I write to you on Election Day. I voted about a week ago. If you have not yet voted, please stop reading, don your mask, and vote. Nothing is more important today.
Dear Voters and Book Lovers,
I have not written an Arugula Note since the pandemic began. The fabulous Providence Flea is open, with strict safety restrictions, but I decided to take Arugula Books on hiatus during the pandemic.
It was a painful decision because I love Arugula Books and loved sharing it with you. When you arrived to browse the shelves and page through books and seek your treasures, it was joy and love. While I can’t deny that selling books to you was important, the joy and connection was more about the shared experience than the transaction.
When I contemplated reopening with restrictions, I quickly realized I could not offer this experience to you, or to myself, until we can safely gather together among the shelves of Arugula Books. I look forward to that day!
I recently went to the eye doctor. My original appointment had been in April and had to be rescheduled – for obvious reasons. I kept postponing my visit out of fear, but finally went because it was becoming increasingly hard for me to read unless I held my book beyond arm’s length. (A symbolic six-feet apart?) My glasses are progressives, yet my reading was immobilized. After the eye exam, the doctor happily proclaimed that there was little change in my eyes. “But I’m having trouble reading,” I whined. “Oh yes,” chirped the doctor. “There is some significant change, but just for reading.”
While I was selling, I employed Arugula Notes to alert you to the when-and-where. I’ve decided to revive the posts to keep the bookish love alive during Arugula Book’s hiatus. I finally have my new lenses and have returned to losing myself in books, which I can now hold close. I look forward to keeping in touch with you: not selling; just reading.
Arugula Books 
I’m glad you got the new glasses!
Thanks Lee!
Just reading !?! Books are how I’ve been staying part of the world since March. But as long as he gave you good glasses….
Thanks for sharing! I often call books a great escape. But what you say is true. Books also help us stay part of things. Happy reading!
Election day greetings! Reading is always a priority and more so today than ever!! Now that you have ‘the ultimate reading glasses’ (I hope), I hope you are able to joyfully immerse yourself in some great, sharp-focussed reading!
Agreed! More so today than ever. Enjoy your reading time.
I will! Reading The Three of Us by Julia Blackburn. Recommend!
Let the posts continue! And the reading and the aided eyesight. So glad. Any best book recommendations for pandemic survival? Or endurance at the very least….
I recommend the book ENDURANCE-Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing. I’m not a big non-fiction reader but this is well-written and fascinating. And will definitely re-arrange your attitude about our pandemic!
Dawn, Thank you for your recommendation. I read ENDURANCE some years ago, and I recall being totally engrossed and amazed. I hadn’t thought about it before you wrote, but I completely see your point related to our attitude about the pandemic. Thank you so much for writing in and sharing. Best, Ilene
May the posts continue! And the reading and enganced eyesight. So glad. And best book picks for pandemic survival? Or endurance at the very least…
Thanks Meredith! I love the question about best book picks. I shall ponder this most worthy challenge to consider in the next post. I am also open to suggestions.
I will look forward to visiting Arugula Books when you reopen!