MOTHER'S DAY

Mother's Day is a special day, a special time, a special celebration where we say "thank you" for everything she does for us.   Everything that she is to us.   Everything that she means to us.

So this Mother's Day, as well as taking her breakfast, or meeting with the family for lunch or dinner, take time to choose a special gift.   Gifts don't have to have $100 vouchers or hampers you know.  A small trinket will be as well received as a Ferrari!   (Joking, of course!)

However, why not choose a special book for Mum.   A book by a favourite author, a new author even. A beautiful antique-looking photograph album.   A vintage collectible.    A book of any subject that she has a special interest in.   Cookery, Native Wildlife, History, Crafts, Novels, Mystery, Gardening, Fiction, Non-Fiction, Picture Books, the list goes on and on.

Visit Rainy Day Books and you'll be thrilled with your choices.   You'll also experience a warm welcome.   Children have their own little nook to spend time in while you're choosing a book for your Mum and they in turn can choose something for you.   The best of all worlds.   The world of the printed word and photo.

Meryll also has some absolutely beautiful, one-off, greeting cards created by a local photographer.  Why not get Mum a uniquely different card this Mother's Day.

There's always something "different" to find at Rainy Day Books.    Visit soon.

The National Red Balloon Day

The National Red Balloon Day held yesterday, the 28th February, at Rainy Day Books was a huge success.   Parents and children came from all around the district to buy a red balloon and to show their thanks to the local CFA Fire Brigade at the Basin, for all the wonderful work they do.   So often people forget that our firefighters are all volunteers and give so much of their time and energy freely and willingly.

Jacqui with the help of Oliver and her pony were very busy with 40 pony trips around the grassed area, while Meryll was busy keeping an eye on the beautiful Vintage Fire Truck (on loan from Como Gardens, the Basin).   Kids as well as parents had a great time.   With a number of lovely raffle prizes, Meryll was also kept very busy blowing up more balloons throughout the day.  In fact people were stopping at the shop and calling in today (Saturday) to buy even more.

50 children from the small chuch private school in the Basin walked down to Rainy Day Books to take part in the fun as well as sitting on the fabulous Fire Truck and ringing it’s bell.   Captain Koala entertained everyone - kids and parents alike.

Proceeds from the Red Balloon Day will go direct to the CFA at the Basin.

Keep tuned for some more lovely photographs of the Red Balloon Day which we are hoping to receive in a day or so.

A LITTLE BIT OF LOVE!

Valentine's Day is just around the corner.   While flowers and chocolates seem to be the modern-day favourite gifts, these just don't last long.

Whereas a book!   A book can become a friend, it can become an accessory, and it can become a focal point in your home - whether it be a castle or a humble room.  It can be read, cherished and read again and again.  Fiction, non-fiction, or even a collectible.

Think about a book as a gift for this Valentine's Day.    

A day for lovers - of any age.   Some people even give gifts to sisters, aunts and mothers, just to express their love.

Check our Rainy Day Books - you'll be sure to find a bargain or two, or three!

BOOK SIGNING by FATHER BOB

The book signing event with Father Bob was a tremendous success.   At times there were 50 people waiting in the queue.  Of course Father Bob, ever ready to chat and come up with many of his well-known and un-expected quips, entertained everyone in his own inimitable way.

The weather was kind, and Rainy Day Books have added todays visit by Father Bob to their portfolio of book signing events.  

What a way to meet and chat with interesting people, as well as make new friends as you wait in a queue!

"FATHER BOB" - Book Signing

This is a wonderful opportunity not only to meet Father Bob but also to buy his book. This book signing will be a treat for the folk of the nearby foothills of the Dandenongs and visitors from elsewhere.

Your January diary must include a day out to the Hills. Wednesday 22 January at 2.00 pm will see Father Bob at Rainy Day Books, 1301 Mountain Highway, The Basin (telephone 9762 0862). 

Visit Father Bob at Rainy Day Books (the best little bookshop in the Hills), situated at the foot of the Dandenongs at 1301 Mountain Highway and Forest Road, at the roundabout in The Basin.

COUNTDOWN to the CUP!

The Mountains of Books Fair has been a great success again this year, and already book dealers have their names down for next year's Fair.  Make sure you put the Melbourne Cup Weekend into your new 2014 Diary!

The Spring Racing Carnival here in Melbourne is in full swing.  The fillies are ready for the great day.   Fashions on the Field have been chosen following lots of considerations and the jockey's satins are hanging up waiting for the big event.   Melbourne Cup is the race that stops a nation and if the weather experts are right in their forecasts, it should be an exceptional day.

But every day is an exceptional day at Rainy Day Books, for no matter what your favourite author or book might be, it will be found especially for you.  






The window display at present covers the Spring Racing Carnival and here are a few of the books on display.  

MOUNTAINS of BOOKS FAIR, 2013

Once again everything is gearing up for the Mountains of Books Book Fair to be held at the Ferny Creek Recreation Hall.  This is the 6th year of the Fair, and we are expecting thousands of visitors making the most of the Melbourne Cup Weekend by driving up into the hills to enjoy the wonders and delights of the area, as well as to pick up fantastic bargains at the Book Fair.  Bring plenty of bags and cartons to take home your prizes.

Keep an eye out for the signages as well as the bright red flags with the word "BOOKS".   Then follow your nose and the crowds.

PACKING FOR A HOLIDAY

The following article appeared in the Melbourne Sun-Herald last week.  

"Books beat e-readers when it comes to literature to take on holiday, a survey of 2000 readers has found.

As much as 71 per cent of travellers prefer a real book to an electronic version.  Most said they enjoyed the feel of a real book.

Sixty-seven per cent said they turn to friends and family for book recommendations".

So it seems that "real" books are a must when it comes to packing the suitcase for a holiday.  

In fact "real" books are a must for any occasion and any season as far as many of us are concerned.

It was also interesting to read that 67 per cent of respondents to the survey said they turn to friends and family for book recommendations.  

What a good idea to make a "wish-list" of authors and book titles and provide them to all your friends and family members as suggestions for gifts at any time of the year.   Then you'll always be sure of getting the book that you want!   Whatever season.

....... 2013 R'mary, regular visitor to Rainy Day Books

LOTS HAPPENING in THE BASIN

With the upcoming Family Day to be held on the 17th February at Como Gardens, Rainy Day Books' window this week highlights the art of Ikebana.  

Melbourne Ikebana will be participating at the Como Gardens Family Day, together with many other great highlights, including Rainy Day Books!

It doesn't matter what particular interest you might have, Rainy Day Books can supply all your reading material on that subject.   If it is not available at the bookshop, then Meryll can, with her worldwide network, obtain it for you.

BRUNCH with KERRY GREENWOOD

It seemed as though all cars headed for the Hills early this morning.  Hundreds of women (and a few brave men) met at the Burrinja Cultural Centre in Upwey, to hear Kerry Greenwood speak.   An enjoyable brunch started the morning, and then Kerry Greenwood was introduced.

What an entertaining couple of hours awaited us.  Kerry held everyone spellbound with her anecdotes of childhood and how she realised her talent in telling stories.   Spiced with much humour, she held everyone in suspense waiting to hear what else she had to say.    Her ventures into research expanded most of the audience's perception and knowledge of what is entailed in setting a background for a book.

Kerry told the audience how Phryne Fisher came into being, and how just after three chapters in the first book Phryne had actually taken over completely, leaving Kerry in a place where she had to comply with Phryne's wishes.   Phryne very soon had shown Kerry that Phryne herself would dictate how she was to be filled out as a character.

Questions were accepted following Kerry's talk, and these revolved around the filming of the second series of Pryne Fisher Mysteries as well as Nathan Page (the handsome Detective Jack Robinson).   Keep an eye out for Nathan riding a motor bike in a forthcoming episode (at some time in the future).

The Burrinja Cultural Centre presents Australian authors and artists on a regular basis.   Their Darnell Collection of beautiful clothing complimenting many writers from the early 1900s has been an overwhelming success and finishes on the 17th February.

(All photographs are covered by copyright - Rainy Day Books of the Basin).   Photo of Nathan Page - copyright ABC Australia).

AUSTRALIA DAY - 2013

It's a long weekend!   Just the time to spend with family and friends.   An outdoors picnic or BBQ - the weather is just right for it.   A relaxing afternoon following lunch, either sitting out in the back ((or front garden, taking things easy!

And how better to take things easy than to pick up a book with an Australian flavour?  Delve into our history; learn about how Australia and Australians "tick".   Meet people through the words and descriptions in books - some who you may have heard of, and some who may be new to you.

There's a treasure trove of reading for you, at any time, at Rainy Day Books.   Take the opportunity of driving up to the Basin, and seeking out the best little bookshop in the hills, at the roundabout.   Then, choose something to eat from the Basin Bakery or the Chocolate Dragonfly, and take the children across to the wonderful playground at the Basin Triangle and settle down for an enjoyable experience.

A day for everyone.  An Australia Day for every Australian (and their guests.)

 

The Christmas Window Display!

Rainy Day Books has a lovely traditional Christmas tree and display this month. Lots of Christmas titles and plenty of new books for gifts. All the old favourites like Dickens – Christmas story and several Thomas Kincaid picture books.

Gift vouchers are also available for those “hard to buy for” people and Meryll is always at hand to help you with choices.

Have a very Happy and Holy Christmas and we hope you have plenty to read over the holidays.

PUT THIS DATE IN YOUR DIARY

MOUNTAINS OF BOOKS 

Used, rare & out-of-print book fair 

Ferny Creek in the Yarra Ranges

Melbourne Cup Weekend – November 3rd and 4th, 2012

The 5th annual Mountains of Books, organised by second-hand and specialist booksellers from the Yarra Ranges and beyond, will be held on Melbourne Cup weekend, November 3rd and 4th, 2012.

This special weekend has proved popular with booklovers – locals, Melburnians and visitors to the State – escaping the city’s frenetic activity to enjoy the cool tranquility of spring in “The Dandenongs”.

The fair will have over a dozen knowledgeable and friendly booksellers offering thousands of used and out-of-print titles, including an eclectic range of fiction and non-fiction titles plus collectible genres such as vintage children’s books, cookery, art, fashion, gardening and militaria.

Local identity Donna Williams, autism counsellor, cancer survivor and all-round hilarious person will be in attendance.   

Mountains of Books will be held in Ferny Creek, less than an hour east of the CBD, in a picturesque setting opposite Sherbrooke Forest, with ample parking, playground and picnic facilities on site. The tourist meccas of Sassafras and Olinda are a short drive away.Further information: Meryll Williams Rainy Day Book:  (03) 9762 0862 www.rangesbooktrail.com.au 

MOUNTAINS OF BOOKS 2012 5th annual used, rare & out-of-print book fair Saturday November 3rd 10am – 5pm, Sunday November 4th 10am – 4pm Ferny Creek Recreational Reserve Hall, Hilton Rd, Ferny Creek, 3786 (Melways map 45E1).

SPRINGTIME in the "DANDENONGS"

Suddenly it's Spring.   People have been flocking to the many Open Gardens - the Rhododendron Gardens at Olinda, the Daffodil Farm at Menzies Creek, Tesselaar's Tulip Farm at Silvan.  And it's not only to the gardens that people have been trekking to the Dandenong Ranges - hundreds have been making for the "best little bookshop in the hills" - Rainy Day Books at the Basin.

Regular window displays always bring compliments and encouraging comments.   The books selected for each window display are chosen with care, and highlight the theme of the moment.

The latest theme is Spring - of course!   Books of all kinds complimenting Springtime are available at Rainy Day Books, and Meryll is always eager to find a rare or out-of-print book for her customers.

Take time to visit the Dandenongs, and more importantly take time to browse around Meryll's bookshop - Rainy Day Books.