Dear Liza,
Auntie Katie is almost ready to open her bookstore in its new building! Well, the building was built in 1927, so it’s not NEW. But it is the new home of her three-year-old bookstore, Books with Pictures.
Lots of work has gotten done. Old, nasty wooden walls have been covered with drywall and painted a soft grey. Some old doors have been opened to make the space work better as a live/work area, and some are being covered up to make more wall space.
The 100 year old piano will be painted candy pink soon, with the small wall behind it being a deep purple.
The central counter has been built by Foley, a detail oriented carpenter, and other shelves are being built by Blue. The number of really talented, fun people that Katie has working at the place is amazing. Such happy energy!
I took over Oatmeal Everything cookies and rolls to feed the folks who were sanding, vacuuming, and masking. Tomorrow, we begin packing up the old store and moving everything two blocks down Division to the new store, box by box, shelf by shelf. Lots of labeling and lifting.
Downstairs, My Vinyl Underground records is getting set up. Chris McFarlane is bringing his record store down from Seattle to be a brand new Portlander!
I am filled with admiration for Katie, who took on this ‘impossible’ project six months ago and has worked day and night to make it happen, corralling funding, lawyers, designers, webpage managers, Mommas and eight year olds to breathe new joy life into an old building.
Love,
Grandma Judy
Dear Liza 