What a Whirlwind!

Greetings,
Having been in beautiful Astoria for almost two months, I have to say that I love it here. I do miss my family back in Idaho, and confess to a boo-hoo breakdown in Fred Meyers (no less) but after an hour and a half conversation with my best friend and daughter, I cheered up. She will be here for a visit in a week. My husband? Who's he? Naw, I guess I miss him too. What a great guy, eh? He's doing all the packing back in Idaho while I mind the store.

What wonderful customers I have. Thanks to all of you! This is all due to the previous owner, Laura. If I forget to mention her name in thanks, the sentiment is still there. Anyhoo, I have learned so much from our customers about this book or that author. I so wish I could read everything that folks buy here. However, I am still reading my pile of books at home, then maybe I can get to that big list in the sky.

I can't thank Brie enough- she is invaluable has taught me so much. She has a terrific sense of what the customers want to read. As a matter of fact, she and I want to start a Book Club soon. If you are from the area and might be interested, give us a call at the store. We have room for eight more readers.

There will be some events happening- at least I'm trying to get things rolling.
On October 26th, at 6:00 p.m., Dina James will do a signing and answer/question session. I'm very excited. And for Dina, this is her first novel about a character her fans have pleaded with her to develop. Thus came All Wounds which will be released October 11. A list of her other works can be found on her website www.dinajames.com. Being a local gal, I hope to see a great group of fans out to meet and greet her.

The next event, happening Saturday December 10, time T.B.A., is a reading for moms, dads, and kids. Local area illustrator Adam Taylor's first children's book
George In The U.K. is a beautiful example of his talent as a story teller and illustrator. The illustrations are so fabulously tactile, who needs words? And the quality of color print and paper- this book is a visual delight as well. The age range is newborn to nine. As December gets closer, there will be more on this event.

So, as I step into the whirlwind (no ruby slippers, darn it!) I can say "There's no place like Astoria," and honestly mean it. "There's no place like Astoria, there's no place like Astoria, there's no place like HOME."

Patti