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Tuesday, November 17, 2015

New Learning-All Good

           I'm slicing with the Two Writing Teachers community today, and it's always good to read what everyone shares.  Thank you Stacey, Tara, Anna, Betsy, Dana, Kathleen, Beth, and Deb.
           It snowed all night and is still snowing today and most schools have a snow day. That usually doesn't impact me anymore, but this morning I was supposed to be at school early to observe a lesson. I'm glad I don't have to go out except to knock the snow off the trees. I don't know if this storm will reach you, but winter is here in Colorado today!

             I have a giveaway of a Christmas book here, if you're interested in winning a book!
      My view out the window across the street shows a doggie parlor, a flower shop, a neighborhood market, with people sitting outside at the few tables, sunning and drinking coffee. People on this side of the street walk by (I imagine) on their way to the coffee shop (independent) down this side of the street from the bookstore. I am taking it in, wondering what in the world I'm doing here, alone, waiting for the computer to boot and show me the inventory application. I am in my next volunteer time and this time without someone to guide me! 
           I've unlocked the door, turned up the heat, the lights upstairs and down, and the tiny light is on in the cabinet of curiosities. No, sorry, the cabinet of very collectible books! Now time to check the money, lay out the paperwork ready to mark sales and double-check my notes. Time to turn the "closed" sign to "open" and pull out the sale cart to the sidewalk. 



          I didn't have many customers today, and the volunteer coordinator dropped in to see if all was going okay. (I had a few questions). I liked having people in, talking with them about what they were looking for, helping one person find some children's books for a friend's baby, another find some older westerns. I found a book on the shelf that someone called about, then arrived later to pick up. And, I spent time browsing myself, taking in as much as I could so I could begin to know what books are on the shelves. 

What did I buy? You knew I would, didn't you?
        a coloring book for Ingrid about Mountain Lions, full of realistic drawings and information
        an old alphabet book, An Alphabestiary by a poet/ guest lecturer I had in college, John Ciardi. He wrote many other books of poetry and about writing. I loved the discovery.

So there is my day. What did I learn that applies sometimes to teaching?

  • It's good to ask questions! Some things are confusing.
  • Study the information given.
  • Be patient, the feeling of knowing what you're doing will come.
  • Starting conversations with customers is helpful, but some just want to browse (think). Leave them to their own devices.
  • Enjoy the learning. It's good for the brain!

26 comments:

  1. Glad you are able to stay put on your wintery day! Soon all the actions of the bookstore will be old hat and you will be training someone new. What a fun new chapter of your life.

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    1. I enjoyed it immensely, Elsie. The snowy day is just right for today!

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  2. Love the snowy scene photo! I bet the quiet time in the bookstore was lovely. I love how you connect back with what applies to teaching. Once a teacher...

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    1. Thanks, Lisa, I loved being in the store, enjoyed the interactions and the browsing, too. Yes, always a teacher, wondering how my experience connects to my students learning something new.

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  3. Love that winter scene - so tranquil. I also love the idea of you running a bookstore, Linda, the perfect person to turn to for advice and reading encouragement.

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    1. Nice to stay inside 'most' of the day! Thanks, Tara, for the compliment. I know this time at the bookstore is going to be delightful.

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  4. A snowy day and a book...just made for each other. I, however, prefer a non-snowy day. The older I get the less I am a fan of snow. A book, new or old, I will take any day.

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    1. I like being out in the snow, & fortunately I don't have to clear the sidewalks here at my new home. Having sidewalks & a driveway at my other home meant lots of work, so I know what you mean. Books, reading, yes!

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  5. So fun that you are having a snow day - I wrote about what season is it - here in Minnesota we are still a bit confused - rainy, mild with flowers blooming and fall color still shining.

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    1. It is great to stay home, agreed. I guess this might be the end, Joanne. Lots of snow all over the state this time-great for the ski resorts!

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  6. Snow all ready. The skiers must be in heaven. Being alone in the book store must be like being let loose in heaven for the day.

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    1. This snowstorm is like heaven to the resorts, right before the Thanksgiving holiday! And yes, love being in the bookstore browsing myself, but I enjoyed the customers, too. Thanks, Bernadette.

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  7. At first I thought your words about the snow were a typo....and now that I've seen them, I'm wishing they were. I'm not ready!! :(

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    1. It turned out to be a beautiful day, sun by late morning, & still a snow day! Sorry, but it is November! Our fall has extended longer than we thought it would.

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  8. SNOW! I am not ready for that yet. What wonderful days you must have at the bookstore. I am sure it is so full of treasures that will give many hours of pleasure!

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    1. Yes, snow, and yes, it's fun to be at the bookstore. Thanks, Leigh Anne.

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  9. Wow! Snow! I wonder if we'll see any in Minneapolis this week? I imagine you like Meg Ryan at Shop around the Corner. I can hear the bell on the door chime.

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    1. Oh, funny, and we do have a chime! Have fun this week!

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  10. Linda, I love hearing the story of your day in the bookstore and that is where Ingrid's book came from. I am amazed by the snowy picture and like Margaret concerned if it will come to Minneapolis. Would you consider writing a poem to accompany your photo for Autumn's Palette because it is so unusual to see snow before Thanksgiving. While would be a new shade to add to the gallery.

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    1. I hope that you won't get this snow. I think it went straight east! I'm not sure about the poem, will see what I can do tomorrow, Carol. You are kind to ask. Have a marvelous time at NCTE!

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  11. Lucky you to get to stay put on that cold, wet morning we had yesterday. Our school was in session. Lots of kids stayed home but the roads really weren't that bad.

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    1. I saw that DPS didn't call it, and was surprised that so many did call a snow day, and as for my school I found later that we had also lost power, so guess it was wise. It turned out to be a nice day.

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  12. I can't believe you have snow! I mean, I know it's November AND that you live in Colorado, but WOW! Already!?!?!?

    I am hoping we have at least another month until the white stuff hits us here in PA.

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    1. I don't know your weather pattern, but actually this is late for us, Stacey, but it is periodic. Much more happens in the mountains, which acts as a buffer. I hope it's going to be a while for you, too!

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  13. Working at a bookstore would be such fun! So glad you're enjoying your time there!

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  14. Wow. What beautiful snow. Your learning applies to life. It is good for the brain!

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