“What if the path of our lives was leading not to dollar signs . . . but to creating places where people could find a tiny piece of community, a respite from loneliness, or another beautiful world in a book?” I love this! It reminded me of something I read by Ted Gioia recently, about making a living from helping others to live. What a beautiful and worthy endeavour.
This is awesome! I was at a women’s retreat this weekend, and we were asked the question at dinner, if you could open a shop, what would it sell? Everyone said it would be a bookstore that sold coffee. Then we added that it also sold flowers and would be a gathering place and a venue. As we described this business, I realized how much I wanted a place like this in my small city. What a beautiful gift to a community. Looking forward to hearing what you decide!
I love the idea that sometimes we make decisions that don’t make any sense in the moment. On paper it may not be profitable but you are still compelled to step into a mystery, the unknown. It could be calling, Faith, or the Lord leading to know and discover and uncover a purpose beyond earthly gain. Isn’t that a place we are all longing for and seeking?
Thank you for sharing. I would love to come and visit the store if I lived there.
I love it. I just read Neil Gaiman's book "Art Matters," and in it he said "what would be the fun in knowing that everything you tried would be a success?" He gets it; the mystery is part of the journey, and makes life sparkle. Can't wait to hear more about this possible endeavor!
My wife and I opened Goldberry Books in NC in 2020, during the Pandemic, and it’s been a joy. Since then we have had Covid and a year-plus of road construction which has shut down our street. So that’s stressful. But it’s also been wonderful. I’m so glad we did it. If you ever wanna commiserate, I’d be glad to chat!
When I heard this news from Lauren Flanagan I about flipped out. Seems like a shoe in for lots of reasons. You guys are smart with business and good writers. You are always sharing books, and I can see this being a great asset for Lancaster City and the world! I truly wish I was a big investor type at this moment, but I promise to keep buying books there if all goes forward.
YES. I was just at one of my favorite bookstores this weekend and said to one of the owners: "I wish I could LIVE here." Just. I know it's not all butterflies and rainbows, owning a business but man oh man. We need more bookstores. That's my honest opinion. I hope this dream comes true for you. Thanks for the encouragement to lean into mystery.
I know exactly what store you're talking about! I'm praying it all goes through for you 🙏 (I'm sure you already know this but there's another bookstore across town very close to where I live, but it is quite niche & there's been so many times I go looking for a specific book & they don't have it. I have a feeling your store would align more with my taste/many others. I would be a loyal customer ☺)
In my old suburban neighborhood, someone turned an old store for shoes into an independent bookstore. The location was next to the metro station. No one in their right mind would ever consider this a great venue.
This bookstore turned into a lighthouse and example of a thriving culture across the country.
It’s not about the coffee or buns, or reading corners for kids. It’s about creating a space for conversations between authors and readers. Even the section for antiquarian books is a goldmine. Customers stay for hours…
“What if the path of our lives was leading not to dollar signs . . . but to creating places where people could find a tiny piece of community, a respite from loneliness, or another beautiful world in a book?” I love this! It reminded me of something I read by Ted Gioia recently, about making a living from helping others to live. What a beautiful and worthy endeavour.
This is awesome! I was at a women’s retreat this weekend, and we were asked the question at dinner, if you could open a shop, what would it sell? Everyone said it would be a bookstore that sold coffee. Then we added that it also sold flowers and would be a gathering place and a venue. As we described this business, I realized how much I wanted a place like this in my small city. What a beautiful gift to a community. Looking forward to hearing what you decide!
I love the idea that sometimes we make decisions that don’t make any sense in the moment. On paper it may not be profitable but you are still compelled to step into a mystery, the unknown. It could be calling, Faith, or the Lord leading to know and discover and uncover a purpose beyond earthly gain. Isn’t that a place we are all longing for and seeking?
Thank you for sharing. I would love to come and visit the store if I lived there.
I love it. I just read Neil Gaiman's book "Art Matters," and in it he said "what would be the fun in knowing that everything you tried would be a success?" He gets it; the mystery is part of the journey, and makes life sparkle. Can't wait to hear more about this possible endeavor!
My wife and I opened Goldberry Books in NC in 2020, during the Pandemic, and it’s been a joy. Since then we have had Covid and a year-plus of road construction which has shut down our street. So that’s stressful. But it’s also been wonderful. I’m so glad we did it. If you ever wanna commiserate, I’d be glad to chat!
1) That Mary Oliver quote though…. 2) Im officially casting my vote for Team Bookstore.
Um. This is amazing.
When I heard this news from Lauren Flanagan I about flipped out. Seems like a shoe in for lots of reasons. You guys are smart with business and good writers. You are always sharing books, and I can see this being a great asset for Lancaster City and the world! I truly wish I was a big investor type at this moment, but I promise to keep buying books there if all goes forward.
YES. I was just at one of my favorite bookstores this weekend and said to one of the owners: "I wish I could LIVE here." Just. I know it's not all butterflies and rainbows, owning a business but man oh man. We need more bookstores. That's my honest opinion. I hope this dream comes true for you. Thanks for the encouragement to lean into mystery.
Do it @Shawn Smucker !!
I would travel to visit your bookstore.
I know exactly what store you're talking about! I'm praying it all goes through for you 🙏 (I'm sure you already know this but there's another bookstore across town very close to where I live, but it is quite niche & there's been so many times I go looking for a specific book & they don't have it. I have a feeling your store would align more with my taste/many others. I would be a loyal customer ☺)
A dream come true for every writer and book lover! I say GO FOR IT!
If you'll ship, I'll have a new favorite bookstore!
In my old suburban neighborhood, someone turned an old store for shoes into an independent bookstore. The location was next to the metro station. No one in their right mind would ever consider this a great venue.
This bookstore turned into a lighthouse and example of a thriving culture across the country.
It’s not about the coffee or buns, or reading corners for kids. It’s about creating a space for conversations between authors and readers. Even the section for antiquarian books is a goldmine. Customers stay for hours…
Go ahead!
What a delightful position to be in!! It is a gift to all your readers to follow along as you thoughtfully consider this dream!