It’s been a while since I’ve posted, and a while since I’ve done laundry, too. Life has never been so busy — even when I thought I was busy before, it wasn’t anything compared to this. But it’s good. Really, really good.

We open the bookstore in less than two weeks, and this weekend it started to feel do-able. (I haven’t been good about taking many “before and after” photos, so there goes any chance of a charming blog post about opening a bookstore. Oh, well.) I’ve been in a panic because there is still so much to do. SO MUCH. We’ve only been in the space since May 1 and working our full time jobs, and we’ve made great progress… But yikes. I wish we would have said July 1st instead of June 1st, but we’re opening the doors even if it’s not as ready as I wanted it to be. I wanted new books and gifts by the opening, and things here and there, but I need to take it all one step at a time and just do what I can. It will happen. But that’s the nice thing about bookstores — they’re always changing, always fluid. It’s okay.

I saw that this weekend was my alma mater’s graduation, and realized that I graduated from Mills 16 years ago. Sixteen years! I still haven’t paid off my loans or published a book, but it’s still the best thing I’ve ever accomplished… Next to this. If you had told me at Commencement that 16 years later I’d be opening a little used bookstore, I would have said, “No way!” But I would have been delighted.

So if you’re around Vallejo June 1st or 2nd or any weekend thereafter, please come in! We would love to see you. And please follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @alibibookshop

Xoxoxo