A week ago, I went into the B&N bookstore as usual prior to my pedicure appointment. I always include some additional time prior to my appointment so that I can have a little time to browse in the bookstore. Stopping in the bookstore has become part of the spa ritual. I start the process of relaxing and letting the cares of the day fall away in the bookstore.
Last week, though, I had an overwhelming feeling as I entered the store. It's the same store, same location, same layout, same greeter, same lighting, same everything. But this time, I felt something extraordinary. A feeling that flooded my brain with something very good.
The feeling was rather indescribable. But let me try. It was peaceful, yes. But more. It was warm and comforting. It felt eternal but current at the same time. It was a connection with sometime big yet very singular at the same time. I felt connected with the world and history and big and small and local.
How wonderfully happy I felt. I roamed around looking at everything. I love the magazines covering all kinds of topics. They are current and personal and short lived. Next month another issue will arrive.
I looked at cookbooks and realized how much food there is in the world. It's beautiful and delicious.
Usually books jump into my arms when I'm walking through the aisles of books. This time was no different. I found myself holding a cookbook, a mystery novel, a blank Harry Potter journal (so beautiful - will I acutally use it for work?), a book about chickens. These books chose me. But something had to go back to the shelves.
Finally I checked out with the books I decided I must have. Such a wonderful feeling. I own these books now. They come home with me. They will have a special place next to my bed where all new books initially reside.
Leaving the store, I wondered why my soul was filled with such an intense feeling that day for the bookstore. It was so memorable that I still feel it more than a week later.
I don't think I would ever feel this way holding an eReader or shopping online for downloads!!
