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VABA 2012 Spring Book Fair – An Otterly Amazing Show

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2012 Spring VABA Book Fair

Otter Creek Used Books booth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I did it! My thoughts and plans came together and above shows my booth at the recent VT Antiquarian Book & Ephemera Fair – the Spring show – over the past weekend – Sunday, March 25 – in Burlington.

I admit that I fretted about the booth – design to picking out books – and I feel I did an okay job. I liked how the booth came out and I think I picked out a range of books that highlights my store. I did some sales which relieved me because I just didn’t want to face a day of no sales. I got to talk to people as they poked around my books and other exhibitors which was the best part as well as to see what they brought (And their pricing, too. I was excited because I felt I was pretty on target with mine). SO, all my struggles paid off and I made it through and gained confidence. Now…when is the next one? Oh yes, August in Brattleboro, VT. More on that later. And yep! I’m going to be there!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even Cowgirls and Used Bookstore Ladies Get the Blues

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Yea. When I add a new post I’m in a good mood. Today not so much. And I thought I would post about it because, well, frankly it isn’t always peaches & cream in a used bookstore. Granted, one can make it what one wants and just because I’m down right now doesn’t mean I won’t snap out of it. In fact, I’ve already decided how to get myself out of this mess I’m in. (in my head mess.)

First to address my mood and why. It can’t be about all the boxes that have just come in. No, because that’s always exciting. They are luring me to open them up and explore. I’ve had some sales this morning so that’s good. I think it’s from yesterday. In the afternoon I was online and checking out different blogs and of course, Facebook. From one of the many places I visited I came across a used bookstore in England and fell in love with it. And it hit me – which I think has carried over to today – that it is hard work to create a space, fill that space and maintain it all alone. There is SO much I want to do here and I underestimated myself that I thought I would be at least half way there by now. But I’m so far from being halfway. Don’t get me wrong I’m very happy but also frustrated.

My motto in my other location was “one book at a time” as I was trying to change out the inventory to more quality books. It’s more than that here. It’s rearranging, putting up bookends, alphabetizing, painting, building or securing more bookcases to fit open spaces, shelving and very importantly, getting a grip on the storage area. I want, at least, a path to the fridge! And never mind about dealing with all the boxes!

Ok! That’s enough. Time to get myself together. Gonna put a “back in 10 minutes” sign to check the mail. Walk around the block. And stop in at Stoneleaf Tea House and get a cup of tea to go. Going to try a new flavor. Something with green tea and rice. Sounds interesting and refreshing, huh? Then I’ll be ready to tackle whatever comes my way for the rest of the day and continue to plug along! And I’ll be in a great mood.

 

 

And the Word of the Week is…

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Karma.  Well, actually that was last week’s word. Because of Karma’s sake I won’t go into why it was the word of the week. Best to leave things like that alone. Things, situations, people. Alone. Did you know books also have karma? I believe they do. ….karma

Webster says...

So that brings us to this week’s word which is Trust! A much better word. But it is a scary word. Why? Because it is has such power. Think of it. Trust. “Trust your instincts.” “Trust in the Lord.” Confidence. Faith. To feel secure. Trust. So I’m doing a lot of trusting this week. And I hope it pays off.

 

You didn’t think running a used bookstore was so interesting, huh? It’s not always about the book(s).

Elephant bookends just made their way into the store.

And then something fun happens. Makes my day!

2012! Otterly Fantastic!

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I am so excited about 2012 with all the changes that have happened here in the store. For one, the new location. I am very happy here in Middlebury’s Marble Work area. Just a few steps from Main Street. Not that far from the previous location.

Just for the record, only one person has complained about the store’s new location. I just chalk it up to her being a cranky old lady. 🙂

I’m still settling in. I thought I would have been done by now but I’m not. Seems every other day a friend comes by to bring in new inventory so I’ve been dealing with those boxes. I have gone to the storage units. I’ve opened the doors and well, looked in and then closed the door. I don’t know why. Some day I’ll tackle them. Hopefully soon. Got some great books in those boxes.

Took a couple of days and went book scouting. That is so much fun! And no sooner than those books got unpacked and shelved they were sold. Makes me feel good. I’m knowing my customers.

Stop by. Poke around. And remember you can find some of my books online by visiting Abebooks.com or Biblio.com. And  while you are at it check out the VABA (Vermont Antiquarian Booksellers Association) website: http://www.VermontIsBookCountry.com.

All Signs Point to Otter Creek Used Books!

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Marble Works Signage

Signage is up on the kiosks here in the Marble Works. The store’s new home! Yea! Now people should find me. Fingers crossed!

The store is in the North Marble building. See it there? The third long building from the bottom of the photo. See the parking lot? Lots of parking now. Right in front. Now you can hop from the car to the store. Easy to carry books from the store to your car. 😉

And listing is alphabetically: second column, 9th down. See it? Yea, I’m pretty excited to see it. Great to see one’s name up in lights. Only…ok…no lights and it’s not my name. It’s the next best thing! My store is listed.

Ok, so guess it doesn’t matter. Just had a couple in here who couldn’t find the store and had to ask for directions. mmmm. Even when I was on Main Street people couldn’t find the store. Yes, I’m serious. Ugh!

Main Street Door - note map, announcement AND photo of new front door!

On the old store’s front door I posted a sign to let/remind people that I moved. Added a map with directions – dots to follow to lead customers to the new front door. And included a visual – a photo of the new front door so people would be able to find the store better. And to look for the blue awning. The only blue awning down here. So… still people are having problems finding me. What else can I do?

I did have an idea to paint otter paws leading from Main Street to the new store. I seriously contemplated it. It would have been too obvious who had done the dirty deed. Agree? But it would have been fun to do in the dead of night. No moon. People waking up to see otter paw prints in town. The mystery of it all. Oh! My! What size otter could make those paws? Ah, but then some smartie would say how interesting that they lead from one store to the other. Yea, too obvious.

I Made It!

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Front Door

I’m here! I’m finally all moved out from the old space and trying to get settled in the new space. I’m now in the get-the-books-up-on-the-shelves mode. So many boxes! So many books! So much fun! Truly! Stop by and check it out. I’ll post more once I feel I bit more settled in.

Happiness!

Reflection

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Looking from the backdoor towards the front.

I’m asked periodically if I always wanted to own a [used] bookstore. Was it a life goal? With a pending high school reunion (40th) I find myself reflecting on how this came to be. Me, owning a used bookstore. Was this my journey? How did this happen? Of course, I’m also asking myself HOW could I be celebrating (?) my 40th high school reunion? When did I get ‘old’?

So looking back on my life the first time I really remember having an association with books is actually when we moved to Vermont. I was 8. Though I do remember quite vividly (even in my old age) when I learned to read. I was in first grade (Ballston Spa, NY) and was in the low reading group. Those who couldn’t read. Book of choice was, of course, DICK AND JANE. Suddenly the letters became words and then the words became sentences! I remember jumping up and yelling, “I can read!” and started reading out loud and wouldn’t stop until I had finished the book. I ran home shouting all the way. We lived three blocks from the school. I didn’t stop until I found my mother and then started reading to her. I also remember learning the word “island” and it’s correct pronunciation from my brother, #1. A cherished memory. And by the way, after learning to read, the next day I was placed in the top reading group. No holding me back!

When we moved to the Middlebury area (Weybridge) I would ride my bike to the Ilsley Public Library and enjoyed walking around the library shelving and would even sneak along Main Street (we actually weren’t allowed to go into the town) to the Vermont Book Shop to admire their books. Each summer Ilsley would host a reading contest with the winner of each age category receiving a special prize for reading the most books. And each year I would vow to be that winner! Only I never won. One year out of total disgust I asked the librarian why I wasn’t declared the winner because clearly I read the most. We had gummed stars representing the number of books we had devoured after our name. I had proof! I was told of course I couldn’t win because I didn’t live in Middlebury. The winner had to be from Middlebury. Heart broken! My first lesson in self-satisfaction. Though I couldn’t be named the winner I was clearly the winner and everyone knew that. I had the most stars!

Looking down the front stairs from Main Street

I’ve always been an avid reader enjoying my books – when younger – in a tree, in a specially built fort, or even sitting on my parent’s front steps. Spread out in a chair. I’d read just about anything. Except for Nancy Drew. Hardy Boys were my hero.

I was an adult when I dared to venture into a used bookstore. It was magic for me. All the books! All the piles! The smells. It was amazing. A positive experience that stayed with me. Once inside I had to visit other stores to see what they offered. How were they set up? What treasure would I find? I’d like to think that my store is bringing to life all those memories and sharing those experiences.

Though I really didn’t think I’d own a used book store I am so happy I do. And I’m finding I’m not all that surprised. Books will never go out. There will always be readers of paper books. And those who appreciate and need to hold a used book. Like me. Like you.