Salon Des Geeks

And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,
Stood puzzling and puzzling: “How could it be so?
It came without ribbons! It came without tags!
It came without packages, boxes or bags!”
And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before!
“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store.
Maybe Christmas… perhaps…means a little bit more. ”
~Dr. Seuss

These lines in Persuasion made me think of the Salon:

“My idea of good company, Mr Elliot, is the company of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company.”

“You are mistaken,”
said he gently, “that is not good company, that is the best.”

So, I propose that when we are able to bring fictional characters to life, we kidnap Anne Elliot from Persuasion, as she is right-minded.

Sadly, the conversation in the book continues, taling about correct birth being requisite.

Iain

For your viewing enjoyment, please visit: salon photos. Feel free to add comments or captions as inspiration strikes. Note that these were all taken pre-dinner. Once the food was ready, I must have completely forgotten about the camera in favor of savoring all of the delightful tastes and textures.

The process of moving to a new home has gotten me thinking about a subject that I’m guessing is near and dear to many salonniers’ hearts: Living with books. Having been soundly mocked by my new housemates for the sheer quantity of books I live with and my method of organizing them, I decided to pose the following questions to my fellow bibliophiles. Please answer one or some or all, as you like!

1. Do you organize your books? If so, what’s your system?

2. Are you more likely to buy a book or try to get it from the library?

3. Do you ever get rid of books? If so, where?

4. How do you decide which new books to choose? Recommendations from friends? Reviews in the newspaper? Other?

5. Do you lend your books out? To just anyone?

6. Hardback or paperback?

I’m looking forward to comparing notes!

The December 2005 Salon des Grands Geeks was a great success! Warm hugs to all who came and made it such a pleasure. Warm hugs to those who couldn’t join us but who were in our thoughts. I’m sure there will be posts (and photos, Kiri?) soon about the festivities, but for now, let’s eat! You can find the recipes from this latest salon on the “Recipes” page at right. I send with them my wishes that you enjoy them in good health and in good company.