Take a close look: The pretty picture accompanying this post is of a circus tent made out of a book. This gorgeous treasure in its elegant simplicity provided a tiny beam of happiness in a crazy, mixed up week.

Life’s a circus. Life’s a roller coaster. Life’s a see-saw. I’ve felt all of these things in the last eight days on continuous loop.

I’ve also thought, on many occasions: Thank heavens for books.

In fact, I need to keep this post short so I can read for a few hours tonight or I know I won’t be in good shape tomorrow. Without reading I’ll be ham-fisted, jelly-legged and as big-footed as a clown — not a good look.

Seeing the circus tent in such a beautiful shop was a tiny moment of peace that spoke volumes.

Another was when a friend gave me a new journal … A fresh page to begin a new story.

Calico and Ivy in Balmain is closing down in the next month or two. So, if you want to roll up to see the big top and the shop’s other crafty delights, you’d better hurry.