Seek the unexpected....

If you shop retailers such as TJMaxx, Marshall's and HomeGoods, you know what to expect. Those of us who have trawled these aisles for years, have found the good, bad and often the really ugly, be it clothing or household items. Those stores have often been lifesavers though and we have found great bargains.......from leather bags and trendy jackets, to fabulous dishes and good olive oil.

While my DH shopped for socks a few days back at a local TJMaxx, I checked the book section which, as you may have noticed, has now become smaller and is limited to mostly cookbooks. I almost yelled aloud when, between some brightly colored notepads and boxes of Thank You cards, I found this 'book', so not TJMaxx! Imagine my surprise, an old yellowed sheaf of pages, wrinkled and stained edges, tied with jute string, the way I like my books. Oh how I wished there were more hidden. The cashier, an elderly French speaking Lebanese lady, wanted to steal it from me.........she swooned as I did, and wanted to know how I decorated my home. She planned to look for more books like this but I know she won't tell me if she finds any........you can bet they'll be going home with her.

I don't shop these retail shops as much these days. I think treasure hunting in antiques malls, flea markets and thrift shops have become much more exciting. I was however thrilled to find this book........one never knows what's hidden on a shelf so always seek the unexpected.

Daffodils from Trader Joe's.