Sunday, March 5, 2017

SOLC17 - Five of Thirty-One - Digital Sunday

SOLC #21/31 - 
      I'm slicing with the Two Writing Teachers community on Day Five of Thirty-One of the Slice of Life Challenge in March.  Thank you Stacey, Beth, Deb, Betsy, Lanny, Kathleen, Lisa, and Melanie.  

     Today I'm also going Margaret Simon who hosts a meme on Sundays, Digilit Sunday, where people share different themes about digital sharing. Today's theme is, appropriately, "SLICING OUR LIVES."  Here is the link.
      Digitally, I've become more adept at navigating the tech world, and on this blog, reviewing more books which is great fun because I get a sneak peek at books coming out. Today, I'm also sharing a peek at a new non-fiction book and as part of the blog tour, offering a giveaway, too! Find that link here also on my blog this Sunday morning! 


     I am retired, stepped away from teaching middle school gifted students in an independent school two years ago. There I taught everything but math beyond pre-algebra in a self-contained classroom. Each student there chose a personal topic around which I, with the student's input, created the curriculum. I was busy!

    And now, free time abounds, and I feel as if I'm busier than ever. The fall after I stopped teaching, I began volunteering in a local used bookstore. It has been open for over forty years, and is run entirely by volunteers. Isn't this a dream job for a retired teacher! About this time a year ago, I became the volunteer coordinator. It's a job certainly of coordination, of stepping in when someone cannot make his or her shift, of finding problems that volunteers have and trying to figure out a way to alleviate that problem. We have two four-hour shifts each day Monday through Saturday, and one shift on Sunday, which I'm doing today! Among other things, I keep a calendar of regulars and openings. I send a Monday email outlining the week, who's subbing for whom (if any) and who needs something. It's been fun, frustrating and I've made mistakes, no doubt about it, in the writing and in the planning. I still haven't met everyone, but am trying to form a caring community as much as possible. Our one commonality is what you will guess: we love reading, books and bookstores, ours especially! 



     It's difficult how I would be able to do this work for the bookstore without email. yet I know people did years ago. We are all so used to instant communication, I imagine that face to face meetings happened more often, or that people dropped in or left a note at the store which meant the volunteer person would need to drop by more often than I do. I communicate mostly via email, do a regular shift on Thursdays and substitute if needed. Today is one of those days, and recently I've also been working with a high school student on Sundays who is doing a school project about non-profits. And that's another slice of my life, retired and back to teaching!

        A few pictures I take and post each week! The books are often changing in availability and then again, some stay and stay, need a little book love!
View from the front desk!






33 comments:

  1. Linda, I loved hearing about your volunteer work at the bookstore. I can see why you feel busier than ever. You wonder how this was managed and coordinated before e-mail, but I imagine others now wonder how they ever managed without you! Thanks for sharing a slice of your life!

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    1. Thanks, Molly. It's been a wonderful "next step" in my life.

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  2. I love reading what you've been doing. What a fabulous store! I can't imagine how they coordinated all of those shifts before email, but I'm glad you have it now to make things more manageable.

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    1. It is a wonderful neighborhood icon, Katherine & very fun to be a part of it. Yes, I can't imagine how it was done "before". Thanks!

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  3. Linda,
    What a great story about your work at the bookstore. That's a job that I can relate to . . . revisiting old friends and finding new treasures! Just like our slicing community! <3

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    1. Fun analogy, Fran. You're right. I do find old friends there, and far too many "new" ones!

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  4. Isn't it amazing how when we retire we are sometimes busier than before? Does sound like the ideal job for you, Linda. Had to smile at your ending. Even though we retire we can't give up on teaching. How wonderful.

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    1. It has been a lovely thing to do, Bob. And yes, that teaching stuff will just stay with us forever I think.

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  5. I'm a Welcome Wagon volunteer too but hadn't seen the icon -- just saved a copy to use on posts. Also (sort of small world department) I'm another Colorado slicer, retired educator, continuing edblogger.

    https:vcvaile.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Vanessa. Will look for you!

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  6. Thanks for sharing about your volunteering - a wonderful way to spend your "extra" time. Since retiring, I too seem to be much busier than before, but I've got more time to help others.

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    1. You're right, and I'm glad I now have the time, Judy.

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  7. Your time is well spent at the bookstore and with the grandgirls. I always enjoy seeing the books on your Instagram each week. Wish I could visit your store.

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    1. I'd love you to drop in, Elsie. It would be great fun. I imagine you have a few favorite bookstores nearby!

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  8. Linda, my son just told me yesterday that he wishes he could work in a bookstore. I think that would be a great job for him as it has served you well. Thanks for letting us know about the giveaway.

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    1. Wouldn't it be terrific if he could find a bookstore that just fit him! Thanks for stopping by the giveaway, too!

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  9. One of these days I'm going to walk into that little bookstore and surprise you. Does it have a bell that rings when the door opens, like The Shop Around the Corner? I imagine you like Meg Ryan talking about books with every child who walks in.

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    1. I might faint if you walked in, Margaret. What a terrific thing that would be! No, we don't have a bell, but a noisy screen door!

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  10. Working at a book store is definitely a dream retirement job! I know from my parents and parents-in-law that retirement can be very busy! It's nice, though, to be able to choose what you do each day. I love the photos!

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    1. Yes, I agree about the choices, Holly. I like that too after years of the regimented schedules. Thanks!

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  11. Yes, I think you have the perfect retirement job! I would find it very challenging not to walk out with new books every day. Congrats!!

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    1. I do take home quite a few, Maureen, and also for the grand-girls, but not "every" time, promise. I am the same way at the library too. Thanks!

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  12. We have a wonderful independent bookstore nearby, but used bookstores have a special charm. You never know what treasures you will unearth. And how lucky for customers who visit while you are there, ready to share your knowledge and love of reading with everyone. Thank you for the visit!

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    1. You're welcome, Catherine. I do my best when the customers want to talk, but some are clearly browsers and need no help. It's interesting to see who comes to shop.

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  13. I always love hearing about the book store and seeing your pictures on Instagram or Facebook! I can't believe the wonderful variety of books your store gets. I'm a bit jealous!

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    1. There are so many kinds of readers that come in, and that donate their books, Jennifer. Some are downsizing; some are bringing the books in for credits. We are a membership store too, and those who are members can get many of the books for a credit or two. It's an amazing bargain. Thanks!

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  14. Hey! I love seeing your pictures on Instagram! I was wondering if there was a way to order books online? I was admiring some titles recently in the dollar section. :) Because a girl can't leave books alone...

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    1. I'm not sure about it, Kendra. I'll ask if I can mail books if you pay the shipping. We do sell on Amazon, but those $1. books are not on Amazon. We have a variety of books either online, or just for sale in the store. Will check. And thanks, that's great!

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  15. I love reading about your bookstore adventures. Wish I had one around me to work in. Oh well... I'm still hunting for a new place to share my passions. YAY to real bookstores!
    Bonnie

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    1. I know you have other things going on, Bonnie, to keep you busy, like your videos. I do enjoy this bookstore work for me, super reader!

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  16. It sounds like a magical place. You will always bring community and caring to where ever you are.

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    1. Thanks, Ruth, I appreciate the thought. It certainly is fun that I started on this path.

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  17. My very first job (well, besides babysitting, which I was TERRIBLE at) was working in a bookstore. Mostly I loved the job because we could borrow brand-new hardcovers as long as we brought the books back in pristine condition. I wouldn't mind working in a bookstore again someday! I promise to come visit yours next time I'm in Denver. I always spot something I NEED in those photos you share!

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Thanks for visiting!