Sharing a passion in a sea of blooms
I think that everyone who has a hobby or special interest probably feels a bond with others who share that passion. I know I do, and my friends on Twitter are a good example because we are all avid readers, writers, or both. It’s easy to relate and share thoughts.
I have a friend who is a quilter, and she says the minute she goes into a quilt shop or fabric store, she feels at home with the others who are there. I used to feel that way in a book store, but lately they have gotten so big and impersonal, I wonder how many people are really there because they enjoy reading or because they want a good cup of coffee and a new friend.
I sometimes miss the old days of quaint little book stores where like minded folks gathered to roam the shelves until they found just the right book. Of course, ordering on line is also taking the place of many of the small mom and pop shops, and I guess I should be glad since Keeping Faith is available primarily on Amazon, but also on a few smaller online venues as well as assorted small bookstores.
But another place where I always feel as though I am around friends is at nurseries—garden centers for heavens sakes, not baby nurseries. The latter would be one of the last places I would feel warm and cozy. Yikes, a bunch of crying babies!!! No, give me flowers and other growing things—not kids!!
The minute I walk into a garden center I see people who smile back at me as if they know me, and have for years. They don’t; we just share a common passion. They are calm in a sea of blooms, and so am I, and it shows on our faces. The bubbling water features sooth our souls and the awaiting dirt gives us hope that with a little luck, plant food, and seeds or bulbs, we will see the fruits of our labor soon.
I never tire of my garden, filled with beautiful flowers and herbs. When I want to feel free and relaxed, all I have to do is walk outside. There I find the solitude of Mother Nature in one of her sweetest forms, and I am thankful to share a little part of it with her.
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We are kindred spirits Cindy! I would smile at you in the garden shop and the local book store. We have a wonderful little book store here that I go to whenever I can. It has the creaky floors and although the selection is not B&N it has all the local authors and frequent signing events. As for quilt shops ~ I wish we had one! Sharing our passions is almost as enjoyable as the passion itself! Thank you for reminding me.
Hi Dorothy,
Thanks so much for staying in touch. I have my second book in my hand and am so excited. It should be on Amazon in about a week. Then I will be even more excited.
Passions oh my–books and flowers -you would love the new book store /coffee shop in kilgore..have coffee,sit and visit ,and see lots of friends who stop by…actually,I wish you could get them some copies of your books…it is owned by Brent Brown,Frank and Sue’s son, and his wife Annie… really great atmosphere and great books…right downtown kind of where Martin’s Book Store used to be. Also love Half Price Books in the Village near Rice-great old books and great smell!!Favorite garden shop has to be Austin’s Scholl’s Creek Nursery..it has to the the place about which you speak!! We love going there and so does our 5 year grandson..it is amazing with plants of all varieties. Oh my-you got me started!!We love our garden with a passion ( but I have a passion of having a glass of wine in it daily)and I well remember your dad’s passion for his REAL garden and the 100′s of potatoes he grew one summer..great memories! thanks
So glad you are reading. The bookstore there can order books with their discount from Baker and Taylor. I also have a list of other book distributors for book stores, if they are interested. If they do I would love to send them some signed bookmarks to go with each book. Afterall, we all will recognize a little of Kilgore in the book!!I used to love to go to Martin’s Book Store. One of these days I need to get back to Kilgore for a visit. Would love to see you. How many more days until school is out?? Not that you are counting or anything!!
I am taking this information by this afternoon. When you get up here,I will gladly take you on a tour. Downtown has been redone and is beautiful and the lights on the derricks are wonderful still at Christmas.Yes counting for sure!!!!!….4 full weeks..not counting the week for TAKS…uck!