Every year, as the holiday season approaches, there's a special place that tugs at my heartstrings and brings back a flood of warm memories - Barnes and Noble. You might be wondering what's so special about a bookstore, but for me, it has sentimental value, thanks to my grandma.
My grandma was a book lover through and through. She believed in the magic that unfolded within the pages of a good book, and she was a Barnes and Noble club member. On my annual visit to the store, I would give her phone number to the cashier to ensure she earned extra rewards, and each time it happened to be time to renew her membership. Of course, I gladly paid the amount due for her – I wonder if she knew I was the book rewards fairy?
Now, as a mom juggling building a brand, my annual visit to Barnes and Noble has become something I look forward to, a tradition that holds a special place in my heart. It's a journey back in time, imagining the hours my Grandma spent, exploring the shelves and searching for the latest finds that we would unwrap during the holiday season. Christmas time, in particular, adds an extra layer of magic to these visits. The store transforms into a winter wonderland, with festive decorations and the unmistakable scent of fresh coffee and newly printed books.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, stepping into Barnes and Noble is a cozy escape. The familiar sight of towering bookshelves, cozy reading nooks, and the soft hum of people engrossed in their chosen worlds instantly transports me back to those cherished memories of my Grandma.
While I take it all in, I find myself inspired to create and share my own stories. As a mom and the owner Bergy Bag (a fancy insulated clutch perfect for cosmetics and overheating phones) life can get hectic, but Barnes and Noble serves as a reminder to slow down and savor the simple pleasures. It's a reminder that the stories we create and share are the threads that weave the fabric of our lives.
Now that the holidays are amongst us and I find myself back in the famous bookstore, I can't help but feel grateful for the legacy of love for books that my Grandma passed down to me. It's a sentiment that lingers, making each visit more than just a trip to a bookstore – it's a celebration of the beautiful stories that shape our lives and a warm hug from my grandma.
Heather Dziedzic, Founder Bergy Bag
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