It’s been more than a year since I visited Third Place Books
in person. Over the past few months, I’ve ordered online and had books mailed
to me. But after attending a webinar yesterday with Lisa Cron about her new book, Story
or Die, I ordered a copy. Instead of opting to have it snail mailed, I clicked
on ‘pick up at store.'
For the occasion of venturing to the bookstore, I dressed
more carefully than I had in months, choosing my favorite jeans, an olive-green
sweater, a necklace and a bracelet. The morning was bright and sunny, which I
took as a good omen.
Entering the freeway felt like a strange city, partly because
of construction of the light rail which blocked the right lane, and partly because
this is only my second trip on I-5 since the pandemic broke out. I hadn’t forgotten
how to merge with the thick swell of cars and trucks, all moving far below the
60 MPH speed limit. The addition of rail lines and concrete barriers has
changed the landscape, but the heavy Seattle traffic remains the same.
After I exited on Ballenger Way, I passed several office
buildings bearing ‘For Lease. Signs. The Mexican restaurant is still there,
likely surviving on carry-out orders by a loyal clientele. As I drove east, the
familiar canopy of trees cast blinking shadows in and out of the sunlight. It
had been more than a year, yet I still recalled how to get to the store. The
parking lot was nearly vacant, and after I parked, I double glanced at the shop
to ensure I was open.
The first change since I was last here were the signs on the
two double door entries. Inside the building the next change I noted was there was no line at the adjoining cafe.
Clearly marked exit and entry only with reminders for
customers they must wear masks and maintain social distances. The entrance side
is blocked off with crime tape and the signs with arrows lead to the information
desk. An individual stood at the entry and asked my business. I could have
taken my prepaid book and left, but since the store was empty, and I’d already fulfilled
a couple of hours early morning writing, I decided to use the allotted 30-minute
time limit to browse.
Where once there stood leather and wooden chairs throughout the
store where one could sit and skim through a stack of books is now open space.
The staff is enthusiastic and industrious, filling shelves
and moving displays, and the selection of books, cards, and other goods remains
abundant, but the shopping experience definitely felt altered. One of the
things I’ve missed most since the pandemic outbreak is browsing the shelves at
libraries and bookstores. Where I once may have spent two hours (and much more
money) wandering through the aisles, I’m grateful to have the option for this
in-person visit. The short visit to familiar territory made life feel more like
normal and less like science fiction.
How are you emerging back to nearly normal?
20 x 20, acrylic on canvas
20 x 20, acrylic on canvas
16x20, acrylic on board
