Confessions

I like old style real bookstores. I like old style junk shops, too.

I know I can buy all that stuff cheaper on line, but I miss the browsing. I miss the chance encounter with something that piques my interest. That’s why I like those guest houses and hotels that have a take-a-book and leave-a-book libraries for their visitors.

When I was writing my doctoral thesis, all those years ago, a chance encounter with a used book in a dusty corner led me to a whole new section of research. It changed my life – without that book I might have given up on the thesis, and so much else.

So yes: I miss not just the old style stores but the moments of synchronicity that they allow. I like the twists of fate that are part of the process.

When we’re busy looking for gold we can sometimes miss the diamonds. Make space in your life for luck.