Uncategorized « Robin Writes

I’m skipping the RHP post today and I’m just going to jabber about some other stuff that’s really bugging me. And I don’t really give a flip who gets ticked off.

I’m sick and tired of all the bullshit that flies around and, honestly, a lot of it seems to land on me.

You think I’m whining? Phhhht. Think what you want.

In the last six months or so, I had to deal with a kid being arrested. Yeah, maybe he did it, I don’t know, that’s for the judge to decide. The point is that I, as his mom, still had to be a mom. That means making sure he’s okay, even in jail for six months, and going to visit him almost every week. Pain in the rear, but that’s what moms do, right? Regardless.

All the time worrying about him, about his future, etc. And worrying about the effect on the rest of the family. And worrying about bail and money and EVERYTHING. You can’t imagine, unless you’ve had this happen to you too.

And then our bookstore closed. It was time. And you know what? We tried. We offered value for money to help us keep going—we didn’t beg. We didn’t ask anyone to come work and help out or donate stuff. And we closed. We’re still paying for it, and probably will for a long time to come. So there’s that.

Then yesterday. Some random dude drives off the road, barely clips two trees and lands in my truck. Yep, IN MY TRUCK. Which was parked IN MY DRIVEWAY. He pushed it into the garage, too. They took him away in an ambulance.

I felt sorry for the guy, I walked out there and stayed with him, talked to him, put his hat under his head so he wouldn’t be lying on the pavement and gravel. I was worried about him.

Now, I’m pissed. My truck is out of commission which means we’re down to one vehicle, and it’s about kaput. My kid has to go to school, my husband has to go to work. We’re screwed. Homeowners’ insurance won’t cover it, and uninsured motorist in Missouri is ONLY for medical issues.

I wonder if a nervous breakdown would qualify?

Repairs will be around $500 at least, just for parts. And that’s only my estimate and I have no idea, not really, not until tomorrow. And here’s the kicker: this EFFING IDIOT had no license and no insurance. A recovering alcoholic, he owes the woman with whom he lives $10K. His wife? Oh, they split up a decade ago, but aren’t divorced. And, supposedly, he was on his way to “pick up his disability check.” For the second or third time. The last time, he also “had a heart attack.”

Well, screw you, Mr. Burke. I hate you. I don’t feel the least bit sorry for you. I wish you’d hit one of those big damn trees in my yard, head on.

Too harsh?

Go ahead, judge me. I can take it.

I’m damned sick and tired of all the people who screw off and get by and ask for handouts, while we struggle and play by the rules. Spend a fortune on insurance, which doesn’t even help when you need it. Try to pay our bills and live up to our obligations while others just coast on through, leaving a crap ton of damages in their wake.

EFF OFF, losers.

Yes, I know it’s Thursday. All these snow days make for a confusing week. Or weeks.

Anyway, this will be last bookstore post—All on the Same Page Bookstore will be closing for good on Friday, February 14. Seemed appropriate. Somehow.

In late July 2011, we decided to open a bookstore. Insanity? Who knows? On October 1, we had our grand opening. Things went well until late last fall, especially the holiday season.

Again, who knows why?

Some people said it was the location—others thought we had a great spot. Some blamed Amazon—as do I, to a certain extent. Especially when people RECOMMEND going online to get books. So much for that “local” thing. We had a beautiful store, a relaxing atmosphere, coffee—everything you’d want.

Since we opened, FOUR bookstores in the area closed; one recently opened.

I feel bad that we failed, because we had a good thing going, especially for local authors who found it difficult, or impossible, to get their books on actual shelves. I feel bad for our regular customers, those who came in every week or month and for whom we frequently ordered hard-to-find titles.

And yes, I’m angry and hurt. Angry at all those clueless people who have come in the door over the last few weeks to express their regrets that we’re closing—and mention that they’ve been MEANING to come in, but never have before. Angry at the truly unobservant folks who say in surprise, “WHEN did you open??”

If each household in our little ‘burb had purchased just ONE used book each month, there would be no question of our having to close the store. ONE BOOK. Possibly, Creve Coeur should get the “most illiterate city” designation . . . Of course, we advertised: coupons, apps, online, direct mail. And we didn’t have any employees. Or salary.

The hurt part? Yeah, that too. All the “save” this or that bookstore over the last year . . . four authors whose books we carried either entered our “not a raffle” or purchased a membership. Four. Three others in the STL area did the either/or. Three.

Not feelin’ the love, here.

Oh, and that big ad that James Patterson took out last year, about helping bookstores? No updates, and I signed up twice and messaged him twice. Thanks, Mr. Patterson. Guess I don’t have to worry about recognizing you if you ever show up at the bookstore—we won’t be there. Nice publicity stunt, though.

So, to everyone reading this who might be a little ticked off—sorry, and you’re welcome. We really did enjoy carrying your books and recommending them to customers, and having you come in to do signings and events. Truly. It was fun while it lasted, but it’s over now.