* WORKING & LEARNING & DECORATING THE TREE *

WORKING & LEARNING

When I first started looking for a job a few months ago, one thing I said I would NOT do was work in retail. Well, have I mentioned that I'm working in retail?! But it's not in a large department store or discount store. THAT, I swear, I would NOT do!

I'm working seasonal, part-time at Thistle & Clover, the specialty shop I mentioned in a blog post on June 8th. (They carry Scottish, Irish, and Welsh items.) My new friend, Karen and her husband own it, and they are great to work for. The other employees are helpful and fun to work with, too. I'm enjoying learning about some of my Welsh and Scottish heritage which is on my dad's side of the family: the coat of arms, the tartans, the history, etc.

Karen, in front of Thistle & Clover

I love talking with people and helping them find what they're looking for, so it hasn't really seemed much like work.....until I get home and realize how tired I am!

DECORATING THE TREE

 

Over the past week, when I've been home from work, I've been adding a few ornaments to our Christmas tree. It occurred to me that at the rate I was going, it would never be finished before Christmas! So, during the past couple of days I finished trimming the tree! I'm so happy with it!

Our Christmas tree in 2014

Last year we only had a tiny, two foot tall tree, and it didn't seem like Christmas to me. This year we have a six foot tall tree, complete with lights, that we got at Walgreens last year after Christmas for...Ten Dollars! I'll post a couple of photos soon.

 

 

 

 

"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other." - Burton Hillis

 

 

* LIVING THE WRITER'S LIFE *

For the past couple of weeks I've mentioned that I have lots of writerly info to share, and now I just hope I can remember a good percentage of it all. REMINDER TO SELF: keep better track of all the info I want to blog about!

For one thing, I've been spending a lot of time online, searching for all the different ways to market my memoir. The websites and blogs are endless and overwhelming, but I've gotten to the point where I get "a feel" right away as to whether I think one has noteworthy information or not. And still, I firmly believe the best way for a book to really take off, is by word of mouth. If enough people love a book and shout it from the rooftops, then it will soar to the top of the bestselling lists. (my dream and my goal)

Because my book is a memoir which women would particularly enjoy, I put on my old
thinking cap to come up with unique places to call on about selling it in their stores. For instance, there's a quaint shop near my home in Old St. Charles, called Thistle & Clover. They specialize in Welsh, Scottish, and Irish gifts, jewelry, clothing, etc...and a few books.

Thistle & Clover

 



I really had to talk myself into going inside that store and speaking to the owner about possibly selling my memoir there, on consignment. The owner, Karen, happened to be there the day I walked in. I showed her my book and explained how I thought it would be a great item to have in her store, since I'm part Welsh. She asked if there was anything in particular in my memoir about Wales or me being Welsh, other than my maiden name, and I hesitated for a split second and said "No!" And we both laughed. Long story short: I left a complimentary copy for her to read, stopped back a month later and she apologized for not having time to read any of it yet. I said, "Oh, I understand. No problem. I'll just check with you again in a few more weeks." I purchased a key ring that had my great-grandmother's maiden name on it: MacPherson. Yes, I'm also part Scottish! A day or two later, she e-mailed me saying she'd actually read a few pages, and that she must have my books in her store. I went to see her the next day, we talked and laughed for about an hour, and she bought six copies....full selling price! She didn't want to go the consignment way. She wanted me to have the money. Can you say New Best Friend?

 

We are definitely kindred spirits and will be meeting for dinner sometime soon. We need more time to talk!

 

That's all for this blog post. I'll be sharing much more information soon about * Living the Writer's Life. *

 

 

Welcome to my newest followers Keith Wynn at Musings of an Unapologetic Dreamer, Vickie Newman at Musing With My Tea, and Phyllis.  I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you!

 

 

 

“Laugh at yourself, but don't ever aim your doubt at yourself. Be bold. When you embark for strange places, don't leave any of yourself safely on shore. Have the nerve to go into unexplored territory.” -- Alan Alda