I love this guy and his friend! One or the other is always peeking out somewhere within the store.
Received an awful lot of cookbooks recently. In fact so many that I have run out of room on the shelves. So I have them in boxes on the floor. Really not the best way to showcase them or care for them but what is a used bookstore lady to do? Egads! At least I’ve cleared the aisle and the corner chair that sits nearby. And more Sci Fi has come in including a complete set of L.Ron Hubbard’s series. Also have in paperback many from the Dr. Who series. A number of older farm-related books have come in with more that need to be unboxed. And many more New Age books that I’ve run out of room to shelf.
So that’s what I’ve been up to these days - sorting, pricing, shelving, sorting, pricing shelving. Each and every day for the past month or so. I’m expecting more boxes in Friday so I’m working feverishly to clean out the many boxes I still have in the aisles. I don’t want to sound like I’m complaining because I’m not. It is just the way of a used book store. I’ve been working hard to change the inventory around as well as upgrade to better quality offerings. And to keep the store eclectic - covering many interests and prices - paperback to hardcover. I feel that I’m starting to feel better about what is on the shelves. Also in between everything I’ve been trying to rearrange, paint and add more of a creative touch to the store. I am having so much fun doing it all, too. I know I probably sound like a broken record, as my father would say, but how can I not be happy here? Ok there are a few days where I get overwhelmed with the boxes all over the store but then I remember “one book at a time” and I calm down. I haven’t cleaned as much as I know I should - I do occasionally sweep the floor. Really, I do. And the plants have been noted as attacking me or at the very least shouted not nice things to me for a drink of water! Sorry! Even working on this blog! I had desires to write at least each week but haven’t kept up with it. So I’m trying to get myself into a routine even though I don’t like being in one. For the sake of turning around this store and make it proud for myself and the community it serves I can do it! Yes, siree, I can do it! I am woman! (Rusty is rolling his eyes!)
Rusty hung the screen door in the front though it still doesn’t close/open properly yet. He’ll fix it. He also added the “used books” letters up over the back door and I hung up an open flag to replace the stars and stripes flag I had left out one night and someone took. I just hope they have it hanging properly beside their door.
Well, according to my computer clock - forgot my watch today and I still don’t have a clock in the store because I can’t find one that seems right - it’s time for me to open. Oh yes, and water the plants. Even though I was suppose to do that yesterday - Monday - but I started in ’sorting, pricing, shelving’ and forgot. Hey, there is always the next day like Tuesday! I hear you! I’m coming with your water. Geez!
martha medina said,
August 15, 2008 @ 2:19 am
I always enjoy reading your blog, I know what you’re going through and I have yet to get started!! So when I read your words it makes me feel somewhat better with myself and all I have to do to get my store in shape. I probably won’t even have time to write. I have also picked up another bit of hidden advice from you: No plants! They won’t survive in my care! Oh and by the way don’t you wish you could just sit down and enjoy reading some of the books that pass through your hands? No time for that either I bet. I miss those days when I could just sit and read…but like you, I wouldn’t trade this for the world! Have a great weekend and sell! sell! sell!
otterbooks said,
August 15, 2008 @ 2:41 am
Thanks! I really work hard to not be overwhelmed with all the books I have to go through. I know I’ve really brought it on myself because I want to change the inventory around. When we bought the store we knew the stock wasn’t all that great so it just feels right to do it now especially with me being in the store full-time. A number of them have been donated which is incredible! It really humbles me that people are so generous. Many I don’t know. Isn’t that so nice? I mark those books lower to pass along that generosity. Tomorrow I am expecting around thirty boxes but I’m buying those. I’ve already bought about 20 boxes from the same gentleman a couple of months ago. Yikes! But the first batch was so good and varied so I’m looking forward to tomorrow. But I don’t have a large store so not sure where those boxes will go. The vacant bathroom? Our storage unit? Home? No, already have about 10 boxes here.
I swore I wouldn’t bring boxes home but I don’t have anywhere else to store them and many are paperbacks. So… heeheehee. I have books! Fortunately Rusty is easy going. We’ll see how easy going tomorrow when he comes by to help me unload the gentleman’s truck!
Sit down and read? I have two stools and a chair nearby the counter and I generally have them loaded with books that need to be priced or need to be shelved. I generally stand alllllll day long. My back kills at the end of the day. I can’t believe I’m going to type this but I’m looking forward to the winter months when it quiets down. Then I will take time to read. Or knit!
This is a great life! I’m enjoying it and glad you are, too! I’ll try to get some images up here of the store. I actually have customers that come in and take pictures of the displays I have up around the store. Cool! One thing, when I feel overwhelmed or start to get down because I’m not making the changes I want as fast as I want someone comes in and starts praising the store. It never fails to pick me right up! I concentrate on those comments rather than any unpleasantness. You know, those customers. Pooh on them! And Cheers to those who get it!
Thanks so much and I wish you well! And yes, sell! sell! sell!