Something New

I found one of those cool websites that list all the sights you should see in a particular city and this one had a book store on it.  I had to ask myself "did you make this list" because it seemed a bit too nerdy for the typical sights and sounds of cities.  You know, they usually include sports venues, eateries, some music-related places and bars.  Well, what do you know but I actually found the ONE list in probably the ENTIRE world that put a bookstore on it.  So, the book junkie in me got excited and planned a trip.

And boy was it worth it!!

While I thoroughly enjoy the new age sterility of Barnes and Noble -- it's clearly defined sections, neatly arranged shelving, spacious aisles with cozy reading nooks, ambient tones and don't forget the snacks and drinks offered in the cafe -- the organized chaos of a small bookstore is euphoric, to put it nicely.  Just imagine an enlarged knapsack stuffed with great finds and placed in the middle of an otherwise normal downtown city block.  It's called Reeds and there is so much more than meets the eye in this quaint little bookstore.

Don't expect a cup of coffee or a tofu muffin or the latest in electronic gadgetry. Instead, dream of walking into some distant friend's distant relative's basement and it's overflowing with items from the past 100 years or more. And there to guide you through it all is Santa Claus.  Well, he kinda looked like Santa to me since I felt like it was Christmas and all.  Jim Reed himself does kinda resemble St. Nick in a circa 2015 way.  From LIFE magazines to keychains, everything you can think of -- and some you can't -- is inside There were records and 45's; there are dress patterns; there are pictures of...I'm not quite sure who those people were;  there are posters -- from movies, of movies, of movie stars, of other celebrities; and of course, there are books.  I felt I was in Dr. Seuss' world:

There are books in crannies and books in nooks, wordy books, picture books, small, medium and over-sized books, everywhere one does or does not look there are

books, books, books!  

To say I was overwhelmed is an understatement of epic proportions.  But I will return -- on a day when I have no other obligations and a snack nearby, several dollars stashed and in jeans and sneakers.  And now, for the pictures (because I'm out of words).

Street View

Store Windows

One Aisle and 45s

Patterns

Cliff Notes

Happy New Year

At the turn of another year, I take the time to reflect on what I have gleaned from my experiences during the Earth’s latest rotation around the sun.

Family Comes First
My circle has not been broken, but for the grace of God.  We've had expansions and close-calls, twists and bends and a it probably looks more like a balloon animal from the circus but it's unbroken.

Friendship Redefines
No matter the place, the time or the situation, friends are consistent.  I'm still learning to be a better friend, from my friends.   New Friends Rock An open mind is the most attractive quality in a new friend.  Glad to say I've found a few...and some were already there.  

Moving (out of state) is Challenging
It's also fun and different and annoying and frustrating.  But most of all, it's given me new struggles and challenges and triumphs and smiles.

Managing Money
No matter how much, or how little, you have, it can definitely be done.  Goals can be achieved, To-Do's can be checked off, and you can save a few dollars for a rainy day.  It may not get you all the way to Oz (lol), but you can purchase a pretty umbrella and sing in the rain.

Reflection Is Therapeutic
I remember those who've transitioned, recalling smiles and laughs and sometimes shedding tears.  I'm grateful that I have the disposition God has given me because I don't feel anything has been left unsaid.  

During this next year, I have goals (see the 101 list lol) and plans and aspirations.  You'll hear about most of them -- that's one of my goals too -- and I'm sure I'll add others as I learn new things.  Don't be mistaken, this past year hasn't been the smoothest I've ever had, but I was taught that in order to appreciate the sunshine you've got to endure some rain. I do enjoy being 40 and love round numbers so I'll be 40 a little while longer.  I'm smiling as I jiggle into this new year.