June 11, 2009
· Filed under General · Tagged used books, vermont, middlebury, vt, middlebury college, used book sale, art, Paula Vaicunas, Gary Margolis, Art Walk, Bread Loaf Writers Conference, Art books
Pawlet Sunset by Paula Vaicunas
The Road by Paula Vaicunas
(L-R) Blue Mountains, Vision, Vermont Hills by Paula Vaicunas
I am so excited to be a stop on the first Middlebury Art Walk which starts Friday, June 12, 2009 and held on the second Friday of the month. Otter Creek Used Books is stop #5 and will host painter, Paula Vaicunas (pastel and oil) as well as local poet, Gary Margolis.
Paula’s paintings are hung upstairs and down brightening up the space with their energy and colors. Upstairs (from Main Street) are three: Blue Mountains (oil on canvas), Vision (pastel), and Vermont Hills (pastel). Downstairs are: Pawlet Sunset (oil on canvas) and The Road (pastel). All are for sale. Stop by to view them because my camera certainly doesn’t do them justice. They will be hung for approximately 4 weeks. Until the July’s Art Walk. Unfortunately Vaicunas will not be here Friday though she will be here in spirit!
Gary Margolis, Ph.D. will be reading from his work. He was a Robert Frost Fellow and has taught at the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conferences which is associated with Middlebury College. His third book, Fire in the Orchard was nominated for the 2002 Pulitzer Price in Poetry. His new book, Below the Falls will be published this year. Margolis will read at 5:30 pm and then again at 7:00 pm.
As part of the Art Walk all art books in the store will be on sale at 50% off. A drawing for a Otter Creek Used Books gift certificate will be held at the end of the evening – just list your favorite book.
Hope to see you. It should be a fun evening in Middlebury! Look for all the pink boots signifying participating businesses – retail, galleries, and restaurants! 
June 3, 2009
· Filed under General · Tagged Gary Margolis, Legacy Landscape, middlebury, Middlebury Art Walk!, otter creek used books, Outdoor garden, patio garden, Paula Vaicunas, used books, vermont, vt
My friend, Susan, of Legacy Landscaping, designed and installed the patio and backdoor gardens yesterday – Tuesday June 2. I asked her for a literary garden (really not sure what that meant but it sounded good for a used bookstore!) and she suggested a victory-type garden which is an awesome idea! The patio pots not only contain flowers but herbs and vine veggie plants that will grow up the fencing along the patio. The back door offers sweet peas growing up the grapevine trellis that Susan created. It may not look much now since the pots were just planted but imagine in August! Pumpkins or cukes ready to be picked. Fresh picked herbs for iced tea or cooled water. I just can’t wait! Susan is so clever, don’t you think?
Other than admiring Susan’s work I’ve been going through boxes and boxes and boxes and boxes and boxes of used books that have been coming into the store. Some days I want to say “STOP” but that would be so wrong! Who knows what’s in those boxes! Maybe a Steinbeck or E.B. White or Upton or even a Frost. Today I’m taking a breather. I’ve gone through so many boxes in the past few days that I think I deserve a down day. Great selection of books have come in, too!
Also getting ready for the Middlebury Art Walk! next week. Friday from 5:00 pm-7:30 pm. The store will be hosting Paula Vaicunas, an oil and pastel painter from Pawlet and Gary Margolis from Cornwall (just down the road from me), a local poet. Gary will read from his published works at 5:30 pm and then again at 7:00 pm. Should be fun. In between the sorting/pricing/shelving I’ve been trying to spruce up the place in preparation for the monthly event. You know, getting some projects done that I keep saying I want to do. Like lugging the big gold mirror up the stairs…painting a shelf…it’s a long list and I’m slowing getting through it.
May 16, 2009
· Filed under General · Tagged addison county, art, books, middlebury, used book art, used books, vermont, vt
I am going to go public with my art. Now this is very difficult for me because I just don’t do this but with R&H Cinderella behind me I made a vow to myself that I had to ‘come out’ and start exhibiting. Of course, it will only be here in the store but it is a good place to start.
Now before you start lecturing me you are going to have to hear me out – or rather read me out. My art starts with a used book. I know! I know what you are thinking. Believe me, I know. But some books just call out to me and I have to do what I need to do and if they didn’t call out what would happen to those poor, unfortunate used books that might otherwise get (gasp!) thrown out? I am giving them new light and life. Through art. My art.
I tell you I pick up a book and I feel the art pouring out of it. I finally broke down when I picked up a small red book and knew what I had to do. I got out my scissors. OH! stop cringing! From that page an angel was born. I gifted that page to a very good friend for something wonderful she did for me. She confirmed that it was fine to cut a book or in this case a page at a time because it now was becoming art for me. A different form of expression for the page. That gave me the confidence to come forward. And that is what I am doing now.
My only problem is I’m stuck as to how I want to frame them. I have had suggestions but so far nothing has presented itself to me. I hope something does soon because I want to have them ready for Middlebury’s first Art Walk that will take place the first part of June. I welcome suggestions.
Thank you.
Hearts by Barbara Harding
Rooster by Barbara Harding
May 12, 2009
· Filed under General
Well, CINDERELLA is put away and I’m back full-time in the store – physically and mentally. It was a very fun time but all good things must come to an end. I have no problem with the ending as that is the reality of theater. The ebb and flow. I am leaving the Cinderella books and display in the window until this weekend for no other reason than I don’t know what to put in there. I’m giving myself a couple of days to figure it out. Oh! I know! Isn’t it something when ideas just POP into your head? One just never knows. MC yearbooks and other misc. Midd College books. Graduation is upcoming.
I had to put one plant down. That was sad but now I have an empty pot so that’s good. A landscape artist is designing plantings around my doors – front and back. Just have to clean the pot out and we’ll fill it with something glorious. Can’t wait to see exactly what she’ll do. She helped me out with my Victorian gardens at home. I put two other pots outside and sprayed the heck out of them. Maybe they’ll come back. Give me a geranium and I’m all set. I can grow them and keep them alive.
Finished “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. That was interesting. Sort of. Today I’m going to finish Evanovich’s “Ten Big Ones.” I do have big pile of paperbacks to shelf. Okay and there are seven overflowing boxes to my right and several to my left and how many in the backroom? Nope, I’m going to read. After I sneak out for some coffee. I’ve got a free cup coming to me at Carol’s Hungry Mind.
April 29, 2009
· Filed under General
I have been SO busy the last couple of weeks. From accepting books, sorting them, pricing them and, of course, shelving them. They just keep coming in! There is no stopping. Most be spring cleaning others are enjoying. Me? Ok, I admit I’m enjoying their arrival. It’s so much fun going through the boxes and bags and seeing the gems that are in there. You just never know what’s in those boxes and bags. So what has come in? Ok, you are just going to have to come in and see for yourself. And I’ll give you a little clue: if I haven’t priced the book it generally goes cheaper and is a better deal for you the buyer.
So stop in when you are next in town! I love to chat. Breaks up my routine. Wait, I don’t have a routine. That’s right! No routine, no deadlines, no politics…you’ve read that before. Sorry to rub it in. Used bookstore = great life! 
April 14, 2009
· Filed under General
Updated Window Display
I am sitting in the store listening to a CD that my brother, #3, recently burned for me – Pousette Dart. Not sure if anyone is familiar with the band. College days. Mid 70’s. The CD was a recent birthday present from him. I play it at least daily. It’s been so long since I’ve heard it – years – but I still remembered the words to all the songs. Crazy. Got to see him play live at Green Mountain State College. Okay, to play there says they really weren’t main stream popular but they were and are still good. Songs? Amnesia, County Line were their most popular and my favorites. Ahhh, the memories.
Now I have Alison Krause on and enjoying a cup of tea and this sunny afternoon. Oh yes, both doors are open.
I am currently directing Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Had rehearsal last night. It was a great rehearsal. The joy of community theater celebrated! It is amazing what people bring to the show in talent.
Finally changed the display window. Celebrating birds through books, prints and wall hangings. Made me feel good anyways. Using it as a sign of spring. Really need it, too, with the cooler weather we have been having. But I hear that it is just beautiful out right now. That’s great! I’ll soon experience it. Let’s see I have 2 1/2 hours.
Trying to get through some recent boxes that have come in. A lot of art books. Really means I HAVE to clear out that ‘back room’. And all the New Age books. The newer ones are still in boxes. Hard for people to go through them properly. I’m feeling spring cleaning coming on. But I don’t want to close to do it and don’t want to give up a Sunday. What’s a used bookstore lady to do? Not to worry because I will figure something out. That’s what used bookstore ladies do. Of course!
March 13, 2009
· Filed under General · Tagged Ann Patchett, Ann Rice, BBC, Must Read, Ruth Reichle, The Big Read, Tolkien, Vermont Book Shop
Over the past several weeks I have had several conversations with customers – unrelated to each other – regarding must reads. Classics to modern. I know my brother, Timothy (#3), has been reading through a list that he found somewhere. I’ll find out where the list originated from and post it.
Recently my daughter forwarded me a list that was created by the BBC’s The Big Read. In April 2003, the BBC began the search for the nation’s best-loved novel, and asked people to nominate their favorite books. The number one book on their list is JRR Tolkien’s, “The Lord of the Rings”. Check it out: http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/bigread/top100.shtml
It got me thinking of something that the Vermont Book Shop here in Middlebury had published quite a number of years ago. I didn’t find a date on the pamphlet but I know it was printed when Dike Blair owned the store. It is titled “Suggested Reading Program for College Preparation” and offers a list of books by college year. In fact, one could purchase a complete reading kit Freshman through Senior year as well as a range of General Reference books that a college student might just need to help them get through their years of studying. I guess if interested in purchasing a Kit one would contact the store and they would send the box of books straight to them. Or possibly pick it up at the store to lug back to their dorm room.
I have accumulated a pile of Must Reads that customers insist that I read before I sell. I’ve also been setting aside books from the Big Read to put into the window display. To lead up to that I currently have in the window books on writing or literature in general. I came across one book titled, “Leave Me Alone, I’m Reading.” Isn’t that hoot? It is written by Maureen Corrigan, NPR’s “Fresh Air” book critic. It’s written about life as an obsessive reader. That set me off in the direction to the current display. See? I always have a theme in the window and it is always centered around one book. Interesting enough, some people actually get it. Not very often that people get my sense of humor.
Now back to my book. Hm, which one do I start today? “Garlic and Sapphires” by Ruth Reichle or “Bel Canto” by Ann Patchett? Or what about finishing Anne Rice’s “The Witching Hour?” Yikes! Too many choices. 
February 3, 2009
· Filed under General
Vermont related books
I thought I would have some down time to catch up on stuff this winter but it sure doesn’t look like it and well, I actually hope it doesn’t! What was I thinking – downtime? Crazy.
I have boxes and boxes of books – old English books (from England, silly), modern hard covers and a whole slew of paperbacks to go through and shelf. You know what? I’m running out of room. If I could only get the ‘work room’ cleaned out and fixed up. I’m trying but it’s not moving fast because I can’t get to it. Now don’t get me wrong because I’m not complaining at all. Nope! This is fun work. Remember, no deadlines. You have to love a job without deadlines.
Other than pricing/shelving I have been getting in some reading. My pile of books to read is getting taller. I’m almost through Sylvia Beach’s, “Shakespeare and Company”. Oh, Beach’s bookstore is such an inspiration to me. I can pretend that Middlebury is Paris, can’t I? And that a modern day version of James Joyce could walk down the stairs eager to find solace in the store. It could happen.
Received five boxes overflowing with New Age and the like books. Out of the boxes I picked up to add to my pile is Bernard Fischman’s “The Man Who Rode His 10-Speed Bicycle to the Moon”, and “The Alchemist” and “The Valkyries” both by Paulo Coelho. Also in the pile is “My Family and Other Animals” by Gerald Durrell. That book came highly recommended by a valued customer. At home I’m sneaking in the fifth book of the Janet Evanovich series. Such a hoot! Laugh-out-loud funny.
Stop in when you are in the neighborhood. As my outside easel states there is soft music playing – jazz to classical, it’s toasty warm here in the basement and many aisles and books to get lost in. Stay for as long as you want. Pull up a chair or set yourself down on the rug – kept clean by Bob the Cleaner. Very relaxing in here. Hey, and you never know maybe the next James Joyce might wander in.
January 10, 2009
· Filed under General
Beth Kanel reads from her new novel.
Otter Creek Used Books hosted Vermont author, Beth Kanell, who read from her recent novel, The Darkness Under Water. Set in 1930 Vermont, the main character, Molly is threatened by a governmental effort to rid the state of poor citizens like French Canadians and Abenaki as well as being haunted by the ghostly presence of her drowned sister and the elusive love of her grieving mother. Throughout the story Molly learns more of her Abenaki heritage.
Following her reading, Kanell led an in-depth discussion of how she created the mood of the book and the research she put into writing it. To Kanell a used book store offers a wealth of research material needed to write such a historical fiction. One must get as much accuracy into the story for the enjoyment of the writing and the integrity of the book. For this novel she put in five years worth.
This book was also written from the background of living in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom where the story takes place. Kanell lives near St. Johnsbury.
It was apparent that Kanell put in so much research. The audience discussion was so informative. I could tell she as well as the audience enjoyed discussing the book, its storyline and subjects covered within.
Audience members read along with Kanell
Though this book is advertised as a young adult novel it is certainly very well suited for adults.
As the first event hosted here in the store it proved to be a lot of fun. Beth and her husband, Dave, own Kingdom Books, a used book store. Both stores are members of Vermont Antiquarian Booksellers Association hence why I felt comfortable to accept her invitation of visiting VABA stores with her new book. The space in the store worked well. Donut holes (Actually mini donuts. They were so big.) from Middlebury Bagel and local cider provided refreshment and will now be offered to customers throughout the day.
I also enjoyed hearing her voice as she read. It has been a long time since I’ve been read to. Mrs. Ella Thompson, my fourth – sixth grade Weybridge Elementary School teacher, would read a chapter each morning to begin our school day. I remember most vividly hearing the adventures of Caddie Woodlawn and others. Of all my memories of the three years I spent in that school having Mrs. Thompson read to us is one of my favorites. Beth rekindled that memory in me.
An audience members discusses a point with Kanell.
Beth and Dave are now traveling south to Manchester for another reading at another book store. I have such an awe for authors. To be able to manipulate words is an inredible art. Oh how I love to hear former Middlebury resident, Ron Powers talk. An art.
So far 2009 has been treating me and the store well. New books are coming in almost daily. Customers are returning regularly and I’m meeting new ones every day. Life as a used book store owner is exactly what I thought it would be. And then some. Life IS good!
January 3, 2009
· Filed under General · Tagged Abenaki Indian heritage, Beth Kanell, Eugenics, Lake Champlain Quadricentennial, Middlebury Bagel & Deli, nature, Quad, Vermont History, VLCQC
"The Darkness Under the Water" by Vt author, Beth Kanell
Otter Creek Used Books will host Vermont author, Beth Kanell, Saturday, January 10th at 10 a.m. Ms. Kanell will read from her new book, “The Darkness Under Water.” This story weaves together Abenaki Indian heritage, nature, Eugenics, and Vermont History. The setting is 1930 Vermont.
Following, Ms. Kanell will discuss how to do research in a used bookstore for crafting historical fiction. Kanell will be available to sign books.
For further information on Beth Kanell visit www.BethKanell.com. Kanell owns Kingdom Books, a used bookstore in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Both Kingdom Books and Otter Creek Used Books are members of the Vermont Antiquarian Booksellers Association (VABA).
Refreshments will be served – from Middlebury Bagel & Deli.
This event has been named a Vermont Quadricentennial Event. For information on the Quadricentennial visit www.celebrationvermont.org
