This is a ‘big fish’ story. You know the ones? The most amazing thing happened! I caught a giant mermaid and let it go- honestly- it happened- Bill Murray helped me haul it into the boat- we’re buds! I swear!

Last week was the giant amazing fabulous used book sale in Greenville and I’ve been preparing for months! Auditioning tote bags, making lists, clearing shelf space. Preparing the husband with author flash cards so he can dive when he sees a particular book.

Elizabeth George: Inspector Thomas Lynley!

It’s a book sale not for the faint of heart.

My Outfit- after much consideration, I went sleeveless. Simplicity 1884:

I’ve made this one before- its comfortable and quick- I love a pattern that has minimal front and back seams so my gaudy fabrics aren’t too diced up. I skip the bow and added a wise owl- for my smarty-pants book sale theme.

Another plus- no dangling sleeves to create drag while book shopping. I need full arm extension and rabbit punch moves!  No excess fabric for other shoppers to grab at and haul you away from the prize tomes. 3/4 tunic length so no time waisted hauling  it down over my hips after I body slam and use an old lady as a pommel horse to get to a pristine Deanna Raybourn!

Book shoppers at this sale are not those sweet sleepy book club ladies that just want to talk about Edward and Bella. These chicks are hardcore!

Hell hath no fury like a spinster with a wheelie cart defending her Janet Oake books from attack. It’s not for sissies, folks. Elbows are sharp and flying at the large print Nicholas Sparks table.
So why is this a fish story? I forgot the bleeding camera!? So only a few phone shots are available- nothing of little me looking lovely.

So you must listen to me  tell you of my battle scars- the way I hyper-extended my arm like Mrs incredible to reach the only copy of a Gore Vidal I didn’t have. The way I vaulted across the table and dive caught a Michael Connelly just as the guy with his t-shirt tucked into his sweatpants dropped it.

Well, the siege lasted 2 hours- from the time the volunteer greeted us  (in my mind he really said,’At my signal, unleash hell’) to our exit- bloodied and with spoils  rivaled only by a Mongol raiding party! This is from my phone:

Here’s Bruder- he is pretending he is me at the noir table:

He gets me. He does.

The to-read shelf is most happy now.
Photo credits: little me, pattern review. All images remain the property of the original owners.