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Life, actually…
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NO-SEE-UMS AND DUM DUMS LIGHT THE WAY
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No-see-ums and Dum Dums light my path through another day of fun and perplexity at the bookshop.
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On the way to bookdom I encounter enough mysteries to last a week. Once within the store visitors offer me gifts they don’t even know they are offering.
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I accept these gifts with grace and understanding, even when I don’t quite understand.
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It’s all in a day’s time…and there is never enough time to appreciate all that I see.
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A focused no-nonsense customer breezes past me and heads for his special section of the shop. He knows what he thinks he wants to find but instead comes across irresistible treasures that distract and delight.
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A homeless regular greets me loudly and graciously while siphoning off a handful of Dum Dums I keep in a basket—one to a customer is a rule for other people, not him. It’s OK. Every year or two he saves up enough to buy a book.
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Another customer brags and browses jovially yet comes short of actually purchasing anything. He always promises to pick up some titles on hold but never quite gets around to it. When he’s not flaunting, he’s flouting or flailing. It’s all good—he does add energy and humor to the morning.
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A whimpering simpering child acts out his confusions while batting down all no-see-ums cautions from his hovering mom. Once she is down the aisle, he calms down and actually responds to my suggestions for books he might like. Mustn’t let mom know he’s enjoying himself.
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Another customer summons the courage to ask for my bookly opinion about what she should read next. Before answering I ask what she enjoys most, what her favorite childhood books were, what kinds of stories take her away to better times, or at least more unknown times. She returns to the stacks.
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Two energetic visitors ask for quarters with which to feed the vending machines wherein lie prizes and surprises. They giggle and appreciate and anticipate.
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The USPS letter carrier offers mail and good will each time she visits. I miss her when she’s late or absent.
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Customers from far away places troll the shelves in awe. I find a way to communicate with them, my goal always the same—make certain they leave with memories of a pleasant and friendly encounter within a pleasant and friendly village. Whatever I can offer them is meant to overrule preconceived notions about us Down Southers. We are generally a friendly group.
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“What’s this APP thing the parking meters want?” asks a frustrated customer. He’s not up to date on the intricacies of anything newer than a flip phone. I give him lots of quarters to override the Big Bro’ parking overlords.
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“Books! I have books for you!” This panting visitor is lugging a misshapen box of volumes. I accept the gift kindly, sight unseen. No book is ever thrown away. I offer the donor a bottle of cool water.
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“You have books about Helen Keller and Doctor King?” This is an easily-fulfilled request. We have lots. This is one happy customer.
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Chris, the next-door security director, is having a lively sidewalk conversation with a friendly passerby. I can hear his energy through the closed doors.
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Firefighters whiz by the shop on their way to taking care of people in need, their sirens reminding us that help is always nearby.
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A phone caller wants to know if we carry books by GO-eeth. He needs one for his son’s college class. I check on today’s supply of Geothe and assure him we are well stocked. He’ll be in later.
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Rhandrae from the shoe repair place across the street calls to see if I’d like some cookies she’s brought to work. How can I turn her down? Another neighbor looking out for another neighbor.
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When things quieten down I begin the daily task of cleaning, pricing, sorting, cataloging and shelving this day’s trove of paginated wonders.
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Haven’t done anything this fun since yesterday and the day before. And tomorrow will be even better
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© Jim Reed 2023 A.D.
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