This page previously provided October-December 2007 progress reports on fundraising activities and the search for a new location necessary to save BookWoman.
From now on, it will report on activities and accomplishments designed to sustain BookWoman, so that it continues to serve the Austin community.
Hello everyone,
Want to give you all a short up date...
I've spent the day today caring for both of Dana's parents. Their situation has suddenly changed and they can no longer live on their own. Dana and I had talked about the eventuality of them coming to live with us but we weren't prepared for that day to be upon us. Needless to say their medical and emotional needs are an added stressor in our lives.
At home today, I was also able to put the finishing touches on our May Events Calendar and get it formatted and ready to send out to the big list (it should all be up on the website already if you want to take a peek). It is a big month! 11+ events and a full weekend of selling books at the Round Top Poetry Festival and 2 other off site events! Coordinating all of this without Kristen has been challenging. We got word that she isn't coming back... life on a perma-culture farm is what is calling her right now. So Debbie, Kelly and Missy and I, along with Karen and Cheryl, are all pulling together to get it back together. We're trying to streamline procedures, learn new jobs, listen, and strategize as well as jell together.
Customers been a little slow to follow us North. And not a lot of new customers are venturing in yet but I sense that will come. (I know that doing more advertising would help. Also fixing up the store front). Some of our long time customers live in the neighborhoods surrounding the store and have been very supportive and have made multiple trips. Lots of folks have mentioned that we are now closer to them and that parking is better and the store is "beautiful" and "big" inside but that the central "vibe" is missed. We definitely miss the walk by traffic. Having events again has been a good way to get folks motivated to check out the new store. We had events both Friday and Saturday that brought in lots of business, but it is a little slow again this week. We have been talking again about putting together a survey. To find out what customers OLD and NEW want and need. There are still some "holes" I need to fill. We are very low on Rainbow items and some T-Shirts and a few other sidelines.
We haven't had the time or energy to plan the Grand She Open Party! I thought I could make it happen for May 17th but that just isn't realistic. I can't do it alone. I'm thinking that May 31st might be possible. What do you all think? Any conflicts Can we do it May 31st? We need to get readers and musicians and food and hopefully a spiffy poster and maybe have a theme. And as Karen said, "We really need a Party." I agree. I need help! Can anyone help?
Love you all!
Susan