You never know!

Today started with a lot of hard, dirty work at the greenhouse as I prepare for winter to set in. Don't get me wrong. I love what I do. Today though, I had a bunch on my mind. With one of our cars down, and issues with the Amazon.com website having issues searching for my books, and problems at my other business...you know real life stuff.

One thing I had to look forward to was a stop by Everybody Reads on Michigan Ave. to meet with Scott and set up a few copies of Ghosts of Camp Erehwon. I picked up a coffee, tried in vain to scrub off the stinging nettles that had left my hands tingling, and drove over once I was satisfied that my "wiggle-wire" job would hold on greenhouse #4. When I walked into Everybody Reads it was bustling. Saturdays are the day to go if you want to meet the owner Scott and talk shop.

Little did I know that even in my grubby condition and distracted state of mind I would run into not one, but TWO, celebrated poets! I had the rare pleasure of taking a photo of Joyce Benvenuto with Scott behind the shop and had a pleasant talk with Alan Harris, award winning poet... both natives of the area like myself. Alan even graced me with an autographed copy of his 2018 work Fall Ball, Poetry for the Late Innings, Finishing Line Press. What an honor!

It boils down to the magic that happens at our independent book shops. You never know what treasures you will find, who you will meet, and the friends you will find just walking inside! For me, getting a rare opportunity to meet with such incredible talent is an experience better than backstage passes. It is a chance to talk with those who took their amazing ability and spread out their skills to make the world a better place. It is humbling to feel like I am a small part of their world too, if even for a moment.

Thanks again Scott for all your support! And Alan and Joyce, it was my sincere pleasure to make your acquaintance today. Thank you!

Lastly, thank all of you out there who support the independent booksellers like Everybody Reads. Without you, where would they be? Tell your friends to visit and enjoy!