I Just Sold My Bookstore...

[RetroLounge]

After two years, the demands of my full-time day job and being the divorced dad of two kids who need more of my time has gotten to be too much, so today I sold my bookstore, Xenith Booksellers.

I shut down the brick and mortar store as of today. There will be no online or MySpace page as of the next few days.

Thank you so much to all of you who have been supportive, both here in the lounge, in real life, and as customers.

It's been a hell of a lot of fun, and I am truly going to miss it.

That is all...







:hi:

RL

[lost-in-nj]

1. WOW

:hug:

:hi:

lost

[RetroLounge]

21. Yeah, wow..

and as far as what you deleted: not yet...

:hug:

RL

[TZ]

2. Sorry to hear that RL.

Must have been a tough decision for you..:hug:

[RetroLounge]

22. Yes it was, but the right one

:hug:

RL

[Fire Walk With Me]

3. Sorry to hear it, but it's for the right reasons...

...will someone else keep it going as a bookstore? That's what it feels like as you didn't mention a blowout sale of any sort...Best to you and yours.

[RetroLounge]

23. No, it's all closed and going to be packed away...

...next week to another state.

:hi:

RL

[lizziegrace]

4. ...

:hug:

[RetroLounge]

27. Thanks for those...

:hug:

RL

[BarenakedLady]

42. ...

:hug:

[flvegan]

5. Sorry to hear that.

I can understand those reasons, though.

[RetroLounge]

33. Thanks

:hi:

RL

[Guava Jelly]

6. You did what you had to do.

I know the feeling..
Sorry you had to, but I'm glad you were able to.

[RetroLounge]

34. Had fun while it lasted...

and made a profit. :9

RL

[CaliforniaPeggy]

7. My dear Retro...

I'm so sorry to hear this...

I understand your reasons, though...

Still, it has to hurt...

This chapter in your life is over...

:hug:

[RetroLounge]

35. Hope the next chapter is just as exciting...

:hug:

RL

[Xipe Totec]

8. Good call

You have your priorities straight.

:applause:

It's a hard call, I know.

[RetroLounge]

38. Thanks

:hi:

RL

[LostinVA]

9. You got to take a shot at your dream -- sorry, man

Nice ass, though.

[RetroLounge]

39. Hee. Thanks...

:loveya:

RL

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

64. I don't think it's too bad, either

[RetroLounge]

100. Oh...

:blush:

RL

[Oeditpus Rex]

10. I'm sorry, Retro

Bookstores are wonderful places, but it sucks ginormous boulders that the big boxes don't give them a chance to compete.



:pals:

[RetroLounge]

41. Thanks

:pals:

RL

[trof]

11. Sorry, bud. Sometimes we need to 'uncomplicate'.

Best of luck.

[RetroLounge]

43. Thanks!

:hi:

RL

[XemaSab]

12. Hopefully this will lead you to a happier next chapter

:pals:

[RetroLounge]

46. I think it will...

:hi:

RL

[PeaceNikki]

13. Wow.

Well, I am sorry and I guess happy for you that you will get so much of your time back.

I wish you the best. :) :hi:

[RetroLounge]

47. Thanks!

:hi:

RL

[MorningGlow]

14. So sorry, RL

:(

I spent many of my favorite years of employment in bookstores--they are magical places, but can also be demanding and frustrating. Books are in your blood, RL--maybe someday once again... :hug:

[RetroLounge]

48. Maybe, someday...

It was the most fun in a job I ever had!

:hi:

:hug:

RL

[femmocrat]

15. Wow.... that's a surprise!

Hope you are just as happy in your new endeavors. I would have loved to have visited the Xenith. Good luck to you! :hi:

[RetroLounge]

49. Thanks...

:hi:

RL

[RetroLounge]

50. dup

:hi:

RL

[DarkTirade]

16. ... you do realize that you are required to take and post at least one last 'butt in the window' pic

right?

I'm sorry it couldn't become a full-time thing for ya. :hug: But thanks for the sci-fi! :)

[RetroLounge]

51. Butt pics in the window - a tradition...

:rofl:

:hi:

RL

[DarkTirade]

54. A tradition well worth keeping.

:)

[lizziegrace]

60. I'll miss

the shaking your money maker in the window threads... x(

[Taverner]

17. Sorry to hear that my friend

:hug:

[RetroLounge]

55. Thanks!

:hi:

RL

[Amerigo Vespucci]

18. When and if the time is right, you'll do it again

If there's anything the last 7 years of my life have taught me, it's the fact that change is life and life is change.

I know from your other posts that the store had a big piece of you personally invested in it. You had the courage and determination to do what you felt inside of you, and for the reasons you've listed here, one season is now going into another.

One of my best friends runs marathon races. He often finishes after many of the participants, particularly the winners, have gone home. One of his friends asked him how he felt about that.

"I beat all of the people who stayed home."

You did too. You opened your store and kept it happening and did that for as long as your circumstances allowed.

You beat all of the people who wanted to open a store but were afraid to do so or lacked the heart, the motivation.

Good things...bigger and better things...are always in the next season. As a long-time (20 year) friend said to me just this past Wednesday, "Make sure you keep your eyes out for the signs. When you see them, act on them right then and there. Don't hesitate."

Wishing you all the best in the days, months and years ahead, RL.

:toast:

[RetroLounge]

56. Thank you so much for this post...

"I beat all of the people who stayed home."

I'm looking for the next sign...

:toast:

RL

[RainDog]

124. what he said - you're an inspiration

best to you in the next phase of life.

your kids are lucky to have you as a dad.

[Haole Girl]

19. Aww.. it seemed like a perfect occupation for you

Maybe someday you can open another... if it's something you'd like to do.

[RetroLounge]

61. ...

:hi:

RL

[Connonym]

20. I'm sorry I never got a chance to visit

It turned out to be too much on your plate at once but at least you tried to make your dream come true. Most people never get beyond imagining it. It takes a lot of chutzpa to take a risk on a dream but it's even more courageous to know how to let go when the dream doesn't turn out the way you had hoped.

[RetroLounge]

62. ...

:hi:

:hug:

RL

[arcadian]

24. This makes me sad. I hate seeing indy bookstores go down.

Sounds like you had fun though. My only regret is that I didn't have the opportunity to stop by.

[RetroLounge]

68. This one was by choice, and not economics...

:hi:

RL

[GreenPartyVoter]

25. Awwww. Still the whole dad thing is very imprtant. *hugs*

[RetroLounge]

69. ...

:hi:

RL

[arcadian]

26. This makes me sad. I hate seeing indy bookstores go down.

Sounds like you had fun though. My only regret is that I didn't have the opportunity to stop by.

[FedUpWithIt All]

28. Has it been two years?! Damn, time REALLY flies.

Enjoy the next phase.:hi:

[RetroLounge]

73. Almost 2 years, yes...

Time flies, huh?

:hi:

RL

[puerco-bellies]

29. Sorry to hear this RetroLounge

I love indy book stores. We do what we need to do.

[RetroLounge]

74. Thanks...

:hi:

RL

[YankeyMCC]

30. That is a shame but

it's good you are clear about what is best for you and made what sounds like the right choice.

I didn't realize you had a full time job in addition to the store that must've been tough indeed and I know what it's like to be a divorced Dad.

I hope you still have time to work on your writing and post your daily poems! ;)

[RetroLounge]

75. I'll keep posting the poems, yes...

and now i'll more time for my own writing...

:hi:

RL

[crispini]

31. Sorry, dude. Gosh.

:hug:

[RetroLounge]

78. thanks

:hi:

RL

[Phentex]

32. I'm very sorry to hear it. It was fun going along

on this adventure with you. I remember the pictures from the opening!

Best of luck to you!

[RetroLounge]

80. Thanks

:hi:

RL

[NewJeffCT]

36. Sorry to hear that

It's tough for me to be essentially a single dad on weekdays, so I can understand how tough it is for you with 2 kids.

[RetroLounge]

81. Thanks

:hug:

RL

[ikojo]

37. I am so sorry to hear about that

RL.

[RetroLounge]

82. thanks...

:hi:

RL

[Tuesday Afternoon]

40. well, you gotta do what you gotta do...at least you got to hold

the dream for a little while.;) On to bigger and better projects! :hug:

what a long, strange trip it's been :headbang:

[RetroLounge]

83. ...

:hi:

RL

[Chorophyll]

44. Oh rats.

:hug:

[RetroLounge]

85. Yeah...

:hug:

RL

[BarenakedLady]

45. I'm so sorry

:hug:

[RetroLounge]

86. Thanks...

:hug:

RL

[mokawanis]

52. Wish I'd known about it

I would have made a point of dropping by and purchasing some books. Opening a bookstore must have been a lot of fun, glad you got the chance to do it.

[RetroLounge]

87. It was a blast while it lasted...

:hi:

RL

[Shakespeare]

53. Well, hell. This is about the LAST thing I expected to sign on and read this morning.

Above ALL else, I hope it leads you to happiness. I take it you have mixed feelings about this (I know I would), but you've also made it clear it's a good thing. Onward and upward! :pals:

[RetroLounge]

90. ...

:hi:

RL

[halobeam]

57. retro...

I've followed up in reading how things were with you and your store. I remember when it was just a thought. You've given yourself such a huge gift; one of making something happen in reality straight from just a thought/ a hope. I was so happy hearing you started your store, and I'm sad to hear it's ending for now.

Your reasons sound so positive, cuz family investment is nothing short than the greatest gift you can give your children (and yourself).

You've done good. With both decisions.



Be well and enjoy! All my best to you.




--halo

[RetroLounge]

91. Thanks

:hi:

RL

[Call Me Wesley]

58. Though decision,

but sure the right one. All my best on your future path. :hi:

[RetroLounge]

92. Thanks!

:hi:

RL

[joneschick]

59. We're sorry to see the store go *****BUT*****

think what your kids learned about following dreams and setting priorities. :hug:

[RetroLounge]

93. ...

:hi:

:hug:

RL

[Dystopian]

63. Bittersweet....

You had the opportunity to live your dream...and it was beautiful.
Also, you were fortunate to have a buyer when you needed to let go....
You've got the memories and the Kodak moments...
Best wishes on your journey....:hug:


peace~

[RetroLounge]

96. Thanks...

:hug:

RL

[Serial Mom]

65. A short lived dream, but still, you got to live it for a little while

Sorry it couldn't have been longer!

:hi:

[RetroLounge]

67. Thanks

:hi:

RL

[Rabrrrrrr]

66. Aw, dammit! I was actually going to be near Milwaukee for a meeting in late November

and had planned on sidetripping over to your store.

:cry:

But, that's just me being selfish - I applaud you for making a difficult decision and doing what you think is best for you and your kids.

[RetroLounge]

84. Sorry...

:hi:

RL

[mwdem]

70. So sad to hear this.

I hope it's a good move for you. I wish you all the luck in the world. Hey, you gave it a shot, right? :hug:

[RetroLounge]

97. Thanks

:hi:

RL

[SeattleGirl]

71. That's so sad, RL.

But you obviously have your priorities straight. Maybe some time in the future, you can open another one. :hug:

[RetroLounge]

98. Maybe...

:hug:

RL

[Maestro]

72. Sorry to hear RL, but no one can fault you for the reason.

Hope you can find something soon that will allow you more time with the kids.

[RetroLounge]

101. thanks

:hi:

RL

[latebloomer]

76. Aw, it looks like such a cool place!

But there's only so much of you to go around.

Your children and your writing will prosper.

[RetroLounge]

102. I hope so on both accounts...

:hi:

RL

[seemunkee]

77. Sorry you had to do this

Sucks to close a business that you enjoy. Did it once myself.
Best of luck on your next stage of your life.

[RetroLounge]

103. Thanks

:hi:

RL

[Ellen Forradalom]

79. Wow, what an odyssey

I am glad you were able to sell your business.

[RetroLounge]

104. It's the journey, that's for sure...

:hi:

RL

[Parche]

88. What plans now?

:hi: :hug:

[RetroLounge]

106. Chill out, relax, spend more time with kids...

invent cold fusion...

:hi:

RL

[gmoney]

89. Sorry to hear, but congrats on simplifying your life...

...seems that would be the smart thing for me to do, too.

[RetroLounge]

109. thanks

:hi:

RL

[racaulk]

94. I'm very sorry to hear that, RL.

But I'm glad that you got to see your dream fulfilled, at least for a short time.

:pals:

[RetroLounge]

111. Thanks

:hi:

RL

[SallyMander]

95. I'm sorry to hear this Retro!

But I'm sure you've made the right call, and your kids will be the ones to benefit. :hug:

[RetroLounge]

116. Thanks

:hi:

:hug:

RL

[madrchsod]

99. dam...i never got up there!

well i can see why ya had to close up shop. there`s just so many hours in the day....:hi:

[RetroLounge]

117. Just so many...

:hi:

RL

[tigereye]

105. I am sorry, retro

I'm glad you got to fulfill a dream, though.


:hug:

[RetroLounge]

118. Short-lived but wonderful!

:hi:

RL

[GalleryGod]

107. But your Bookstore Venture was an INSPIRATION to all of us!

Well done, indeed.

Time & especially children always trump.

[RetroLounge]

119. ...

:hi:

RL

[mopinko]

108. this is really sad. can i make a last minute purchase?

i would love to do the thing we did before of a big pile of books for the school. do you remember that? only this time we should try to have a beer.
i am not on the committee that bought the books last time. but i just talked with the people who are on the committee yesterday about continuing some of the things that we did, and books for the grown-ups was definitely one of them.

drop me a pm if you want to do this.

[RetroLounge]

110. Can't. Already sold...

:hi:

RL

[mopinko]

112. bummer

:hi: well, happy trails, i guess.

[RetroLounge]

121. THanks

:hi:

RL

[Blue-Jay]

113. That's unfortunate. I was gonna buy that ass-book.

[RetroLounge]

115. Hee...

I bought it for myself...

:hi:

RL

[TheCentepedeShoes]

114. Too bad or not

depending on what you wanted to do. Local (meaning walking distance) bookseller closed his rather tight quarters a few years ago for a larger place,plus room to rent. I think he held an Obama party on election night.

[RetroLounge]

120. ...

:hi:

RL

[Rhythm]

122. Noooo.... Now what am i going to do for a proper haunting place

if i happen to kick off unexpectedly?
I mean, i was looking forward to the symmetrical book stacking and all. *pouts*






:hug: ya do what ya gotta do, hon.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

123. I'm glad you had fun!

May your life be filled with more fun! :hug:

[u4ic]

125. A lot of great dreams and memories from it

Best wishes in whatever new ventures await you, RL. :hug: