it's not just a job...

An interesting essay about being a bookseller is here

I would add a few minor things and subtract a few minor things from that essay if it were to reflect my personal views, but it sums up a lot of reasons why so many people are attracted to bookselling and stay in it for years. Most of the staff here at the W.E.B. fits into that scenario.

kindergarten and a nature walk

Yesterday was the first day of kindergarten for G. People keep asking how I'm doing, because I guess this is a big step, but I feel fine about the transition...mostly I'm worried that he will get picked on. 'Cause my life was sheer unadulterated hell for 7 or 8 years in school, and I was by no means alone. G. is beside himself with excitement that he is finally, finally going to school. No mother attachment anxiety there, he was up at the front of the line, waving "bye!!" enthusiastically as all the kids walked away in a long snaky line.

I wasted no time in beginning to establish a routine: I went for a walk with a little detour to the beaver pond that sits in a hollow below the cemetery. Everything was shiny and sparkly in the morning light. I watched things happen for a little while (no herons, drat) and then after maybe 20 minutes I noticed little seeds spiralling down from a pine tree. They'd been doing that the whole time, but it was ages before I noticed, and then it was so OBVIOUS. All it took was a shift in focus. But that sort of thing makes you think: What all else am I missing? I bet a lot.