You aren't signed in     Sign In    Help

writing on the walls

is this seat taken?
I hate daniel steel's books :P
haha. it's a magic seat, room for everyone. sit and stay awhile... :)
haha. i've never read one, but i'll take your word for it. who is your favorite
??
MaX, can you pick that orange book frrom the top shelf for me?
Ralph's fan mail.
A Six volume set.
Don't worry, AleX, MaX will be here soon. I just saw him sitting in the Spaceship section... :)
haha. thank you my friend, but i think you're mistaken. these are my complaint letters. :)
Bookstore angel :-))).
actually, if it is okay, i would rather sit cross-legged on the floor (if it is not too dirty, of course). that is how i prefer to sit when i read.
i will sit here on the floor and lean against the shelf. :)
writing on the walls by nardell.
Please, pull up a chair.


If anyone is interested, the bookstore's website is Here
This photo has notes. Move your mouse over the photo to see them.

Comments

view profile

Elitsa  Pro User  says:

Great title!
Love the composition, the empty chair so inviting!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

edwardjackman says:

when I first looked at this, I could swear I saw a couple of books float from one shelf ot the other.

who you gonna call?
e.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

wolfdaughter says:

oh, fanstastic! i love books and bookstores!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

jami~  Pro User  says:

I'm home!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Irina!  Pro User  says:

Great! love the chair here and your story about it:)) It is so sweet!

THis pic reminded me my old school library which looked exactly the same! Only alphabetic indexes are missing:)) Great warm memory your photo brought up in me:)
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Sexy Swedish Babe  Pro User  says:

Nardell! You make me want to write books!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Girlabroad  Pro User  says:

That's a little slice of heaven right there. Nice title :)
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

*Str3g@* [deleted] says:

WOW! I like it so much!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

minkoff says:

oh, Ralph!!!! i´d love to sit in that chair and read...looks like a warm charming place with that powerfull "book perfume" in the air :D
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

paintedhouse52 says:

Good morning Ralph! You amaze me with your many sides. Just when I am expecting a gorgeous outside shot, you blow me away with the most simple images of pencils and books. Thank you, my friend.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Agnieszka  Pro User  says:

Ahhh, paradise! One of my favourite places to be at. Apart from libraries, of course.

*me is staring at the screen longingly*
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

paintedhouse52 says:

BTW, I have never actually been in Balwin's Book Barn but have passed it a zillion times. I'm inspired to take a visit now. Can you just sneak a few of those chairs out with you next time..that chair has the perfect lines for my wacky paint brushes!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

alight  Pro User  says:

oh!.. this is so comfy and wonderful!... love it.
my mother always, always wanted to be a librarian.. (she was a mom instead :) ... i just posted an image for her. .. so we are in spiritual synch, dear friend Ralph. .. thank you!
(p.s the last time she was in West Chester, she brought me home a... book!)
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

(Rimbaudian) says:

I'd love to seat on that chair, faboulous shot!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

Chris W. Hart [deleted] says:

Could lose oneself in there easily missing lunch, dinner and quite possibly bedtime! ;)
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

lorretine says:

oh, Ralph!!! i love books. and bookstores. and libraries...
:*
dreamafterdream.blogspot.com/2006/01/coffee-n o-57_27.html
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Chicago Wedding Photographer, Laurie Peacock  Pro User  says:

Looks like heaven to me. Sighhhh.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

_Lev_  Pro User  says:

"Where is human nature so weak as in the bookstore?"
Henry Ward Beecher
(That's why they have those chairs scattered around the store, I think);)
Wonderful picture.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

ashleigh ide  Pro User  says:

i likey
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

Cerise [deleted] says:

that looks like a great bookstore. i can smell it now...
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

ATENCION: says:

Ralph...this shot is wonderful! I could stare at it forever. There´s something going on.

Also I´m amazed of the many things you can do with dead trees.

@_Lev_ : Great quote!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

.Marcin says:

I've started reading from the left. I'll let you know when I'm done with Danielle Steel on the right;)
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

kasia.kazmierska says:

"ok, I just made that up" tag is definately my favourite:)

I don't know if I should ever enter this bookstore- I could get lost for a while:)
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

letz says:

I really really love books .. and I really love your pic ... I'm felling in home!!!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

sarahabnett  Pro User  says:

a good place to be.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

aga_d  Pro User  says:

:)))))) i could swear I thought it looks like Shakespeare & Co.

perfect place - Lucky you.... such a perfect place for a ... date :D
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

dhammza  Pro User  says:

oh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
this is perfect...how i imagine you Ralph, sitting on that chair, between books...what a precious shot my friend!!! you´re definitely the master of photostories!!!

Perfect!!!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

aga_d  Pro User  says:

just checked the website - FASCINATING place!!!!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Tobymutz  Pro User  says:

the seat of enlightenment!
a heavenly retreat for bookworms!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

*potato, the bad says:

wonderful place, probably it would be my favourite bookstore too :)
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

CLICSTAN says:

adoro ler...e quanto mais leio mais eu gosto...
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

achuka  Pro User  says:

I'd like to spend a while in that chair, serendipitously browsing
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

★lex says:

I hear the stories whispering while I'm sitting there, my feet half covered with the many books I've taken and then left to go to the next one.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

elsakawai™  Pro User  says:

May I ?
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

wanderlust (Jen) says:

I just love bookstores, the older the better. The chair is so inviting. Will have to check it out if I get to West Chester.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

Carie Amanda [deleted] says:

i'm so happy that you took this picture... somehow i feel as though i will come by and look at it everyday of my life and imagine that i am sitting there... close my eyes and feel the words of these books come to life! thank you my friend!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

t.amarab [deleted] says:

fantastic!!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Astrid.  Pro User  says:

I'd love to be in that shop!
lovely shot, R
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

{leah}  Pro User  says:

love this!!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Squonk11  Pro User  says:

The question is: should I go out taking pictures or stay inside reading? As I love both, that's often a tough onje to decide...
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

Quizz [deleted] says:

i love it, it is simple it is magical it is briliant it is seducing it is calling me to go there!
nardell i love how you can make a super photo from something that others wouldnt notice
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

roman_h.  Pro User  says:

book's world.....
it is a wonderful world...
Perfect photo!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

racingsquirrel  Pro User  says:

A nice setup with the chair amongst the books. Lots of lines, lots of colors, and a nice neutral light. Mastering your domain.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

eye2eye  Pro User  says:

Best quaint old bookstore shot I've ever seen -- it instantly creates the atmosphere I find so compelling about these places... and the chair!-- icing on the cake! (Plus -- your creative use of the tags is just plain out of sight.)

Thanks for your comment, Ralph. And I got a real kick out of your pane-ful humor!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

silkegb  Pro User  says:

I looks very comfy.. nice!!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

maryanne_b says:

All those colours are great! A really wonderful shot, so warm and inviting. Just like a real bookstore, looking at it large I can stay for quite a while! :)
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

RRCA_again says:

...la culture restera toujours gravée dans nos esprits... *** (Resume in english: "CULTURE FOR EVER") ***
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

by M~  Pro User  says:

now THIS is the way a library, or bookstore, should look! Full of such quirky colors and lines. A much-lived chair to plop down and read a dust-cover...so much literature around you that you feel like you cannot breathe...and loving every moment of it.

Great shot Ralph...really.

Rhi~
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

miss maple  Pro User  says:

this is great, ralph. i love the perspective. i adore used bookstores... if there's isn't already a group devoted to them, then there should be!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

WomanChild  Pro User  says:

Amazing shot, Ralph. So warm and wonderful. I could move right in and be very happy. Love the lines and coziness. I checked the website and wish I lived closer. Such a world apart from big ole B&N!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

luisa_m_c_m_cruz  Pro User  says:

A beautiful shot.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

arnmundardóttir - erla  Pro User  says:

i could live in a place like this...
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

annappleaday  Pro User  says:

i spend many hours in that chair
nardel....
how did you know?
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Renata Diem  Pro User  says:

Interesting perspective!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Old Pictures says:

The joy of life!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

ATENCION: says:

Ralph:
Don´t be scared. I guess a "thanks everyone" will do the job.

hehe

Otherwise you can write and publish your first novel:
"How I thanked my 'writing on the walls' photograph"

Then just put it with the rest of the books on one of those shelves.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

onewhostrives says:

looks like paradise
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

lejson says:

Really cool!
I can be sitting here for whole day!!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

nardell  Pro User  says:

NewEsther - Hi! And thank you so much!

Elitsa - I'm happy you like it my friend, and thank you for the kind words!

e.dward - You saw that? I thought I was the only one. Glad you're here, then. :)

nina - Thanks so much, and me too!

jami - This is 1 mile from my home, so next time you're here...we'll go! :) Thanks dear. :)

irina - What a sweet thing to say, I love your story about the old library! Thank you for that, and all your thoughtful comments my friend. :)

SSB - Oh, my friend, that is a book I would read TODAY. :D I'll send you a pencil. :)

liz - I agree (not the photo, the place!). You're invited! :)
And thank you!

str_ega - Thank you so very much...I like your enthusiasm. :)

julia - "book perfume" - haha. what a perfect way to say it...and yes, it is exactly as you said my friend. thank you so much!

jane - hi! wow, how nice! thank YOU for that...and all your encouragment. it means alot! more surprises coming i hope. :)

agnieszka - I am with you my friend! I can spend hours in these places...one of my favorite places too. Thank you dear friend!!
p.s. That last sentence you meant to put under my SP, right? HAHA. :DD (kidding, kidding). :)

jane - :). Oh, you must stop in...but make sure you have at least an hour. When I was there last week, they had the potbelly stove burning, and the whole place smelled amazing...and they have these chairs EVERYwhere. All kinds. :)

kelly - i am coming next to see this photo of your mom! thank you for sharing this part of her story...so cool! and spiritual synch is a good thing to have, isn't it? :) Thanks!

Gianluca - You're welcome anytime, amico. :) Thanks for the visit, as always. :)

Chris - Ha. Exactly right my friend. I pretty much did exactly as you said...except bedtime! :)

Joanna - Hello dear friend! Ah, thank you for the link...I can't wait! :DDD. Thank you!!

DivineCalm - And me, too. Thank you!

Lev - What a perfect quote! Thanks for adding that here...and it's true...I spent too much money there, again! :)

ashleigh - haha. I likey that you do. :)

cerise - It's amazing how many people associate bookstores and smell... Interesting. :) I love that one in SF..."City of Light" I think? Or something like that... Awesome feeling to it! Thanks!

MaX - Thank you brother! There IS something going on...all these shelves are waiting for YOUR first book. :)

And yes...the trees are committed to this bookstore, aren't they? Floor, chair, shelves, books... :)
:)

Marcin - haha. Good eye! And good idea to save those for last, they should go quickly. :)) Thanks, as always!

kasia.kaz - Thanks for noticing that. Ha. But don't worry, come on in...only your mind will get lost. :) Thank you!

leticia - Make yourself at home dear friend! Of course!! And thank you, as always!! :)

sarah - yes indeed. happy to see you, and thank you!

aga - My dear friend, I thought the same the first time I went. It does have that same feeling. Only when you walk outside, the view is alot better at Shake&Co. haha. :)
And about the date...as I said on the other pic...yes, you're right! I'll let you know if I "test" your theory. :)) Thank you!

Daniel - Wow, thank you for that my kind friend!! I can imagine the same of you...sitting there reading or sketching the entire room! :) Thank you so very much, as always!! :)

Aga - Hi again. haha. I'm so glad you did!! Thanks for taking the time my friend. And this is only a mile from where I live, so... :)

toby - Now that would have been an excellent title. Thank you my friend!! :)

asia - Many thanks my friend. And I think so too! :)

clicstan - Thank you so much (i THINK i read that right. haha)!! Nice to see you! :)

achuka - My thoughts exactly! Thank you!!

alexia - My dear, with only a few words, you've written a better story than all those on the shelves. :) Thank you Thank you dear AleX. :)

elsa - Of course you May. Please!! :)

wanaderlust - haha. I love that buddy icon. Yes, I hope you do! You'll love it...

cameragurl - Wow, what a sweet thing of you to say! Such an enthusiastic response -- it means alot to me, thank you! Come back any time. :D

cerise - Thank you !!

Astrid - Thank you! I'd love it if you were too!! I'd rather be in your kitchen, though. haha. :)

leah - Thank you very much!

Marc - Exactly!! It is a tough question. I find myself saving the bookstore for rainy days! (especially since you can hear the rain on the old barn roof). :D
And thank you for stopping by!

Quizz - So nice to see you Bogna! What a beautiful comment my friend. Thank YOU so much, it means alot...your photos always amaze me. Nice to have you back...you were missed! :DD

Pan Huzar - Dziękuję! :D. Very happy to see you, and thank you so much!! Happy to know you like it! :)

Stephan - Such kind and careful words, my friend. Thank you so much!!

Dave - What a great thing to hear from you my friend. THANK YOU for such an observant and thoughtful comment!! (and thanks for putting up with my humor. haha. it's often painful. :) )

Silke - Comfy is the right word, and thank you!

maryanne - Are you still here? Hello? haha. I'm so happy you like it my friend! Now go outside and keep running! haha. :)

RRCA - Thank you for that (and the translation too). Very kind of you ! Thanks!

rhi - Nice to see you here my friend! Thank you for such a great comment!! I live 2 minutes from here, and Adrian about 5...I'm sure he'd agree that we will take you here anytime my friend! Sounds good? :D

Sylvia - Thank you! I feel exactly the same way!! Love these places...(and there must be a group, i'll look). :)

WC - You don't live THAT far away..and I've already seen you and Mr. WC love car trips, so...:)
Thank you so much for your lovely comment my dear, and for checking out the site too! YES, a whole world apart from B&N. :)

luisa - Thank you so much!

Erla - Me too! Books, chairs, that's all we need. Grab that little green bag of yours and c'mon! And your glasses. And the hat! :D

Anna - Haha. Just a lucky guess...It's there waiting... :)

Renata - Thank you so much!

OldPictures - Yes indeed, I agree.

MaX - HAHA. I laughed out loud when I read this the first time...and now that I've written my book, I'm STILL laughing. :D

How I thanked my 'writing on the walls' photograph"

Dedicated to MaX and AleX, who always know the story between the lines. :D

:DDDD

onewhostrives - It must be close to it! Thank you for your comment!

lejson - Thank you very much! I almost did exactly that. :)
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

pop500km says:

ahah!I very like it,too!
I want to go.... :)
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

slamehi  Pro User  says:

Amazing shot! I love it!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Astrid.  Pro User  says:

You'd rather be in my kitchen, Ralph? Are you hungry? ;-) I've just finished my breakfast, but I'll make you an awsome lunch? When are you coming?
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

-=NzArD=- says:

yay....I love books and pictures of books!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

... Arjun  Pro User  says:

Amazing composition and use of leading lines.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

*Kit*  Pro User  says:

Wow! Such a looooong list of comments! :D Just wanna say,"I love this Ralph".
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

esther (off) says:

You have such great ideas my friend!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

cristina: [deleted] says:

oh i could sit on that chair for...days...:D
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Sunnysky_  Pro User  says:

genial!!
simply genial!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

mag_n  Pro User  says:

:)
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

daniohs says:

Oh my God! This is like one of my photos... I was given the assignment to take photos of chairs so I went to a library and took the same picture with the same idea. Although my chair wasn't as rickety and my angle was a lot lower. But I love how antique this looks.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

jovivebo  Pro User  says:

It can be as simple as this...
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

slight clutter  Pro User  says:

I'd feel very at home there.

Wonderful!!! :)
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

flyzipper  Pro User  says:

If I stare at this long enough, the walls seem to start closing in.
*looking for an exit*
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Summers says:

Ok, I love this! Partly because I am a total bookstore geek, and mostly because it is a brilliant shot. thank you!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

vanvos  Pro User  says:

Wonderful place...very beautiful!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

neesflynn says:

Pure heaven!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

wwliles says:

What more is there to say. I love it.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

sorrenta says:

woa holly macarolli i see MaX's point!

Cheers to another great photo and ingenious title ;)
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

José Miguel Serrano  Pro User  says:

I luv this picture, i just want to sit there and stay...!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

POCKET_ROCKET says:

wow. i wanna be there right now, sitting on that chair....
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

in-di-go says:

Great place to be!!!Or not to be,that's the question.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

northern library  Pro User  says:

swoooooooon
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

*Mariko  Pro User  says:

I love bookstores, and this one looks perfect!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

cherence1 [deleted] says:

love how the books just overwhelm you.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Pippyxox says:

Oh i want to be there right now .......... Hmmmm Books!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Ego,echo,tango,Véro says:

great composition, I like, very very beautiful photography
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

hylaury {away}  Pro User  says:

this is magical, ralph!
bookstores are so great, and this one has so much character!!
i checked out their website, and i think we may have to go there when we come down!

your "rumor has it..." tags are the best!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

serendipic says:

I love the color and the perspective!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Dappers  Pro User  says:

Looks like a wonderful place to sit and read forever...
Posted 45 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

eye2eye  Pro User  says:

What a delicious photo.
Had to come back for a 2nd look... lingering for a bit... exploring the shelves at your generous "original" size... trying to imagine myself in that chair, the only person in the shop after closing time, with a stack of books on the floor awaiting my perusal...
Posted 45 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

rivoluzione says:

amazing photo...delicate and funny.compliments
Posted 45 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

phitar  Pro User  says:

still this intense talent for photo and titles !
Posted 45 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

toddlertoes  Pro User  says:

What phitar says, you are so gifted my Flickr-friend. This is another photo where one could be looking at for minutes.... it is such a storytelling photo, the colors, the textures, the angle, the composition aww wonderful! I was wondering, does someone ever tap you on the shoulder and say 'mr, no photographing in here'? Because well you see so much everywhere so it seems, and people sometimes just wont let you photograph but you seem fareless and brave by just doing it when you see someting beautiful
Posted 43 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

XOZ  Pro User  says:

You see things where I would only see confinement and perhaps dirt. It even looks good in the thumbnail. Amazing shot with that symbolic empty chair and lots of wonderful colors. Fine work as always!
www.flickr.com/groups/vip_fotographer/
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

koan_of_light [deleted] says:

Great composition, I love bookstores and see myself sitting on the
chair : ))
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Sûha says:

Waw

I like it so much!

Vey very good wonderfull ...
Posted 38 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Luriana L says:

perfect ...... love it :o)))))
Posted 37 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

lemon hound  Pro User  says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Books & Portraits, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
Posted 32 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

*olivervo says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called CHAIR

sinterchair.

Please join the group. We'd love to have your
chair photos added to the group.

yours: olivervo

: )
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

flickrolf  Pro User  says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called A WRITING on the WALL, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

micheeky  Pro User  says:

nice !
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

vapnet [deleted] says:

hi, i'm the ghost for a group called intelligence as a linguistic concept, and it would be nice to have your photo added to the group
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Fer Jimenez  Pro User  says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called "Books"- Happy 2010!, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
--
Seen in a tag search. ( ?² )
Posted 5 days ago. ( permalink )

view profile

Hazel ♠ says:

Read is GREAT!!!

Gif animado

""This wonderful photo was seen in "BOOKS"
Posted 3 days ago. ( permalink )

Would you like to comment?

Sign up for a free account, or sign in (if you're already a member).

[?]
view photos Uploaded on March 29, 2006
by nardell

nardell's photostream

1,572
uploads

This photo also belongs to:

west chester (Set)

201
items

Books & Portraits (Pool)

A WRITING on the WALL (Pool)

intelligence as a linguistic concept (Pool)

Books/libros/livros (Pool)

Tags

Additional Information

All rights reserved Anyone can see this photo License this photo on Getty Images

Add to your map