It's been a very productive weekend! Not only was The Story Cellar open yesterday - and books were sold - but the website now has a bright new look AND a whole new search page. It got me thinking about the things that hold us back. For a while now, I've been wanting to spreadContinue reading "Search the Shelves"
Easter Eggs Books
It's Easter Saturday and today's customers came to buy Easter Egg Books for their families. I love that idea. You can choose three, as part of your Easter Egg. Oh, and let's get one more for Daddy. One day, when The Story Cellar is a real shop and not just a part-time dream in myContinue reading "Easter Eggs Books"
A Book Seller’s Saturday
Today was one of those days that make everything about opening The Story Cellar worthwhile, and make me believe that I could actually - one day - do this full time. This morning I had barely got the sign out before the first customer appeared, eager to see if the cosy crime novels I hadContinue reading "A Book Seller’s Saturday"
Three Fictional Women Who Inspire Me
Today is International Women's Day which got me thinking about the female protagonists who have inspired me over the years. Scarlett O'Hara has always been at the top of my list because, when the world she was raised to be part of is wiped out, and she is faced with either sinking into bitter povertyContinue reading "Three Fictional Women Who Inspire Me"
What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?
I doubt there's a question a child learns to hate more, which is why I make a point of never asking it. Nothing stomps on your dreams and brings on any insecurities faster than a well-meaning adult trying to guide you as you navigate those early aspirations. I want to be a doctor - that'sContinue reading "What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?"
Snow Days
Elsa is my favourite Disney princess. If you can have a favourite Disney princess at 47. She can make it snow. She's fine with being along if it means she can finally be herself. I also agree with Mind the Flap that there's a strong case for Elsa being autistic. But back to snow. SomeContinue reading "Snow Days"
Comfort Books
No doubt this has been one of the most peculiar weeks I have lived through. It started with fear and ended in anger with a small respite in between. I think this week was like that for a lot of people. It had been my plan - and still is - to read some ofContinue reading "Comfort Books"
2026 Goals
This evening I was reviewing the 2025 stats for The Story Cellar. Just saying that makes me feel like I should be chewing a pen while wearing a green visor and punching in numbers on an old calculator. The Story Cellar opened in July and from then until December was open 12 times. Within thoseContinue reading "2026 Goals"
And (almost) 500 more
It's been a few months since I posted that The Story Cellar now had five hundred titles on its shelves. I haven't quite doubled it yet, but we have rounded the eight hundred mark! And I think that's worth celebrating. I started The Story Cellar six months ago with just under two hundred titles. AndContinue reading "And (almost) 500 more"
Down the Pipe
There's something special about the days between Christmas and New Year. For me, they've always been days that seem to exist outside of reality, in their own strange little bubble. There should be no work, no homework, just a week filled with books, good food and playing with the toys you got for Christmas. SpeakingContinue reading "Down the Pipe"