GIOVANNI'S ROOM

Nice to see some main stay and things of the past continue on. While in Philly this weekend, I can never pass on a chance and never will miss a trip into Giovanni's Room. Founded in 1973, the bookshop is named of course after James Baldwin's gay novel of the same name. During it's initial establishment, the shop included works of all gay and lesbian authors, and works by James Baldwin, Gertrude Stein and Wila Cather and many others...and still does, but is has now more than 30,00 titles dedicated towards not only gay men and women, but also feminist, transgender and bisexual topics, biographies, nonfiction tell all's, safe sex books and a section of "artistic" skin books and magazines for men and women and even a decent music selection of cd's and vinyl's. There's even a 99 cent section!!! For years now its been on the Historical and Museum Commission registersry as a historic location when the bookshop, was the first LGBT bookstore in the country,  and now the final one still operating.  The place has always been a mainstay, and haven for the community to come, hang, gather with others and search out help , services and reading interests just for us.  When the last owner, Ed retired after 48 years, the community worried, I recall posting way back then with worry what would happen to the place... but thankfully the Philly Aids Thrift took over. And it is glorious to see how well the place is doing. I love taking people there...just ask Sixpence! The girl I talked to said they are busier than ever, and she has seen a huge uptick in people wanting their money to stay IN THE COMMUNITY and not to big box and online presence. I couldn't agree more. I only get books through them, and if they don't have it, they can get it. The place was jumping on Saturday.

I have always loved this chandelier.

Good times! I have spent hours in there at a time back in the day. Had great conversations, bought to many books to recount, possibly some of my skin mags, got some great art, and cards learned, great source of information and community events, not to mention maybe even got cruised and taken back to some gent's abode on a couple of occasions!!! It's all part of the experience after all. But again, great to see the place was packed on both floors.

PAT at Giovanni's Room

345 S 12th and Pine Streets

MOOD BOARD

 

A good weekend. Read the previous post to see what I was up too. About the only thing I didn't mention was meeting two guys with friends why we took several libations at Ubar. Several drinks and three hours of conversation. I was asked by each of them when I'd be back in Philly. Whilst I did have my phone, everyone chuckled when I asked the bartender for paper and a pen to get their numbers. Nice to see some things never change. The tried-and-true method I say. Onward to the week.....

MONDAY!!!!!

Have a good week all! 

And it's time to get the fur chubbies out of the vault again.

SCENE IN PHILADELPHIA

A glorious weekend!!!! The weekend jolly was nothing more than a mere weekend getaway, spent with a few friends just to get out, drink and be merry. It also became a small celebration of sorts as I learned Thursday I got a company award for Visual Showroom Manager of the year! Quite a surprise!  Who knew my Joan Crawford standards and OCD would pay off?  I got back to the Casa this morning met with cooler temps, some drizzles and cool gales. Yesterday was warm and sunny and we even caught a glimpse of the Obama's, and Clintons arriving at the Kimmel Center. Earlier at lunch at my favorite Cuban eatery, we had seen a huge motorcade and had no idea what or who it was, but no fear it was the dump. He hates Philly and would never show his face again. It was later while walking we caught the glimpse of the Obama's and Clintons at the Kimmel Center. I learned later all four former presidents were present along with Jill Biden and the likes of Tina Fey, Kate McKinnon, Nicole Kidman, Hoda Kotb, Garth Brooks, Tom Brady and many others were all present for talks and interviews on American History, the past and current times, immigration and what it means to America, democracy, social justice and healing division. The event was apparently sponsored by the History Channel. Again, in Philly one never knows who you'll see. Anywho...some nice sights on a wonderful spring walkabout. Most of our time was spent in the fabulous Rittenhouse Square neighborhood this trip. 

Rittenhouse Square one of my favorite places to hang out was planned in 1682 by William Penn and his surveyor Thomas Holme making it the fourth oldest park in the US. Of the five Philadelphia parks they planned, Rittenhouse is the only one to continuously retain it's original intent: an urban square to be used as as a place of retreat and respite. And the park is very well tended to. If you live there no doubt you've seen the staff and volunteers cleaning benches and weeding and other chores to keep the park a lovely place to visit.

And no visit to Rittenhouse is complete without dinner and cock-a-tails at the Parisian inspired brasserie, Parc!

Lobster cocktail

There's always time for a cock-a-tail!

And dessert...profiteroles.

Enough said.