“Friends of the Library book sale begins Tuesday” flashed on the screen behind the librarian. It was Monday when I spotted the sign. Yeah, I thought, tomorrow I can run over there and get in on the sale the first day. I started thinking about last year and the great mentor texts I found for incredibly cheap prices. Mentally I began to plan my day and thought this could make a great slice of life story. I couldn’t believe that I happened to be in the library and saw the sign. Anticipation was high!
Tuesday morning dawned and I had several hours to fill before the sale started. Finally, it was time to head to the sale. I put cash in my pocket. I put my purse in the trunk. I grabbed a light-weight tote bag to hold all my books. As I began my journey I was mentally plotting my approach to the building. I remembered last year it was difficult to make a left hand turn into the parking lot, there were so many cars coming to the sale. This year I exited before the building so I could make a right turn into the lot and avoid all the traffic. Not far to go, I’m feeling the excitement build inside as I get closer and closer to the building!
I check clock in the car, the doors opened fifteen minutes ago. I should miss the initial rush of the door, but I know I will have to park at the edge of the lot. I am noticing everything around me, wondering “Are you headed to the library sale too?” I will jot these thoughts down in my writer’s notebook when I park as I want to describe this event for my blog. What simile will I use to describe the scene of cars and people being drawn into this building? I’m thinking about ants or magnets, but that will have to wait. I’ll decide when I start to write.
Almost there . . . right turn into the lot . . . and . . . it is empty?! Not a soul there! Where is everyone? Confusion crowds my brain as my brain tries to recall that sign in the library and vaguely I recall seeing dates. The numbers I am envisioning are in the twenties! I am a week too early! Details, they get me every time!
Next week I will not be able to attend the sale. I will be working on the other side of the state all week. Disappointment fills me. I wonder what great books will I miss? Oh well, there’s always next year.
So, today someone is buying the books I know I need. The only thing for me to do is head out to Hastings (a book store) and Barnes and Noble after school. Bookstores always make me happy.