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| Guest-blogger Bettejo Dux is one of Kauai's most eccentric people, she has lived on the cosmic island of Kaua'i for over 40 years... She is an animal lover, people lover and enjoys life to the fullest. Bettejo talks about her favorite book store appropriately called, "Talk Story..." www.bettejodux.com |
THE FARTHEST EASTERN BOOKSHOP ON KAUAI
Write a book? So what? Writing a book is getting a book read and reading a book is what writing a book is all about. We are lucky on Kauai. We have Talk Story Book Shop in metropolitan Hanapepe that, with great verve and joy, opens its doors every Friday night to local writers and buyers.
Can a writer also be a ‘seller’ of his books? You bet’cha. I love it. I’m in my element. The world strolls by, walks in, talks story. Ed and Cynthia-two absolutely gorgeous human beings- are delightful hosts. “Welcome to the farthest eastern book shop in America,” is their cheerful welcome.
Outside their door, an amazing underwater photographer sells his photos. A local musician sings and plays his heart out. Darling girls sell culinary art. Try a piece. Guests at Talk Story munch a piece of pie as they browse.
But, as often happens in paradise, we have a snake in the garden. It walks around in a rumpled sandwich board, popping in and out the door, scaring little children-me, too- berating common street vendors who spoil the elitist atmosphere. Every piece of pie, every photograph, every book sold on this sacred night detracts from the sale of art.
I first met the sandwich board years ago. I’d been invited to a party in Princeville and, since the hostess- a writer- knowing I didn’t like to drive at night, arranged a ride with someone I’d never met. I arrived early. I was taught being late is rude. I drove up to the porte-co-chere, nice to have where it rains a lot. The sky was a cloud swept deep Kauai blue. The air alive with scent and song.
A voice called, “Move the car.”
I moved. Parked down the road and walked back to the house. “I’m here.”
“Wait outside.”
There was a bench. I sat. Maybe my driver was in the shower. When it opened the door, it said not a word, but started off to the car I trailed behind.
I didn’t like it from the get-go, although it looked very much like my husband. The ride to Princeville was tense with silence. No happy talk in this jalopy. At the party it went north. I went south. I ate, drank, and made happy until it was time to leave. The ride home was a disaster. We sped. Crossed double lines. Tailgated. I perched on the edge of the seat.
“Stopping to see friends. Wait here.” First words uttered.
“Please take me to my car.”
My driver gave me guff but I insisted and won, but not without a verbal exchange. I happily departed company. The next time, I promised myself, I’d hire a driver.
I never saw nor spoke to the sandwich board again until it appeared through the door of Talk Story and scared me. An apparition. But I sold a lot of books.
A true story, but any resemblance to anyone living or dead is purely coincidental.
Looks to be a fun night in Hanapepe on Kauai.
Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared from Facebook...
Can a writer also be a ‘seller’ of his books? You bet’cha. I love it. I’m in my element. The world strolls by, walks in, talks story. Ed and Cynthia-two absolutely gorgeous human beings- are delightful hosts. “Welcome to the farthest eastern book shop in America,” is their cheerful welcome.
Outside their door, an amazing underwater photographer sells his photos. A local musician sings and plays his heart out. Darling girls sell culinary art. Try a piece. Guests at Talk Story munch a piece of pie as they browse.
But, as often happens in paradise, we have a snake in the garden. It walks around in a rumpled sandwich board, popping in and out the door, scaring little children-me, too- berating common street vendors who spoil the elitist atmosphere. Every piece of pie, every photograph, every book sold on this sacred night detracts from the sale of art.
I first met the sandwich board years ago. I’d been invited to a party in Princeville and, since the hostess- a writer- knowing I didn’t like to drive at night, arranged a ride with someone I’d never met. I arrived early. I was taught being late is rude. I drove up to the porte-co-chere, nice to have where it rains a lot. The sky was a cloud swept deep Kauai blue. The air alive with scent and song.
A voice called, “Move the car.”
I moved. Parked down the road and walked back to the house. “I’m here.”
“Wait outside.”
There was a bench. I sat. Maybe my driver was in the shower. When it opened the door, it said not a word, but started off to the car I trailed behind.
I didn’t like it from the get-go, although it looked very much like my husband. The ride to Princeville was tense with silence. No happy talk in this jalopy. At the party it went north. I went south. I ate, drank, and made happy until it was time to leave. The ride home was a disaster. We sped. Crossed double lines. Tailgated. I perched on the edge of the seat.
“Stopping to see friends. Wait here.” First words uttered.
“Please take me to my car.”
My driver gave me guff but I insisted and won, but not without a verbal exchange. I happily departed company. The next time, I promised myself, I’d hire a driver.
I never saw nor spoke to the sandwich board again until it appeared through the door of Talk Story and scared me. An apparition. But I sold a lot of books.
A true story, but any resemblance to anyone living or dead is purely coincidental.
Looks to be a fun night in Hanapepe on Kauai.
Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared from Facebook...
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| Bettejo also publishes her own blog column. You can check it out at ; http://www.bettejo.wordpress.com . Besides her blog she recently published and authored the humorous fiction book, "The Scam," check it out at(www.bettejodux.com) or on Amazon. |
| http://www.bettejodux.com/ |
8 comments:
just imagine all the stories that are made from only 26 letters in the alphabet. It amazes me what writers do with letters as much as what a chefs do with ingredients....
via facebook;" Good article, but, er, it's the farthest WESTERN bookstore in America..."
Good point! I'll let her know! ;D)
Chuck, I spoke with Bettejo, she said," it's the farthest eastern bookstore if your coming by way of Japan!" ;D)
via facebook;" That Bettejo Dux - so sassy!"
via facebook;"I just looked at Bettejo Dux's Facebook description and timeline. How are we not friends already??? :)"
so send a friend request, she's busy nursing her horse Ari back to health, but am sure you too would have alot in common...
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