Tiffany Painter

I love going to a friend’s place and talking about books. It’s even better when friends share books with me. I get the same feeling when I go to an independent bookstore. Denver almost lost a beloved indie this summer, but happily The Bookies was able to find a new owner and stay open. Sue Lubeck opened this literary treasure in 1972 and ownership transferred to Nicole Sullivan in 2021 after Lubeck died. The newest owner, Kirstin Gulling, is living out a dream many of us have of giving up “grown-up” work – for her being a lawyer – to opening a little bookstore. Go ahead a sigh, you know you want to. I had been to The Bookies at its current location under previous ownership and knew how the furniture was arranged and where the different genres were located. When I went this time it was like going into the neighbor’s house with new neighbors. The layout of the furniture was different, but I still knew we were going to be friends. The books may not be in the same places, but they are still there. When you get a new book from an indie, it feels like you’re getting a book from a friend. An independent bookstore is the best place to go when you are feeling tired and overwhelmed with corporate America and everything in the news. It represents hope for the future. A place where people want to be helpful, kind, and well-read. I can’t remember ever walking into an indie and not being met with a smile from someone ready to welcome me. On this particular visit it was even better because a debut author was there to share her new book. Being at an author event is the ultimate friendship ritual. Everyone gathers around to hear from someone who is sharing something so personal (writing a book is being willing to put your heart out there for everyone to see). The smiles are contagious. I hope Abby White’s new book D.J. Rosenbaum Becomes the G.O.A.T. finds many new friends and leads to many more books from Abby. When it was time to leave the store, something difficult for me to do, I had Abby’s new book tucked under my arm and happy to have made a new friend. I’ll be back soon, The Bookies.

8/6

setting sun’s waning light
still pushing through smoky clouds
scorching day closing

8/9

lookout on duty
keeping eye out for danger
bright spot of color

8/13

mornings together
devoted friend by my side
there’s nothing better

8/14

day is winding down
soft hues lighten evening walk
last gift from above

8/16

just waiting to play
me and my ball will be here
ready when you are