(no subject)

[jmward14]

I said goodbye to a good friend today.
After 19 years, four administrations and three moves, the Waldenbooks at Landmark Mall is closing its doors at 9 p.m. tonight.  A lot of my personal history--good and bad--goes with them.
This was the store where I hid nearly every day in the weeks following Teri's death.  That wonderful new book smell always reminds me that the world is endlessly new and full of possibilities.  It was something I desperately needed then.
The Landmark Waldenbooks hosted the first book signing for With Nine You Get Vanyr.  The staff was thrilled when they heard one of my stories was to share book space with one by Bob Asprin.  They ooh-ed and ah-ed when I showed them the flats of the proposals circulated at last year's Frankfurt Book Fair, and they looked forward to the publication of Fantasy Art Templates, the book resulting from one of those proposals.  I'd hoped to hold Fantasy Art Templates' "friends and family" signing there too.  But that's not going to happen.
I trust everyone will land on their feet.  Several members of the staff told me the bookstore wasn't their main job.  It just kept them in books and let them hang with crazy auth--er, interesting writers.  They'll all miss it, though.
My world will certainly be poorer for the loss.  I think the mall will be too.  The Waldenbooks was my anchor store.  I didn't go to Landmark for Macy's or Lord & Taylor.  I went for the bookstore.  Every other purchase followed from that.  I may be a little unusual in that respect, but I don't think I'm unique.
Oh, fudge!

Comments

[klgrem.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear that.

Where is their bail-out money, anyway?

I still say if they had given the money to the taxpayers instead of AIG and Freddie Mac, et al, that we would all be better off and working now.

We always go to malls for the bookstore first. *Hugs*

[jmward14.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the hugs {{{{klgrem}}}}, and back at you.
Let's not even mention the bail-out. Gentle depression is better than raving and ranting any day. :-)
Hugs and smiles,
Jean Marie

[taperkat.livejournal.com]

I was a keyholder there for several months back in 2007 (after transferring from Springfield), and I adored that store. There was talk even back then that they were closing, and it makes me sad to know that it has.

Everyone always spoke highly of you, but I never got the chance to meet you in person.

[jmward14.livejournal.com]

Sorry we missed each other! Yeah, it was a great store, with a great bunch of people. Unfortunately, the economy hit it hard.
Are you still in the area?
Cheers and best wishes,
Jean Marie

sorry for the late response. :(

[taperkat.livejournal.com]

I moved out of the area in July of last year, unfortunately. And yes! i was always hoping I'd get the chance to meet you, but I guess I have, albeit not face to face.

:D

Re: sorry for the late response. :(

[jmward14.livejournal.com]

That's true. :-) And who knows, we may run into each other at a con. Cheers and best wishes, Jean Marie

[ferragus.livejournal.com]

Aw, I remember that store well! I've lived on both sides of 395 (with the Alexandria address actually right behind that mall!)

Sorry to hear it's closed.

[jmward14.livejournal.com]

See what happens when you move west of the Mississippi. The bad stuff didn't start until you left. I won't say it's all your fault, but... ;-)
Seriously, hope all is well out your way.
Cheers,
Jean Marie

[artykat.livejournal.com]

That's so sad! And I understand your emotions being attached to that store... memories and a place of healing. *hugs*

[jmward14.livejournal.com]

Thanks {{{{{quilterbear}}}}}. Hugs, Jean Marie