Viola Spolin, Theater Games, Improv = Fun in Theater/Theatre

November 1, 2009 · Filed under General · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

So what does Viola Spolin, theater, improv, games have to do with a used bookstore? WELL, let me explain. Because I own the store I can make decisions. And I made the decision that the store would sponsor such an event. I can’t pay all of the workshop expenses BUT it could help get it going – posters, deposit for Vergennes Opera House, advertising, and other misc. expenses.

So what’s happening, you ask? Well….

Mary Ann Brandt will lead a Viola Spolin Workshop

Spolin Theater Games Led by Mary Ann Brandt

November 14-15, 2009 the  Viola Spolin Vermont Workshop will be held at the Vergennes Opera House.  Sat – 9:30-4; Sun 10-4. Cost to participate is $200 and includes lunch and snacks.

So what and who is Viola Spolin? Simply put she is the originator of Theater Games. I really can’t do her justice – to describe her and her techniques, approach to theater or her philosophy. Others have and much more eloquently than I.

I, though, am a huge fan. I discovered her while researching directing styles (as opposed to acting styles) because I was going to fulfill my inward passion - direct stage performances. Particularly children’s theater. I don’t have a theater degree – BS in Elementary Education – but I got a rarely awarded “A” in Children’s Theater by a college professor who never gave A’s. He told me I had a gift for directing. It was a moment when my heart stood still. I will never forget his words. Nor the incident that prompted him to speak to me in such a way. Thirty years ago. Anyways…Spolin. A friend loaned me her book, “Theater Games for the Classroom” and I felt a bond towards the author, Viola Spolin. And as in directing, I followed my passion to the internet and signed up with a Yahoo group “Give and Take.” There is where I ventured to ask if anyone would like to travel to Vermont to lead a workshop on her work. Mary Ann (as seen above) agreed to.

The interesting thing is that I’m learning more and more people don’t know about Viola Spolin and her impact on improv theater. To learn about Spolin and her work visit these sites: http://www.spolin.com, http://www.gary-schwartz.com/spolin.html, and http://paulsills.com/

I’m looking forward to Nov 14 and 15 to immerse myself in Spolin’s work and learn from Brandt’s teachings. I hope you’ll join us! Thanks!

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Daily Dealings with Used Books

October 29, 2009 · Filed under General · Tagged , , , ,

DSCN1000 I have to admit since I’ve made the commitment to work seven days a week it’s been an interesting life. All’s good but I want to develop a stronger Main Street relationship. Business has been great and I’m finding being open on Sundays has been beneficial to meet people’s needs and well, help my business, too. I’ve always used Sunday’s to recharge my batteries so I’ve been trying now to be easier on myself while I’m in the store. What I mean is, I don’t always have to be ’sorting, pricing and shelving’. That I can take time to read, work on the computer, or whatever.  So this week I’ve been trying to slow down a bit and enjoy each day. I’ve even been setting aside books to read. Ok, I’ve done that before but then end up putting them on the shelves. Now I’ve made a pact that if the book goes in my pile I have to read it before I shelf. Or if someone wants to buy it.

I gave my online account info to my brother – #3 – so he can now post his reviews. He has surpassed everyone in my family in our reading contest. I like to have his reviews on the store’s website for others to enjoy and for him to engage in conversations with readers.

Next week I’ll be taking a few days off to head to the ocean. I feel the need for ocean breezes on my face. The store will be open thanks to friends and relatives. :)

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Be Otterly Yourself

October 21, 2009 · Filed under General · Tagged , , , , , ,

“You can either hold yourself up to the unrealistic standards of others, or ignore them and concentrate on being happy with yourself as you are.” ―Jeph Jacques

Found this quote and wish I had it while in high school. I’ve been recently having conversations about high school days and don’t quite know what that’s all about. I’m one of those who actually didn’t enjoy my time in high school. I always felt so misunderstood and didn’t know how to express myself. Hm, I don’t have that trouble now. But that probably comes with age. So that is a good thing about getting older, I guess.  Anyways…

Business has calmed down a bit now that foliage is waning. Too bad. I rather enjoy having the store full of customers – browsers and buyers. It does get quiet down here but fortunately I have good music playing, surrounded with tons of books and I can always keep myself busy with reading, plus the continuous ’sorting, pricing, shelving.’ Yesterday I started working on my bookkeeping and so today I’m going to finish it up. Unless I get sidetracked. I’ve also got support letters to add messages to for Rokeby Museum (www.rokeby.org). I’ve just been put on their board which is so exciting. I love that place – the home of Rowland Robinson – its outbuildings and the back yard. Very magical. Plus I really like and admire the Director, Jane Williamson, and the work she does to maintain it. Though joining the board broke all my new life rules – no meetings – I just couldn’t say no. So that’s another thing I’ll be doing today. I also have to process some books I ordered for a customer and scout for a few more for others.

Laurel and I are trying to decide what to do with the artwork created by all those who participated in the community paint during the Middlebury Art Walk. Put a question to the Art Walk committee asking if it could be auctioned off with proceeds going to the Art Walk. Just waiting for an answer. If not that I’ll hang it upstairs. It came out really cool. This isn’t the final piece but close to the end:

Oct Midd Art Walk Community Paint "Paint Happens!"

Oct Midd Art Walk Community Paint "Paint Happens!"

Yep, that’s my day for today as I sit here with Cat Stevens coming from my laptop.  Time to tackle the day.

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October Middlebury Art Walk – Get Ready for PAINT HAPPENS!

October 2, 2009 · Filed under General · Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Pray for good weather! The store will hosting Middlebury native, Laurel Casey and her amazing oils AND a community paint titled, “Paint Happens!” outside on the front patio. Three MUHS – that’s Middebury Union High School grads – will be on hand to also lend our talents. That’s me, class of ‘71, Laurel ‘70 and my daughter, Hannah ‘01. We are pretty excited about this. Not sure what we’ll do when it’s finished but we’ll figure something out. Count on that. Unless it rains. But it can’t rain because we are planning on having some fun! And please, Mother Nature, please let it be warm, too.

The store will provide the paints and brushes and clean-up, if needed but hopefully everyone will be clean. I’ll put down a big tarp to protect the patio. Don’t want GMS&A to get upset with us.

I’ll still do the sale on all art books-50% off. I think that is inspiring. Several locals have taken advantage of that which makes me happy. I think I’ll let the drawing slide this time. Think it would be hard to do plus painting.

Getting back to Laurel…we’re buds on Facebook. Not sure about that site but that’s for later. Scary. Anyways, Laurel…so she posted a few of her oils and WOW! They spoke to me. They are amazing. Of course, I can’t think of good descriptive words to express how I feel about them but lets just say, I connected to them. They stirred up emotions in me. Oh my, isn’t that what art is suppose to do? Here is a photo collage of what she has done:

Laurel Casey Art Collage

Laurel Casey Art

She brought in one of the oils and to see it in person brought tears to my eyes. Now, I know this probably sounds crazy but really it did. She told me that someone gave her the oils and she just sat down and painted. Maybe it’s because I still find it hard to ‘let loose’ and be free in art. I’ve been working on it and geez after so many years of being told by teachers/’friends’ that I didn’t have talent I started believing them. The wonderful thing about growing older is you start listening to yourself and you know different. Not just about art but about life. Hm, which reminds me. I ran into an old friend a while back and as we were talking I thought, “Don’t go back there. Just keep forward.” Ick, who wants to dwell in the past? Not me! Anyways, Laurel…

The title of her exhibit  for the October Midd Art Walk is, “Enough Cows and Trees, Please.” One might think an anti-cow exhibit. Probably right! So I can’t wait to hang her art next week and hosting the Paint Happens! community paint. It will be fun. And I expect old and young to participate. Talent or think-they-don’t-have-talent.

I’ve been working on the boxes that have come in over the past several weeks. S-l-0-w-l-y going through them and getting them up on the shelves. Patrick O’Brien, vampire romance novels, classics, sci fi, oh, just stop in and see. You are, of course, welcomed to explore the boxes, too. And don’t forget, poetry! I still have two boxes to go through. Two are up. Phew!

I’ll take photos of Laurel’s work when we have them hung. But you have to come in to see them! For more on Laurel visit her websites: www.laurelcasey.com and www.laurelcaseytimes.com.

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September Middlebury (VT) Art Walk at Otter Creek Used Books

September 12, 2009 · Filed under General

Aug 2009 Art Walk Patio

Announcing Middlebury Art Walk at the store

David King Window Display

Bristol Woodworker David King Window Display

David King Woodworking

Bristol Woodworker David King In-store Display

The September Middlebury Art Walk saw old friend David King a woodworker from Bristol in Otter Creek Used Books. I worked at one time with his wife, Patti, and I’ve always admired his work. And his sense of humor! So it was great when he agreed to display in the store. He and Patti were on hand during the Art Walk  keeping me company and to answer any questions. We caught up on ’stuff’ and had a great time laughing. Patti is one who could always make me laugh.

Had over 35 ‘walkers’ to see the exhibit. I don’t know how that compares with other stores but for me it was great. Tried something different this month. All of David’s work is upstairs. Generally I put things up and down to entice those who have never been in the store before to come down and poke around. Of course the back door is always open.

Enjoy the photos but stop in to see his work. Beautiful work. And they’ll be up for the month of September. Until the next Middlebury Arts Walk in October. October 9th. Do people really cut on the boards? I don’t think I could.

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Boxes of Used Books. Did I say Boxes of Used Books?

August 22, 2009 · Filed under General

Wow! I think I have had the most number of boxes filled with used books that I have ever had in the store at one time. Minus the three I’ve gone through today. I’m taking a break right now. Good to clear off the stool and sit for a spell.

So what has come in? Well, a set of the Twilight Series, a lot of SciFi (or should I be typing it as SYFY as in the updated cable channel?), a number of children’s books, Vermont books, current fiction (Yes, even the hot “Julie & Julia” book but I’ve been debating reading it first…), a fair number of non-fiction books as well as fiction and classics. I’ve peeked in all the boxes and have been excited for most. And a large selection of romance which is going right up on the ‘yellow cart’. The yellow cart gets wheeled out on the patio on good days and holds books that are on sale. I love that cart! It is so easy to move in and out.

Business has been good. In spite of all my spending on books. But isn’t that what used book store ladies do? Buy with the intent of selling? And keeping the inventory fresh and regular shoppers coming back to inspect? But I’m stuffed with books and boxes. Now to find room for everything. I don’t like boxes around. I like order. Hard to have order with so many boxes.

Did I mention the poetry books? Yeah, I’ve got boxes and boxes of books. Come by and check them out.

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Perfect Summer Day – Otterly Perfect!

August 15, 2009 · Filed under General

I enjoyed another Middlebury Art Walk last night. Very enjoyable to meet new people and welcome them into my store.

August 2009 Middlebury Art Walk

MaryAnne Sullivan Wall Quilts - August Middlebury Art Walk

Customers were amazed at the quilts as done by Mary Anne Sullivan – not your typical wall or bed quilt as she does bookmarks, postcards (yes! actual put on a stamp and send through our postal system!) as well as small wall hangings. She will download photos/images and print out on material, too. Who knew you could do that!

Dean Cadoret Wood Carvings - August Middlebury Art Walk

Dean Cadoret Wood Carvings - August Middlebury Art Walk

And then there is Dean Cadoret and his wood carvings! I had no idea he was so talented. And an artist to boot! hee-hee-hee. We go way back. To high school days. They are -pardon the expression – so cute! Not sure he would want to hear that. They bring a smile to the customer’s faces!

August 2009 Middlebury Art Walk

Tara O'Donohue Photography - August Middlebury Art Walk

Tara O’Donohue is a friend of my daughter who has joyfully discovered her eye for taking photographs. She grew up in Middlebury, moved away for a number of years but returned and in doing so has come to appreciate the beauty of this area and is now capturing it. She brought in a nice variety of images including black and white and color.

Eric Boussier Mixed Media - August Middlebury Art Walk

Eric Boussier Mixed Media - August Middlebury Art Walk

Eric Boussier and his son, Marcus, are regular customers to the store so it is with great honor to be displaying Eric’s mixed media work. His collection of work is titled, “Too Weird to Live. Too Rare to Die.” I guess that explains it all.  It represents work he did when he was younger. High school, I believe.

Today is proving to be an exceptional day – hot, sunny, perfection. Got my lemon iced water and even treated myself to two honey rolls from the farmers market. Customers are drifting in. Going for a picnic after work to a favorite secret place in the mountains. I love going there when it is so hot out in the summer and then think back on it during the cold, snowy winter days. Helps me get through those cold days.

Tomorrow will be fun as I’ll be heading to Ferrisburgh to enjoy Rokeby Museum’s Pie and Ice Cream Social. I serve on the museum board so I’m really excited about attending and eating some pie! With ice cream! Check out Rokeby at www.rokeby.org/

Full Boxes of Poetry Books

Full Boxes of Poetry Books

I couldn’t close without commenting on the boxes of poetry books! Four boxes packed! A very eclectic collection. I have absolutely no idea how to get them all on the shelves. Absolutely no room. What fun! I snagged Julia Alvarez’s poetry book, The Woman I Kept to Myself,  to read today. It was on the top of second box.

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Middlebury August Art Walk – #10 Featuring Undiscovered Local Talent

August 14, 2009 · Filed under General · Tagged , , , , , , ,

Middlebury Art Walk is now on its third month and the event just gets stronger! What fun it is to see people walking Main Street to see artists and craftspeople.

Last month the store featured Helen Hummel a local resident (yes, I consider Bristol local) and the author James Joyce. For August the store will be exhibiting new artists to the Midd art scene and I’m very proud to offer their work to the public.

The artists that are exhibiting this month are Eric Bousierre (Middlebury), “Too Weird to Live. Too Rare to Die”, mixed media; photography of Tara O’Donohue (Weybridge),  Dean Cadoret (Middlebury), wood carvings and quilted wall hangings, bookmarks and postcards by Mary Anne Sullivan (Salisbury). I was going to add photos but I don’t have my cord here to download them into my computer. I’ll try to get to that tomorrow.

Look for the pink boots!

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2 Cents Worth on ACSWD and Scavenging for Books

August 1, 2009 · Filed under General · Tagged , , , , ,

DSCN1055Well, I have tried to stay of out this current local situation with the new ruling from Addison County [VT] Solid Waste District in not allowing “scavenging” the bins of books that people drop off for ‘recycling’ but I’m finding I can’t.

I have tried to not get involved because, well, frankly during my years of working at our county Chamber of Commerce there was always some controversy going on. And I mean, always. When I walked away from my position the thought of not having to deal with local politics brought a song to my heart. No, really, it did though I don’t remember the song. But I did leave singing. The birds were chirping, the sun was brighter, and I couldn’t stop smiling! I put in 15 years (though there was some controversy about was it 14 years or 15 years. 15! Hey! my body and mind can prove it! And I’m not kidding now!)

Anyways….enough of that. So, back to the policy of no scavenging. I found the resource of ACSWD to be very helpful in my venture owning and operating a used bookstore. When I bought the store sales were down, inventory was low and quality was in great need of upgrading. My paycheck kept the store going for the first year and half. There was no way for me to run the store without it. I took a great leaf of faith and trusting in the universe that the store would be able to turn around and pay its own bills. And that is what has been happening. I made it through the winter and here I am a year and two months later working in here and the store is on its own. Granted I need to be careful. I’m already thinking ahead to winter and making sure that I save money to help get through the lean months of November, March, April and May. So I am very careful in buying books. And I’m projecting someday to having a paycheck.

So ACSWD did me great favors by being there for me. When I went I kept myself to a time limit and always made sure my car was tight to the building (another issue that was brought up that cars were blocking traffic). Let’s just say I was very respectful of the space and tried not to take advantage of it. Plus, all the guys that work there are wonderful and very helpful. I loved to be there when they were all happily yelling at each other – picking on one another, hearing them laugh and just having great conversations. In fact, I miss that the most.

I understand why people would use them as an outlet of disposing their books because it is so easy – just pull up and dump the books into the bins. Simple. Easy. No problem. There were times when I would pick up a book and say out loud, “HOW could you just throw this book in here!”  But then I would thank that person and put it in my box to bring to the store. It is all about being, yep, respectful. I also accept books and will pick them up as well. I’ve traveled near and far to pick up books that people want to get rid of.

I was out of town when the Addison Independent ran the story about the situation. And it was my choice not to return the call to the reporter but my daughter, Hannah, handled the situation perfectly. We had discussed the situation a number of times. And see above: No politics in my life now. And I’m firm on that!

So I respect the new ruling but after reading John Flowers article and reading the website of the company the books are sent to now I might be rethinking my take. Flowers pointed out the company is actually a for-profit. WAIT! So am I. So are the other used bookstores in the area. So we are allowing the used books in our area to head south so another used bookstore company can make a profit? Interesting. I need to learn more about this situation and about the company.

Meanwhile I have received many, many boxes of donated books and I’m thinking it is from the article and to those people I am very grateful. I am a small operation which is currently bursting at the seams with used books but it is a happy situation.

To the guys in the yard I salute you. To the Admin, well, I’ve got to do some more thinking on this and get back to you. But thank for you what you have provided for me. I am very appreciative.

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Off on a Used Book Spree!

July 23, 2009 · Filed under General · Tagged , , , ,

Wheee! Yep, I’m heading to points south to go shopping and see what I can find. Gonna connect with #3 and #5 as well as #4. And who knows, maybe #1 might make an appearance. All that numbering stands for my siblings. I’m #2. Can’t wait for a little R&R and throw in some shopping. I’ve got my lists of requests, top sellers and all. Fun to visit some favorite haunts of mine to see what I can find. Oh, I just love the search. No expectations. Just open mindedness fun.

Got my pile of books to bring to read along the way and for those quiet moments. Evanovich to Asimov – got that contest going with #3 and I’m not doing too well on it. Hate to find out what number he’s up to.

Well, off I go. **sigh**

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