1 idea~1 heart~1 mind~1 plan
1 determination~The Power of One
Deadline day for Expanding Horizons. We call it “deadline” in the publishing world so we know when to begin. Start too early, one gets overwhelmed by themes to choose from. The theory goes that last minute creates a laser beam focus. Uh…. except for today. I have no idea. Criminey.
My mother looks over my shoulder and tells me to cut the whining. “I’ll tell you what to write about, just zip it, listen and do it. Write about the bookstore as it is right now. They want to know what it’s like, what the store carries, and a bit about how business is going. After all, it’s their store.”
I listen to my mom, because I’ve recently gotten it. Mom is always right.
Mom had very dramatic emergency heart surgery some months ago. She, Dad and I have spent a LOT of time together since. The event and its recovery process gave me a whack upside the head. In a matter of hours I went from cynical senior citizen teenager to, viola, a poised and stately grown-up. A kind, smart, no-nonsense, with-lots-of-common-sense strong and tough woman, she has been, I see upon reflection, sooooo right, FOR MY WHOLE LIFE, that I better to do what she says. So I will. Just like a big girl.
She’s very interested in Unity’s Bookstore, not only because I work there, but also because I like working there, and she likes happy stories. She enjoys visiting the bookstore and likes the environment. Here are things my mom, Anne, would like you to know. Your patronage makes The Unity Bookstore do well for the church. Foot traffic has picked up on Sundays and weekdays, too. The money you spend there goes to the general fund, and benefits the operation of Unity of Tucson as a whole. You can pay for your purchases with cash, check, debit or credit (MC, Visa, Discover, American Express). As Unity of Tucson is a not-for-profit agency there is no sales tax on your tab.
Once again, the bookstore is organized by Category. On Sundays most people want to just wind down for 5 or 15 minutes, grab a book and go. Now you can go right to your point of interest. Turquoise or purple signage in large font sizes will call to you.

Some large store fixtures have been removed. The shop is roomy enough to do a twirl if you desire. The kids area has moved to the front of the shop, book jackets all face forward; it’s a bright and colorful area. You can sit on the floor with your kids and look through books together.

The Unity Publications, its books, booklets and poetry cards are still on the main wall, clearly marked. Featured authors have an area of their own. We have a growing section of books in Spanish by popular, contemporary authors like Louise Hay, Don Miguel Ruiz, Abraham-Hicks. You’ll find CDs, and DVDs on a larger wall that is well lit. New titles are added monthly for both adults and children.

We are your Abraham headquarters, featuring most-all of their wisdom teachings: workshops, books, CDs and DVDs, calendar, card decks.

Gift items (”sidelines” in the biz) may seem scant, but they are delightful and fulfilling. Card decks of inspirational phrases from popular authors, whimsical dangling fairies called “Laini’s Ladies.” tiny angels, focus stones and river rocks are scattered about. 2009 Calendars will be in soon. We encourage you to peek in and pick up little things for the grandkids, the friend you’re going to lunch with and, of course, your home! We carry greeting cards, 75 cents and up.

There’s a clearance section, and a shelf with free items, like Unity bumper stickers and magnets, too.

My mom also wants you to hear my point of view about my job as Unity Bookstore Steward. It’s not “a good job,” it’s a dream job. A beautiful location, kind people to guide me, new friends, it’s a wonderful environment to tend and sculpt. I get to design signs and posters and tags and labels to decorate and promote the store, too. As a visual artist, that is icing on the cake.

I’m at Unity Bookstore part-time and go to Pima College part-time. My degree will be in the Digital Arts, with a

Multi-media specialty (Mom calls it computerized commercial art).

The flexibility of the work schedule makes the student lifestyle possible. So much to appreciate!

My parents don’t want to fret about me. “Our daughter is in the silver-haired years of life,” as they call the senior experience. “It means so much to me and her father that she can both work in [this most glorious atmospheres] and go to college to modernize her technology skills.”

But, she says, I better get over this day-dreamy side and get my homework done “ahead of time” for both Expanding Horizons and School…or she will spank me. Dad’s the quiet type, and says, “Listen to your mother.” Okay, I’ll do it, alright? Oh, wait! The Olympics is back on and they’re gonna show Phelps winning another gold medal… Ow! Mom! Get that willow switch away from me! Ow!