AUNTIE'S BOOKSTORE

If you've never been to Auntie's Bookstore, be sure to stop by the next time you're in Spokane. It is housed in an enormous historic building. You could happily spend all day there if it's raining, which it has been here in Spokane. The owner is deeply committed to remaining open, the staff are so friendly and helpful, and the assortment of books is abundant.

I used a microphone for the first time to read to about twenty folks, half of them people I know and love. Then I moved back downstairs to the main floor to sign books. I was quickly approached by an older man, Joe Collier, who photographs noteworthy authors and artists. At 85, Joe has a collection of over 800 photos to donate to the Spokane Historical Society when he passes on. He valued MEDICINE ROCK because, he said, not only is it historical, it's true. He is quite a character who tells jokes and reassured me that he's on the level, no cost to me, I get to pick the picture, etc. Then he skillfully set me up so my scarred cheek was away from the camera! He works with NO GLASSES OR CONTACTS, sharing that he learned from a Chinese woman years ago to always, continually, shift his eyes from close to far, thereby exercising the tiny muscles and keeping the eyeball round.

A woman was interested in how much money I'd be making on the book. She loves to write and has considered publishing. I warned her that there really isn't any money in it; I again realized that this is some kind of lifetime task I need to complete, as was getting my college degree, both imperative whether I'm financially rewarded or not.

Another woman whom I'd met in Manitou Park earlier showed up. We walked together through the Japanese Gardens, got to talking, and there she was at the reading, and later asked me to sign the book. She was repeating that there just are no accidents, and what an exciting day it had been!

Exciting indeed. Sold 13 at Auntie's! When Lois, the Events Coordinator, asked what arrangement I'd like, I said bookstores were asking for a 40% discount. She seemed a bit surprised, and said that was quite generous. Hmmm, maybe I'll say 30% next time!
Coupled with the sales at Sufi Camp, it's 31 so far this week. I have one more reading tomorrow night here at my friend Quan Yin's home: her book club, and more Sufi's! Although in a panic I asked my daughter to send another box, it hasn't arrived, and probably I won't need it!

After this the schedule is empty. Gotta get going on the next few rounds. It sounds like the Okanagan would be excellent, as would Moscow, Idaho. It's hard to leave my yard in the summer, but July would be a great time for sales. I'll be in the Flathead in August.

I'm hoping more folks will find the blog and let me know what they think of the book, etc. It is really heartening when someone says, "I just couldn't put it down!" Another woman said, "Half way through I thought: how can this possibly end?" And of course some people are wondering what comes next? Probably a book of short stories from the years in Seeley Lake, Montana, filled with wilderness tales and quirky folks. After that? A novel not about me!