<a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/P6070020.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5967" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/P6070020-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>Have you heard of Powell's Books in Portland?  It's a Bibliophile Wonderland.

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What makes it so special?  IT'S AN ENTIRE CITY BLOCK OF BOOKS!!!  It also includes a vast array of quirky gifts and, of course, a coffee shop with authentic Portland coffee.

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And it's an independent bookstore!  Hurrah!

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I was there on a Tuesday, and it was swarming with people.  SWARMING!!!  I cannot tell you how this makes my old-fashioned book-loving, Kindle-averse, chain bookstore-loathing heart swell with happiness.

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<a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/P6070022.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5968" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/P6070022-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5970" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/P6070024-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" />

Right:  Montessori and art &amp; drama -- representing 16 years of my life

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<a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/P6070025.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5971" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/P6070025-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>

Inside the bathroom stall.  You gotta love Portland.

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Soul-scintillatin bonus:  GRAND CANYON PHOTOS FROM THE PLANE!!!!  16 years in Arizona, and I am embarrassed to admit that I've never been to The Grand Canyon.  Now I can say that I have.  :-)

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<a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/P6070012.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5973" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/P6070012-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>