Lending Library at The English Major Bookstore

So many people have been coming in lately saying that they have been meaning to come in but that it has taken them until now to do it. To all, I say, Come On In!! If it is after 2 p.m., you can park in Old Zinnie's parking lot, across the street from the laundromat. I am also available by appointment, so, say you have a few free minutes, but the store is closed, feel free to call me and it is very easy for me to open for you.

Hope Christmas and all it's glory is sitting well with all of you. Personally, I've been reading a ton of good books; it seems the more I read, the more I read (actually, the inverse is true, too, the less I read, the less I seem to read!) Presently, though, I am watching a BBC movie called Fingersmith- it's awesome. Anyway, Happy Wet, Cold and Windy Holidays!!

Lending Library Up and Running- Come Sign Up!

Lending Library Up and Running! Definitely come sign up - lots of people are really excited about this- it's a great service to the community! I think one of the best deals is the three month plan- for $50, you can come into the bookstore anytime you want and take out up to $25 worth of books for the next three months! Even month to month is a bargain- it comes to $20.70/month, about $5 a week to come in and take out three books at a time. Jump on this!! This is a great deal- no more books clogging up your bookshelves, no more being stuck with books you thought for sure you would read but never did, no more neglected books! Every book you have will either be read or returned- everyone wins!!

By the way, I got to go to The Raw Food Potluck last night and it was beyond awesome. Had a great time and highly encourage anyone interested in The Raw Food Lifestyle to come to the potlucks on the second Thursday of every month at the Whole Foods on Poplar at 7 p.m. Cost is $5 or bring a dish ( you can usually buy a raw food entree in the deli on those nights- very tasty stuff!!) The people are great, the food will blow your mind and the company is sparkling!!
Have a good and warm weekend!
Miss Karin

The Lending Library Here at The English Major Bookstore

The All New Lending Library is now up and running here at the Bookstore. Firstly, however, I hope everyone reading this had as good a Thanksgiving as I did- I got to meet my nephew, Colin, and hang out with my brother, Mike and his wife, Amy- we played dominoes and Trivial Pursuit and I swear, if one more person tells me dominoes is a prison game- it's not!! (Or, more succinctly, if it is, it also makes a great Thanksgiving game as well.) It was a lot of fun and the whole visit did me more good than I realized. It was really, really nice to see my brother and his family, and of course my Mom and John, but I see them a lot.
Anyhoo, there is now a program at the Bookstore whereby, for a nominal and customizable fee, you can rent books for the month. There are several different plans, one of the most basic being $18.95/ month + tax to rent three books at a time. Or, if you wanted to avail yourself of the discounts that come with a multi-month plan, you could sign up for three months, three books at a time, for just $50!! (plus tax).
I tried to copy the whole plan on here, but my computer wasn't into it, at all (?!), but it is very simple. You borrow my books and bring them back on time and in like condition as when they left the bookstore and we will all be happy. If the books come back late or in bad condition, you are not allowed to be a part of the Lending Library anymore- unless you can make it up to me by paying for the book. Also, should you borrow a book and decide you cannot live without it, you can buy it for one-third off it's marked price ( The English Major Bookstore price).

How cool is all this??? I am excited about it and hope you are to. If it is not a problem, please tell your mother and father about The Lending Library at The English Major Bookstore as well as any brothers or sisters you may have and also, please let all your neighbors, coworkers, friends and acquaintances know as well. Thanks.

A Superb, Revealing, Three Page Typed Letter, Signed

Superb, Revealing, Three Page Typed Letter, Signed by Jack London,

for sale on Abebooks, for a mere $15,000.

I have just begun reading Jack London and am fascinated. Read a biography called Sailor on Horseback and could not put it down. This is an excerpt from this letter that is for sale on Abebooks. I found it very interesting- enjoy!

On March 19, 1900, Maitland LeRoy Osborne of Boston's National Magazine wrote to London proposing to review his soon to be published first book, The Son of the Wolf, and requesting information. Printing of the book did not begin until March 27, and it was not published until sometime in mid or late April. London replies on March 24, 1900, ".Find herewith a couple of clippings which may be of use to you; also, I shall supplement them where I imagine it to be essential.I was born in San Francisco and am a Californian by birth as well as residence.I lived on Californian ranches until my tenth year when my family removed to Oakland.By fits and starts I acquired a grammar school education, but rough life always called to me, my whole ancestry was nomadic (its destiny apparently to multiply and spread over the earth), so at fifteen I, too, struck out into the world. I did not run away. My people knew the strain in my blood, so I went with consent. I first went faring amongst the scum marine population of San Francisco Bay, where I got down close to the naked facts of life. It was a most adventurous experience, and one (like all the rest), which I have never regretted.I there learned the rudiments of seamanship.til, the month I was seventeen, I was fitted to ship before the mast as an able seaman. Went to Japan, seal-hunting on the Russian side of the Bering Sea, etc. It was the longest voyage I ever took (seven months); life was to [sic] short to admit of more.When I was turned eighteen, having taken an interest in economics and sociology, I went tramping (to the manor born).Since then have continued those studies, but in a more conventional and theoretical way.I dabbled at high school, took a brief fling at the State University.and hurried away with the first rush into the Klondike. Having mined and camped through the Sierras and other places.Never having been unwise enough to learn a trade, I have worked at all sorts of hard labor.When in the Klondike my father died, and I returned to take charge of the family.I resolved to make the fight of my life by making my living wit with my pen. This was precarious, for my assets were nil and my liabilities legion. I was also a beginner, knew nothing of markets, methods of editors, needs, or how to furnish those needs. My literary life is thus about fourteen months old, during which time I have striven to find myself, from the writings of triolets to blank verse.to really ambitious short stories.I have turned out a vast deal of hack work. And little ambitious work. Nor have I yet been so financially situated that I could try anything long.The 'Son of the Wolf', as you will discover, is a collection of short stories. These were written to supply a pressing need for cash.and submitted successfully to Messrs. Houghton, Mifflin & Co."

Vintage Yoder Show Cart For Sale!

Vintage Yoder Show Cart For Sale! This is a classic show cart built by Monroe Yoder, in like-new condition- used twice in parades, been in storage ever since! In 98% new shape- this great-looking carriage has a black lacquer body with white filigree and red shafts, crossbar, singletree and circle bar. It has a red leather seat and backrest with a flipup seat for storage. It is custom made with 48" wheels and is available to be seen by appointment Downtown. $1500. Please call Chris Mabry, a very good friend of mine, at (901) 282-2945 or email me!

Peter Pan, Where, Oh Where, Have You Gone?

Someone told me where the Peter Pan Pantry moved, but I don't really care. I have also heard that Joe's is expanding. Good for them, however, again, I don't really care. I want my Peter Pan Pantry back- for the love of the gods, I have been going there since 1921, it seems like. They have been in that spot for at least, what, 20 years? And then, without any notice, that's it, it's all over, see ya. Well, thanks, Peter Pan, thanks for such a great big jolt of adulthood. Really, everything's been so cozy and warm in the world lately, we all needed more economic reality to interfere with the general going's on of little ole Midtown Memphis. Me? I'm still in Midtown, but you, Mr. Pan are not. Farewell.

"A democracy is always temporary in nature..."

"A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes forthe candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, withthe result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship." -1787, Alexander Tyler

I have this feeling no one is reading my blog. Is this true? C'mon, people, tell me it ain't true. No one ever comments and since I can't tell how many, if any, visitors I've had, I'm kind of left hanging. Anyway, got back from Hot Springs. Saw some cool documentaries, one especially called HomeGrown, about this family in California with an urban homestead where they harvested 6,000 lbs. of food in just one year in their back yard. Very worthwhile and inspiring thing to watch. Welll, dreary night out, though not on the carrriage. Am reading the biography of Jack London after reading Call of the Wild for the first time recently. His biography, called Sailor on Horseback, is so good, I have trouble putting it down!!
Well, to whomever does read this blog still, I hope you have a great day tomorrow and all weekend!
Sincerely,
The English Major Herself,
me

The New Urban Cowboy Runs For Governor of Florida!!

Michael E. Arth's Runs for Governor of Florida

The New Urban Cowboy: Towards a New Pedestrianism

This post has nothing to do with books or horses or the bookstore. It has to do with a documentary I saw in October, 2008 at The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival. It has stuck with me for so long and I swear, I probably think about it once a day. Very worth watching if you get the chance. ( You can now get the chance as I have 18 copies of the movie for sale, cheap (normally $23, now way less- it's a donation with a $5 minimum at the store. Everyone I know who has seen it has been wowed!) The basic idea is so great, but the documentary is even greater. Truly Amazing, actually.
Michael E. Arth's idea is that eventually, in this country, we are going to have to figure out how to be a less car-centered society, as a whole, not just a few pockets of folks. His philosophy is called New Pedestrianism and an example of one of his main ideas is to turn neighborhoods around, literally. Instead of front yards facing roads and parked cars, they would face into the alleys and towards other people. Porches would be erected in the back of houses so everyone, kids included, could walk up and down the alleys safely. Things like grocery stores, art galleries, school and used bookstores would be within walking distance. In fact, everything would be within walking distance. The alleys basically become the roads, but for people. It may sound simplistic, but it is an amazing documentary. And Michael E. Arth is currently running for Governor of Florida! These are some of his websites- very worthwhile to check out!

http://www.MichaelEarth.org

(governor campaign)

http://www.MichaelEarth.com

http://www.NewPedestrianism.com

http://www.PedestrianVillages.com

http://www.VillagesfortheHomeless.org

http://www.GoldenApplesMedia.com

http://www.NewUrbanCowboy.com

http://www.LaborsOfHercules.org

http://www.UNICE.info

17 Days Since My Last Blog and These Are My Sins

"17 Days Since My Last Blog and These Are My Sins" - Just a throwback to my Catholic upbringing. NO sins here, well, I don't know- is laziness a sin? I am not sure what it is with me, but I am coming to realize that when there are things to be done and I don't do them, well, that makes me lazy. I am constantly on the go, not one to just sit around, however, I believe I have a slight issue with the "L" word ( laziness, not the Showtime series) Although I just looked it up in the dictionary and lazy also means slow-moving. That is an easier pill to swallow.
Have had my wonderful helpers in several times in the past few weeks to help me shelve books, so lots of new books on the shelves. Remember, if you have a bunch of books to get rid of, you can also give me first dibs and leave the rest with me to call Salvation Army and let them come and remove the leftovers. It is a win-win, you get to get rid of stuff, always a good thing, and I get to pick through you cast-offs, something I enjoy doing. I haven't blogged in a while and I think I am making up for it with the length of this one. Although I can't honestly say that I am sure that anyone is actually taking time out of their busy days to read this, but I like to pretend you are. I had a lady come in the store the other day, however, and announce that she was from Canada and had been reading my blog for some time. So, there's one person. ;)
Take care all and make time for yourselves, whether to read or whatnot, no on is any good to anyone else if they aren't good to themselves. (Sly justification for slow-movingness? Maybe.)

Draft-Horse Show Cart For Sale

Vintage Yoder Show Cart For Sale!

This is a classic show cart built by Monroe Yoder, in like-new condition- used twice in parades, been in storage ever since! In 98% new shape- this great-looking carriage has a black lacquer body with white filigree and red shafts, crossbar, singletree and circle bar. It has a red leather seat and backrest with a flipup seat for storage. It is custom made with 48" wheels and is available to be seen by appointment Downtown. $1500
Please call Chris Mabry, a very good friend of mine, at (901) 282-2945 or email me!

Heed my sandwich board!!

Lovely, rainy day. A friend of mine said once that he was only really happy when it rained. I thought he was kidding, but a rainy day does offer some break from the day to day regularity of wind and sun, does it not? The store is well, more clean and orderly than usual, due to the dilligence of one motivated bookseller, yours truly. I have committed to shelving x number of books every day so as to not have my customers tripping all over themselves to get to their next new book.
As your local caring and responsible bookseller, I must urge you all to heed my sandwich board on the sidewalk. I only encourage this because I care. It says:

'Wear the old coat and buy the new book.'
-Austin Phelps

Buy 'new', of course, I mean new to you, but that goes with out saying.
Furthermore,

"Read, read, read."
-William Faulkner

Bookstore Needs Computer

I need a new computer. That's all there is to it. The connection at the store is fast, but the ten-year- old computer doesn't play the same game. It is disastrously slow. I am trying to sell books on line, but it literally takes forever for websites to come up and I don't just don't have all day to wait. I work my other job five nights a week and have been trying to save up for a Netbook or Notebook, but things keep popping up. So, I figured, I would put it out there, that I am in dire need of a computer that can handle a fast connection speed. Can trade books, housekeeping, pet and housesitting skills for it, but NEED one, badly.
Thanks in advance for any help!

Will Trade Books For Tomatoes! Seriously!

I keep hearing about all these folks who are overflowing with tomatoes- I want them!! In fact, I will take any fruit or vegetable that you have too many of and will trade you books for it, or will give you store credit, to be used at another time, Christmas, birthdays, perhaps? I am on The Raw Food Diet and am over three months into it. Therefore, whatever you send my way will definitely be used (juiced, eaten)- in short, your fruits or vegetables will be going to a good home! :)

By the way, we have a new Chihuahua puppy up at the bookstore! Come by and meet 13 week old Isabella!

A good night's sleep

Well, I actually had a good night's sleep last night. Whenever I have had trouble sleeping, I have relied on melatonin to help me sleep and regulate my sleep patterns. The last time I used melatonin, I was half asleep all week. Wonderful Joanie at Whole Foods pointed me toward Valarian and it worked!! I am very pleased with it and slept enough that I actually felt like getting up today instead of dragging myself out of bed.
As always, ya'll, so many books have come in recently, and they are all worth every penny you pay for them. Come check things out at the store!

Vote for me, your humble, dedicated bookseller!!

If you wouldn't mind considering your me,
your humble, dedicated bookseller
when you vote in the
Memphis Flyer's Best of Memphis Read er's Poll 2009,
I would be ever so grateful
and will continue to serve the reading public
to the absolute best of my abilities.
Thank you and have
a lively, spirited, joyful and relaxing day!

I Am an Experienced House/Petsitter and Am For Hire!

Want to support your local bookstore, but don't have room for more books in your house? You can utilize the vast skills of your favorite local bookseller in other ways, such as allowing me to lovingly and carefully care for your home and/or pets while you are out of town. My rates are negotiable, but start at around $25/ day, more depending on the number of animals and level of care needed. Who wouldn't love to come home to a clean house after a relaxing vacation? Leave me a list and some cleaning supplies and I would gladly give your house a detail-oriented cleaning. I will make sure your dogs are walked and played with (cats, too!) as well as fish, plants and mail all taken care of. Next time you think of going out of town, think of me, The English Major for all your home and pet care needs.
Thanks, ya'll!!

You are the whole lake, grasshopper.

"Having gone beyond the mind-made opposites, you become like a deep lake. The outer situation of your life and whatever happens there is the surface of the lake. Sometimes calm, sometimes windy and rough, according to the cycles and seasons. Deep down, however, the lake is always undisturbed. You are the whole lake, not just the surface, and you are in touch with your own depth, which remains absolutely still. You don't resist change by mentally clinging to any situation. Your inner peace does not depend on it. You abide in Being- unchanging, timeless, deathless- and you are no longer dependent for fulfillment or happiness on the outer world of constantly fluctuating forms. You can enjoy them, play with them, create new forms, appreciate the beauty of it all. By there will be no need to attach yourself to any of it."
Eckhart Tolle has spoken.
from The Power of Now, p.195

Here, Every Day Is A Special Day

The Daily Special
There will be a Daily Special at the Store
which will be decided upon by my very own
Whim and Whimsy-
One day, it might be 15% off all Poetry
Could be 25% off all mysteries the next day-
Why not come to The English Major Bookstore
and see-
Is this Your Lucky Day?
:)

One Year Anniversary Sale, Wed.- Sat.

The English Major Bookstore
One Year Anniversary Sale
This Wednesday through Saturday
June 17-June 20, 2009

All Fiction*- 50% Off!!

*Rare Books Section Excluded-
I am, however, Negotiable.

Can I believe it? No, I can't. My first year as a small business owner has come to an end. Wow! I guess the positive way to look at it is that my second year in business starts tomorrow!! Come on it and get you some books!!

I love Books!

The Refuse Pile

I am tired of being stolen from . I know, I know, this is Memphis, but every table I leave out in front of the store is getting stolen, even the one I wrote 'The English Major Bookstore' all over. It occurred to me last night how crazy it was to think that writing the name of the store on the table might somehow be a preventative measure for thievery. I bet there are thieves in the world who, besides taking stuff that doesn't belong to them, also know how to operate a paint brush or spray paint can and could paint over the name of my store on their new table. Whatever. Easy come, easy go (found both table in the refuse pile anyway. (trash).
Anyone with a small table for sale, feel free to get in touch with me, please. I will chain my next table to my door. Bad karma, Mr. or Ms. Thief. Bad karma.

Not Sure, But I think This Might Be INSANE

Couple Ordered to Stop Holding Bible Study at Home Without Permit

Thursday, May 28, 2009

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Pastor David Jones and his wife Mary have been told that they cannot invite friends to their San Diego, Calif. home for a Bible study — unless they are willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars to San Diego County.

"On Good Friday we had an employee from San Diego County come to our house, and inform us that the Bible study that we were having was a religious assembly, and in violation of the code in the county." David Jones told FOX News.

"We told them this is not really a religious assembly — this is just a Bible study with friends. We have a meal, we pray, that was all," Jones said.

A few days later, the couple received a written warning that cited "unlawful use of land," ordering them to either "stop religious assembly or apply for a major use permit," the couple's attorney Dean Broyles told San Diego news station 10News.

But the major use permit could cost the Jones' thousands of dollars just to have a few friends over.

For David and Mary Jones, it's about more than a question of money.

"The government may not prohibit the free exercise of religion," Broyles told FOX News. "I believe that our Founding Fathers would roll over in their grave if they saw that here in the year 2009, a pastor and his wife are being told that they cannot hold a simple Bible study in their own home."

"The implications are great because it’s not only us that’s involved," Mary Jones said. "There are thousands and thousands of Bible studies that are held all across the country. What we’re interested in is setting a precedent here — before it goes any further — and that we have it settled for the future."

The couple is planning to dispute the county's order this week.

If San Diego County refuses to allow the pastor and his wife to continue gathering without acquiring a permit, they will consider a lawsuit in federal court.

Fare thee well, Oh Bloggue Reader

I believe it may be obvious what these are pictures of, namely, the store and me, but I figured I would post these pictures in case local folks may have forgotten what the inside of the store and I look like.
-What? What does she mean?
It has been very sloooooow at The English Major Bookstore. I am not complaining as I have been afforded the opportunity to do some much needed organizing and overall cleaning, (even on my day off!) and have put many, many, many, many new books on the shelves. Do come and check it out, at your leisure, of course.
Fare thee well, Oh Bloggue Reader.
Much Blessings.

Colin

Welcome Colin James Morley, my brother Mike and his wife, Amy's, first child born May 12, 2009 at a whopping 8 oz.! Way to go, ya'll!!!

The Power of The Green Smoothie

Well, I think we have all stared at my face long enough. I am at the end of my ninth day, entering my tenth, of about 99% raw food. I am really happy about it and feel flippin great. I have studied the Raw Food Diet for many years and have always been moving in that direction, but thanks to the power of The Green Smoothie, I have actually, and I think for the first time in my life, been able to overcome my cravings for junk food in all its ridiculous forms. I say ridiculous, by the way, because it has, in its name, Junk.That makes it ridiculous, no?
Green Smoothies, which have absolutely nothing to do with books or the selling thereof, are a fruit smoothie made with about 60% fruit and 40% greens. So, one big handful of greens in a fruit smoothie and there you are, A Green Smoothie. They taste great and have been immensely helpful in getting pizza to release me from its grip. Pizza and many other forms of bad nutrition can go suck an egg while I enjoy goodness.
That is it. That is all I have to say tonight is I love Green Smoothies.
Oh, and all the many books folks brought me when they were doing there spring cleaning have actually made their way to the shelves. Not all, but an awful lot- I have been shelving books like mad!
By the way, I don't eat raw meat, raw eggs or raw milk!

Hidden Bookstore Offers Escape for Patrons

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READING IN MIDTOWN: Karin Morley, the owner of The English Major Bookstore, opened the Midtown business less than a year ago. -- PHOTOS BY TOM WILEMON

Tucked in a corner and barely visible from Madison Avenue, The English Major Bookstore is the perfect place to browse for a good read without worrying about pocketbook woes or stumbling over crowds.

“Today, a lady called it her escape,” said owner Karin Morley, who opened the store at Tap into millions of public records, notices and articles on The Daily News.

Property Search
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Crowded comfort

Parking is limited, but Morley does get walk-in traffic because she’s sandwiched between two Midtown haunts, the Audiomania vintage record store and the Lamplighter Lounge beer and burger joint. Morley values developing repeat customers more than making a quick profit.

“I price a book based on the condition and what I think I can sell it for, but I’m a mom and pop store without the pop right now,” she said. “If you can make an offer, unless it’s a really expensive book, I want you to come back. If you have $4, I’ll take $4 for a book. That’s really been a good deal to learn how to be more generous because I want you to come back.”

The English Major is a crowded, yet comfortable space where tattered chairs are strategically placed and pets aren’t shy about claiming their spots. On a recent rainy day, Fritz, a gray and white cat, lounged in a cardbox box, while Muriel, a chihuahua-mix, stayed close to Morley.

Original art hangs high on the walls over the bookshelves. Morley said she’s looking for more artists to showcase their work.

She admits that her business is not the place to go looking for a specific book.

“Sometimes, I can fulfill that demand, but there (are) several people who go away without the book they were looking for, which makes me feel like I should have every book in the world, which I don’t,” she said.

Getting started

The business gets its name because Morley was an English major at the University of Memphis, where she graduated from in 2004. Morley is a 12-year resident of the city and also works as a carriage driver Downtown.

Owning a bookstore has been a long-time dream for Morley, who received guidance from the Memphis Renaissance Business Center and counselors from SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives).

“This is my starter store, and I really believe that. It may not be the best location, but it’s the best location for what’s going on right now.”
– Karin Morley
Owner, The English Major Bookstore

Ideally, she’d like a location with more parking, but Morley said she is considering putting a bicycle rack out front to compensate for that.

“This is my starter store, and I really believe that,” she said. “It may not be the best location, but it’s the best location for what’s going on right now. The parking is not that great. A lot of people say that. It took a long time for people to realize I was here. I’m tucked away back in a corner. I’m just not super noticeable.”

The store has about 14,000 books. Morley takes donations, buys titles and trades books.

Chris Mabry helped her clean, renovate and move into the location.

CAT NAPPING: Fritz, one of the store pets at The English Major Bookstore, soaks up some literature through his furry coat. -- PHOTO BY TOM WILEMON

“We’re in kind of economic bad times,” Mabry said. “Karen is providing reading for people who couldn’t afford it otherwise. The store is set up to be a comfortable place for people to come in, to sit down, to read a book and to look around and maybe spend some money and buy a book at a very deflated cost.”

Morley said she’s made her share of mistakes running the first-time business, such as her initial decision to stay open on Sundays.

“Nobody came in,” she said. “I was here if people wanted to come in, but nobody ever did.”

Now, she spends her Sundays Downtown taking Memphis visitors on carriage rides. Several of the people she’s met that way have ended up shopping at her store.

“A lot of times, I pull back and I think I really like being small – especially since it’s a first-time business,” Morley said. “I can make these mistakes and they are not affecting very many people.”

She said her wisest decision was to start out small with a one-woman operation, but she hopes to grow the business.

“I do want an employee at some point, or a couple of them,” Morley said. “They are going to be so well taken care of. I would appreciate them being here so much.”

Well, that was not exactly the Powerball image I was looking for, but that is the front porch and hammock I would like. The store is getting cleaned today, as it just won't clean itself, no matter my prompting. Oh, Attention-Seeking store got into Monday's Daily News. I will include the link here- http://www.memphisdailynews.com/editorial/Article.aspx?id=42409
Great article, very well written. This Karin person sounds fascinating and so focused on growing her business. What does she need a Powerball win for?
Have a gorgeous day on this gorgeous day!

The store is a little bit of a ham these days.

I love the '*meditate' one. I was feeling rather peaceful when I began this blog and thusly, these pictures are explained. I think that to "release all other concerns" for a few minutes every day is a great idea. I have discovered that stress-relieving techniques may not always seem to be working, right as you do them, like my new found endeavour of knitting, but it is after the fact that you notice a reduction in stress. Ommmmmm...
On a completely different subject, my family and I are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Colin, my little brother and his wife, Amy's, first baby. Any..minute..now. Michael, my bro, said it is like waiting for Christmas morning, every day. I am going to be an aunt, again. Yay! This is my eighth time to receive the honor.
By the way, English Major Blog Readers, I am going to be in The Daily News and their affiliate, The Memphis News, this coming Monday and Tuesday. Rather, the store and I are sharing the spotlight, although the store is a little bit of a ham these days. "Look at me!", "Let's advertise more!" and the like are daily occurrences coming from the store. Woe is me, I say unto you. What is a proprietress to do?
Stock incredible books at more incredible prices? That ought to do it!

The Universe is a great place to be.

I have a disastrous, deep, raging gratitude for the gorgeous chair like the one shown here, which I have acquired because the Universe is a great place to be. This chair is making me happy and relaxed and I am digging it, immensely. Therefore, if you needed some reason to come by the store besides the vast array of utterly fabulous books at equally phenomonal prices, you now have it. You can come in and say,"Uh, yeah, hi, I heard there was this amazing executive chair here and I was wondering if I could, y'now, see it." I will more than likely not only show it to you but also allow you to sit in it, briefly, of course, and will do all this with as hospitable a spirit as I can muster. Will I urge you to also buy a book or two, yes, probably, but no pressure. You can just come look at (admire?) the chair. I would if I were you!
By the way, I read last night that the word spirit comes from, in many different languages, the word for breath. I Love That.
From Executive Chair Wonderland,
Miss K

This is an official call for help. I am drowning and need help. If you have any free time and like to shelve books, please give me a call and we can set up some time for you to come help me, so I can continue helping all of you in your search for just the right book. (833-3099) I had some friends who helped pretty regularly, but one is en route to South Korea to teach English and the other works too much at his other job. I just need someone for an hour, here and there, to help me get some of these books put on the shelves.
Much, much obliged.
Karin

Storewise, I have called in the Calvary.

I am thinking that maybe I should write that book I always wanted to write before I get an upset tummy and keel over. $1.5 billion is being asked of Congress for this Swine Flu. Wow. I should just go jump off a bridge now before the flu gets me, eh? Maybe I will just go write, instead.
Storewise, I have called in the Calvary, which consists of friends willing to work for free, to help me with the formerly mentioned Deluge of Books. I hope to see you all here soon to check it all out!
Karin M.

It is not what you do but how you do it.

This is where I want to be. Jane does, too. Instead she is here at the store helping me with the deluge of , what I assume to be, Spring-Cleaning books that folks have brought in for trade. Please, don't mistake what I am saying- a DELUGE, also known as:

avalanche, barrage, cataclysm, cataract, drencher, flux, inundation, niagara, overflowing, overrunning, pour, rush, spate, torrent

I have so many new books that have come in recently that it is almost weird. Great prices, great selection, great service. That is what you get when you come to The English Major Bookstore. Plus, you get to talk to girls (women) who want to be out in the country side, where the firetrucks and ambulances come by so infrequently, it is not worth mentioning. What more could you ask from your gently-used book buying experience? Free coffee? Got it. Free books? Even have some of those. A wonderfully cool space with a cement floor that keeps the air about ten degrees cooler than outside- you got it here!
Hope to see you All, soon.
And remember:
It is not what you do, but how you do it, that counts.

Obviously, I could stop anytime, but I like it.

This is a picture from some New England blog and it relates to Facebook Addicts. Under the picture, it said something to the effect of," If you are addicted to Facebook, you definitely know what this picture is about." Hmmm...I am on Facebook and obviously, I could stop anytime, but I like it.
Store is closed and I am off to do all the things you do on a day "off"!

Like soggy freakin bread

Notice how these things are diametrically opposed. A rainy Saturday for a Carriage Driver is like soggy freakin bread. Like finding one half of a $1,000 bill. Like no one showing up for the party you throw. It is like a lot of things, but is it not, like, cool. I enjoy being a Carriage Driver, a lot, but a rainy Saturday, well, I think I have made my point.
The Creator of the Universe has a plan for me, his creation, and part of it must be to not drive a carriage today. Harumph. I accept what I cannot change.
I guess.

Hi, Mom! Love you!!

Stupid Winter, Go Away!!

I surely love me some sunshine!!! I am going to sit down and read from Psalms in The Bible. Read some last night and was very moved. Yes, the store is open and yes, I am going to this reading and coffee drinking on company time, but I think, I think, it will be okay. Can you believe Memphis in May is only two weeks away?!? Does this mean that Spring will actually, really be here? Stupid Winter, Go Away!!
Take care all and hope to everyone is doing really well during these decidedly weird, strange and trying times. Don't let the b*st***s get you down! ( I've been waiting to say that for quite a while.)
Take Good Care of Yourself, Dear Reader!

The Literary Scene

That is where I feel like I am, Sniffle Station, USA. I have recently experienced a brief respite from said sniffling, but had already located this picture on Google Image, so I thought I would go with it. Beautiful, gorgeous day- soooo many new books have come in that I really wish some folks would come in and buy them because I am feeling a little overwhelmed when I think of finding the time to shelve all these books. If you care about the literary scene in Midtown Memphis, come help me. Buy my books. Make them yours.
Please.
:)

Revolt Loudly!

I still don't understand how a Tea Party is going to improve anything but one's mood. :) Wish I was going to the one in Audobon Park, but I can't make it. I hope they all revolt loud enough for the real leaders of the world to hear.
Amen.

The she being me

It's raining, the store is closed and I am going to go finish up my taxes, with some qualified help, of course. Finished the Biography on Hunter S. Thompson (Fear and Loathing; The Strange and Terrible Saga of HST) by Paul Perry and it was awesome. That's it, that's all she wrote.

The she being me.
Bye!