According to last weekend’s Burlington Post, one of the things that Richard Bachmann is looking forward to in retirement is having more time to read books.
Hearing about Richard’s retirement, and about Ian Elliot’s new role as owner of A Different Drummer bookstore, led me to reflect on some of the things I learned in the nine months I worked at the best little bookstore in the GTA.
Simplify your life. Live where you work, or work where you live. Don’t lose valuable reading or writing time to long commutes.
Take long lunches whenever you can. This is especially important in the summer. And if you can get a craft beer named after your store, á la “Different Drummer Ale” as brewed by Pepperwood Bistro, enjoy a pint with your midday meal. Just don’t count on getting any work done in the afternoon.
Politeness counts. On my first day working the cash register, Jane taught me to say hello whenever a customer came into the store and to say thank you whenever a customer handed me their payment. It’s amazing to think that such little things can make a difference in a person’s day, but they really do.
A cat makes every space better. I still think fondly of Manda, the bookstore’s recently departed torti, but Abigail, the new(ish) kitten, is quickly stealing my heart.
Canadian authors are larger than life. Literally. Pierre Berton was really tall and intimidating, and I was honoured to have met him at a Different Drummer event.
I’m looking forward to reading Richard’s memoirs if he ever does write them.
Best wishes to both Richard and Ian.
Maria
Andrea
bjas
Sharon
Maria
Restless Writers 