Whatever Happened To My Blog?

Whatever Happened To My Blog?

It’s been a little more than three months since I wrote my last blog. I feel guilty as I am writing this, and yet, there is a reason, or a cluster of reasons why this space went dark in April and May. If you are reading this now, and are willing to read on, thank you for bearing with me.

The role of a bookstore owner is one that most people think of as ideal. I know this because when I talk to customers, especially those from other places visiting Chelsea, I hear their confessions as they look a little dreamy and a little sad. And in many ways they are right. It’s fun having your own little world to organize and define.

It’s fun reading whatever you want to read, and getting to hear about books that will become regular suggestions in the next year or so. I love talking with customers about books. I love making the ordinary business of the store go forward. And I really care about my community, which happens when you get to the point where even though you will be a newcomer for the next thirty years, you finally reach the point where you are part of the town.

People know you and you know them. Kids grow up and accomplish things and you can pretty much see the pride in their parents’ and grandparents’ eyes. For better or worse, you get involved in local groups, help organize events, give a little support to others, and your best and worst days get added to your file, becoming part of how people see you.

So my reading and writing have suffered. My garden is in full June bloom and I have worked on it pretty tirelessly. The pots in front of the store are also finally planted. I have read a few books.

With great joy, I watched my daughter graduate from a prestigious graduate school, something she was never expected to do, and for which I am in awe of her talent and perseverance. I have made a couple of new friends and have reconnected with a few old ones.

Please try to bear with me, with the store, with our foibles and limitations, and with the problems created by the special Michigan brand of economic distress. Check out the long-awaited changes coming to our website in the next month. And thanks for making us one of your regular stops for good reading.