Today I was in training in Fresno. I have never been to Fresno before, even though it is where most people here head for “real” shopping and dining.
During lunch, I was driving around trying to find an acceptable place to eat when what should I spy but a Barnes and Nobles! I almost wet myself with excitement. It has been a year since I was last inside a bookstore of any kind. I swerved across three lanes of traffic to make it into the parking lot. When I entered the store, I was overcome with the smell of fresh paper, ink and newness. I love the new book smell. I love the rows of books, journals and cards. I love the smell of coffee that drifts from the cafe to mingle with the new book smell. I love to wander through the aisles touching spine after spine. I love to read the reviews on the back and admire the cover art.
I restrained myself by buying only two new books, neither of which was a hardcover. I could have bought twenty.
I’ll be in Fresno all week. Good thing payday is on Friday!
One of the things always on my daughter’s favorite things list is going to Barnes and Noble. Just wandering, picking up a few things, digging through the bargain shelves and finally – sitting down for a cuppa hot chocolate and some people watching and chat. Nice.
Has Fresno improved since the last time was there (199?). Actually, it wasn’t that bad, but we were there for a cross country meet and we were used the the cities of So. Cal. Now, it would probably be just like being in Indiana. Goodluck not spending all you paycheck in fresno
There is a Borders in Fresno too.
http://www.bordersstores.com/stores/store_pg.jsp?storeID=212
Ahh, Fresno. My girlfriend was from there and called it Fresnowhere. Best strawberries ever from that place, tho.