A Full-Circle Moment

Hi, everyone!

I hope you enjoy reading about these things that stood out to me this month.

• I've been reading the book I got during last month's chance encounter at the Little Free Library (The Arsenal of Democracy by A. J. Baime). Interesting, the author details a Detroit, Michigan, suburb called Dearborn. The reason I've found this story so fascinating . . . I was born in Dearborn. I've always known Dearborn was once at the center of America's early automotive industry. But before reading this book, I never knew Dearborn played a key role in the American efforts toward helping end World War II. What are the chances I would come upon a random stranger who handed me a book explaining the boldness, the ingenuity, and the progressiveness that once existed in my birthplace? Kind of a full-circle moment.

• I love watching a historic city go from abandonment to rebirth. There's a five-story, late Victorian/Renaissance Revival, red-brick building in downtown Utica, New York. It was built in 1893, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007, and recently—quite beautifully—restored. The main floor is home to Tailor and the Cook, one of the more upscale restaurants in the area. What I admire most is the preservation of the original center staircase: an "ornate central paneled staircase of varnished oak, with molded newels and turned balustrade. The staircase rises to a landing where it divides to provide access to the second floor and continues to the floors above." I'm fascinated when I gaze at those steps, picturing the space as it was when the locals in their nineteenth-century finery walked up and down.

• I've written before about my daydreams of owning a bookshop. Recently, I discovered the Golden Bee Bookshop, located in the lakeside village of Liverpool, New York. Over the years, I've imagined bits and pieces of how I would design a shop. When I walked into this one, I saw in complete a bookshop similar to what I had imagined. A friend asked me what I like so much about it: The space is bright, light, and airy with fresh design elements; many of the books on display have personal, handwritten review cards; the book selection is inviting and not overwhelming; and there are several engaging community events each week. It has rekindled my imagining.

• In my area, there's a newish traveling houseplant shop called The Plant Stand. The owner hosts pop-up events at local businesses. Sometimes she has a Bloom Bar where she offers a selection of single stem flowers visitors can pick from to make their personal bouquet. I think it's a clever idea. I had a good time creating an end-of-summer arrangement that brightened my day.

Thanks for reading!

—Melody 💟

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