Day 25

Today was the day of the big "bookstore tour." You know, if you spend all day doing something that motivates, inspires and excites you, at the end of the day you don't feel exhausted ... you feel exhilarated.

My day began at 6:30 a.m. I had a quick breakfast and went to the gym for an hour. Afterward, I came home, showered, dressed, did two loads of laundry and read my Bible. Then I hit the road.

First stop: Sm.ith Books

This store is in the neighborhood and carries books on every subject imaginable. Books are literally stacked from floor to ceiling. I couldn't tell how it was organized. While I was there were two other customers in the store. And they sell cigarettes. What is that about? It's a good size and it's probably a good store. Just not one I'd shop in or care to own.

Up next: Pos.i.tive Vi.bes

Also in the neighborhood. Tiny little spot with a really good ... vibe. The carpet really needed to be cleaned and they didn't sell many books at all. Plenty of artwork, oils, cards, figurines, incense. When I walked in I was greeted with, "Good morning sistah." I liked that. I bought a pair of earrings and a mug that says, "You can't keep a good sistah down!" I was the only customer in the store.

I left the neighborhood and went to this spot: Pri.nce Bo.oks

This place was awesome. I loved it. Parking was an issue and I ended up in the parking garage across the street. That's unfortunate because it's the kind of place that I could have stayed at for hours and the parking could get expensive. Besides that, it was everything I would want in a bookstore. It had it's own little cafe which was closed at the time but there a few people sitting in there having some in depth conversation about literature or art or something. The store was clean and organized with big comfy chairs. They even had an African-American section and there was not one ghetto lit book in sight. I ended up buying Ru.nn.ing With Sci.ss.ors. I was the only customer in the store. This is the store that I want to own.

Then I traveled to the fast food of bookstores: Bo.ok Ra.ck

This spot is in a shopping center and it was a really good size. They sell half price paperbooks. I also noticed that they sold audio books and a bunch of other stuff. Instead of big comfy chairs they had plastic lawn furniture. I was in and out of this place within minutes. I was the only customer. Noticing a trend, here?

My last stop: Her.i.tage Bo.oks and Gif.ts

This store is down at the Oceanfront and is very popular. Needless to say, I was not the only customer. It took a little bit of time to find a parking space but I finally did. It's probably not as bad after the beach season ends. This store is connected to the Her.i.tage Hea.lth Fo.od St.ore. The bookstore contains a very limited selection of books. They carry crystals, oils, everything all natural ... very eclectic. They also carry Ca.rol's Dau.ght.er products. This store is for the artsy types that want to be seen by other artsy types. Not really my kind of place but it is loved by locals and tourists alike.

After the tour I decided to meet my sister for lunch and I told her all about my plans. She smiled brightly and said, "You should totally do this!" She is definitely my person. The one person who will be supportive and be truthful and hold me accountable. We all need that. One thing she said was that I better not still be researching a year from now. "Don't let this be a dream that dies."

It was a good day. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little concerned by the fact that I was the only customer in the majority of these stores. I could attribute it to the fact that I went first thing in the morning on a Saturday. Something to think about.

It was a good day. It felt like a full work day but when I got home I was thrilled thinking about all I had accomplished.