It started out with a visit to Everybody's Bookstore in Rapid City. I regularly visit another store that sells used books but it has been some time since I have visited this one, and it has changed. For the better. Extremely well organized, groovy staff and a very positive vibe. And the exterior has been freshened up with an awesome mural by Derek "Focus" Smith, a very talented local area artist.
They were having a big sale and I was glad to see a good turnout. Everyone was finding books to buy and seemed to be enjoying themselves. Including a number of children. That made me happy. I always enjoy seeing kids get excited about books.
And speaking of kids, as I was browsing the shelves I overheard a young girl maybe around 8-10 years old say to her grandmother, "Four dollars for a book? Maybe you should try to make a deal with them."
I wonder if they noticed the smile that brought to my face. I don't think it's the kind of store that bargains with customers on price, but I guess you're never too young start working on your negotiation skills.
As for myself, I thought the prices were very reasonable - as evidenced by the fact that I walked out with five books for an amount I was quite happy with.
As I was leaving the store I received a text from my friend Amber alerting me to an event at Crow Peak Brewery in Spearfish featuring a new brew introduction and a Volkswagen bus meetup. I don't have a VW but I do enjoy seeing some classic VW vans, and Amber and Josh have a cool "Westy" that they would be bringing, so that seemed like a great idea. Besides, she said there would be some great photo opps so I stopped by the house to pick up my wife (and camera) and we headed to Spearfish. She was right about the photo opportunities.....
I should have taken more pictures but I was sidetracked by a pint of Canyon Cream Ale and other friends we hadn't seen for awhile. It was fun. Good friends, good conversation and a beautiful summer day. Oh, and a hot tip on a private bass dam that sounds promising. What more could anyone ask for?
Well...pizza maybe. It would've been nice if that guy was there with his portable brick oven. But still overall a pretty excellent day.
Roger O'Dea 6/5/2022
