Today is the last day of school for my kids before their spring break begins. And though we don’t have any grand adventures planned, we are all looking forward to some family time (and sleeping in!).
My husband (who works full-time as a DNP) and I are tag teaming kid time on this school break… but we have manage to have 3 days that we are all going to take off together as a family! Hurray!
My kiddos have been so patient spending many a day off from school in the shop so we’re excited to shut down for a couple days. We’re thinking of simple staycation days - top of the list is a day in Flagler Beach - We have a long list of favorites up there including Sally’s Ice cream, Faro pizza and Flagler Winery. Paired with a visit to Washington Oaks Gardens. My husband proposed to me there many years ago and we love to take the kids back for picnics and climbing on the “rock beach”. Followed by some lazy days enjoying our usual haunts around Ormond Beach.
I went back and forth about closing for 3 days and missing out extra Spring Break traffic, but then I remind myself that these days with the kids are so very short and spending time with them will always be worth it. I am really grateful to be raising my small humans and running a small business, but it does come with some tough decisions and is always a balancing act. Thank you to each and everyone of you who have encouraged me and been patience with me in the midst of parenting. It really is a joy to be a parent while running a bookshop. It’s wild and wonderful and often feels a bit unconventional, but it’s so freaking cool. As a society we should all create a bit more space and understanding for families and I am so thankful for the display of that space and understanding amongst our customers and friends. It’s never easy whether you work or stay home, are an employee or a business owner.
Not a parent? Find one and and give them a hug and latte today. We’re so tired.
Ultimately I hope our kids see us enjoying a well lived life - balancing work that we love and taking time to rest and enjoy our most precious people.
I always imagine I’ll have lots of reading time on days off, but in reality I don’t. But I can dream! Currently trying to finish The Book of Love by Kelly Link which is all kinds of bizarre and confusing… but also kind of wonderful? I’m not totally sure what I think of it and might not until the very last page. But it’s something refreshing and new that’s captured my attention for sure. I’ll report back but if you’re into anything remotely strange, paranormal or dare I even say fantastical, you should pick it up!
I am also reading an ARC of Rainbow Rowell’s new book, that is set to release in late July. It’s the adult Eleanor and Park my 34 year old heart needed. I love her writing and love a book with such a relatable character but still has some of the flash backs filled with angst and emotions like a solid young adult novel. But we’re still a ways away from getting this into readers hands so that’s all I’ll say for now. :)
Aside from our bookclub picks for each month I’ve read a wide range of books lately. Some Ann Patchett backlist titles like Run, Taft and The Magicians Assistant. (Big Ann Patchett fan girl over here!)
I recently read A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. I loved it, I hated it. I still have no quite recovered from it. All the trigger warnings and there are plenty of reviews on the internet that no need to add much more. Another book that’s stuck with me lately is Anita De Monte Laughs at Last. Xochitl Gonzalez did a great job of taking inspiration from the artist Ana Mendieta’s life mixed with a bit of magical realism and not shying away from topics like sexism and racism.
A few recent memoirs include One in a Millennial, Everyone But Myself and My Side of the River. All of which were quick and interesting reads. Yet my favorite memoir of 2024 so far is Sociopath by Patric Gagne, which releases April 2nd! You can join us at Fern & Fable April 2nd at 6:30 to celebrate the book release and meet the author in person. I am beyond excited and honored to be hosting this event.
Speaking of events….I am SO very excited to be hosting our first ever Late Night at the Bookshop on March 29th. After our “spring break” we will be open Friday the 29th from 10-4 then will reopen at 6pm to enjoy a fun night with vendors and special sales. Come ready to shop with our wonderful vendors - Fresh Flowers from The Flower Bar by SYB, Eternal Line permanent jewelry and delicious individual charcuterie snacks from Graze Charcuterie. I’ve got some fun things planned such as blind dates with a book, a raffle and more.
Here is our Spring Break Schedule!
Even when we’re closed you can always shop direct to home shipping at
or download audiobooks at Libro.fm
Every purchase directly benefits our little local bookshop. Thanks for choosing to shop small, even from home. :)
Hope you have a wonderful spring break, whatever that may look like for you. Thanks for reading and thank you again for all the support of our little local bookshop.
All my literary love,
Rayna
Love this newsletter so much!! I also enjoyed Everyone but Myself- it’s so important to make time for ourselves and actually disconnect and rest. I’m glad you’re taking a few days off to enjoy your fam!!
I also need to read Anita!!