reasons. And, while we commemorate those who are gone and mark the first time since Pearl Harbor that there has been an attack on U.S. soil, life (and death) marches on. Today, we want to mark one year since the passing of Charles Francis Dunphy. Larry and I miss him very much. He was a great lover of reading literature, watching baseball, discussing politics and current events, telling jokes (which he called "stories") and playing cards. Larry said he could quote from Shakespeare's Hamlet. He loved gathering the family together ("any reason for a party"). He had flaws and made mistakes, yes, but he also had the wisdom of years and experience which he generously shared and an indomitable spirit. Even blinded in one eye due to a cataract surgery gone awry, he continued to enjoy books through his wife Frances's reading. She pre-deceased him by one month (see our August blog).
And, we would like to mention the passing of Agatha Tyne, mother of Margaret -- one of Dixon's strongest supporters and a good friend since we met upon opening of Books of First and grandmother of Courtney, one of our early PT employees. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family.
Just shared some time with Shelly Franz who loves mysteries and reads mainly with an EZReader, which she says is better than a Kindle. She has little use for smell of a book or feel of turning pages. She is of the argument that as long as we are all reading, why not electronically. Ahh, yes, we are in agreement there.
Let me tell you a little about our time back east Down East. Sunday before Labor Day, we flew (on a plane -- no arm-flapping necessary) out of Chicago O'Hare to Boston Logan. Met by Carolyn's maternal aunt & uncle Mary & Allan Tow, we went to the Union Oyster Bar for some great Cherrystones and Little Necks raw on the half shell. The fried clams were delicious. A lot of history within its walls, including Attorney Alan's -- after every trial, win or lose, he came to this restaurant. Having a meal here meant, "it is done." Mary very gamely played tour guide and recent historian as we walked along North End (not very much changed), the waterfront (unrecognizable except for the New England Aquarium), the Rose Kennedy Greenway (new over the Big Dig which was also before my time -- reminds me a bit of Lower Wacker Drive in Chicago) and Chinatown (quick walk-through). We stayed at the Omni Parker House (great Labor Day price via internet price shopping!), also full of history (Larry loves this stuff), but best of all, very centrally located. We also managed in the next 24 hours to walk through the Boston Commons, Beacon Hill, Fenway Park, MFA, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Northeastern University/Huntington Ave, Copley Square, Newbury St and Back Bay... I had hoped to eat at No Name, having fond youthful memories of arriving with co-worker Lisa Tuttle et al. at the end of a Friday night after finishing work at the now defunct lawfirm McCabe/Gordon P.C. and buying some California sparkling at the Store24, eating, drinking, flirting with and helping the Greek waiters re-fill ketchup bottles and salt shakers. However, a bartender we asked had never heard of the place and it wasn't on any tourist map -- which probably merely means the restaurant did not pay for any advertising. Having done no prior research, I conceded that the place may have gone out of business and did not want to drag Larry all over the docks in the dark, looking for the real Boston. I do believe, though, that that would have made for an interesting story (and we all know how Larry -- not unlike his father -- enjoys being able to tell a good story). However, as you can see, I found it on the internet with recent (conflicting) comments, so, it will be a destination for next time.
Onward to Gloucester, MA, where we spent much time reading the names of all 5,800+ fishermen who died through the years, including those featured in The Perfect Storm, which occurred in 1991. You can tell that ocean fishing had become relatively safer, fishermen were taking less risks, etc, by the number of names by year on the memorial -- 1623 up through 2001. I couldn't tell if there haven't been any deaths since 2001 or no one has updated it in 7-1/2 years. There appeared to be a miniature museum in every shanty in town, but we restricted ourselves to 1-1/2 and managed to finish the visit with a beer from Cape Ann Brewing Co for Larry and a lobster roll (my one and only on the entire trip) for me. In Portland, ME, a wonderful city, we visited another brewpub Gritty McDuff just a couple of blocks from the harbor, supported live music by a local artist and a number of other Maine microbreweries' offerings at Andy's Old Port Pub, visited with a bookseller of used volumes Cunningham Books in Longfellow Square. Proprietor Nancy has two storefronts (like we have our West Wing) but is cutting back to one. We wish her the best of good luck.
There is at least one, maybe more, coffee roaster in Portland. We dropped by a branch store of Coffee by Design. It was a fun space on Congress, right between Longfellow Square and the art museum. I noted that beans were being sold for average $10.75/lb, not much different from our smaller selection, offered for sale 100 miles from the roaster. Their dark roast on that day was quite good, but we were a little disappointed in the double espresso.
We also stuffed in a few hours at the Portland Museum of Art which currently has a wonderful exhibition: Call of the Coast -- Art Colonies of New England. Atop that, while the permanent collection might be modest compared to other art museums, the works are well-displayed.
The crown jewel of our visit was going to Rockland, ME, where Melissa Kelly's Primo was our destination, as featured in Michael Ruhlman's The Reach of the Chef. We stopped by the Rock City Coffee & Bookshop to check it out plus confirm directions. Melissa is a good friend of our daughter Kelly Dunphy (well, ok, Larry's daughter -- see August blogs on Frances and me). She graciously led us around the compact homefarm hehind the restaurant named for Melissa's maternal Italian grandfather, housed in a 130-year old renovated & now expanded house, where they raise everything from Tamworth and Large Black hogs to butcher to honeybees to hens producing some 90 eggs daily to herbs, vegetables and flowers all used in the incredible dishes in a daily changing menu. We returned for dinner at 7:30 after checking into The Ledges by the Bay, an old-fashioned motel with rooms featuring decks overlooking the water, and had a lemon drop martini made with house-made lemoncello, great local oysters with nasturtium butter, handmade pasta with wild boar ragout, house dry-cured beef, wonderfully prepared local tuna and halibut (with a zucchini risotto that Larry practically licked the plate to finish), a tisane of fresh picked herb leaves like lemon balm accompanying housemade grapefruit & Campari sorbetto. We sincerely thank Melissa and co-owner Price Kushner for the generosity of their time. It was a great visit.
While we were getting ready to go to dinner, we discovered our FT (position: "Larry's Favorite Employee") Brenda had attempted to call Larry at least twice in a half hour. So, we kept the mobile on after reaching only her VM and lo, and behold, she was full of exciting news: ABC network television was coming out again to follow up after dropping by approximately a year ago to get the pulse of those in Ronald Reagan's boyhood home. Again, neither Larry nor Carolyn would be present. However, we all know Brenda Spratt, who celebrates 9 years with Books on First this month, is the boss of us, anyway. We hope there'll be a moment with her on air. We believe the segment with David Muir will air on Tuesday (15 Sep) night's ABC World News with Charles Gibson.
