Month: August 2020

Storytime: letter writing

Storytime. Hazel put 3 writing pad and envelope sets on the counter. “I’ll make letter writers out of the grandkids yet,” she said with a smile. “Even if I have to bribe them.”

Hazel’s plan was to give the grandkids a money gift for each letter she receives, up to $5 depending on how she rates the letter. They can send a letter each fortnight, no more often than that.

She writes back with the gift and a note of her own.

Hazel has been doing this for 3 months and it is working. The kids are getting better at writing and Hazel is enjoying going to her letterbox.

We love hearing how people are finding new ways to connect these days.

Storytime: magazine browsers

Storytime. Daphne is a perennial magazine browser. She’s been a regular for years, loving the craft and food magazines, often browsing for half an hour or so before choosing the ones she would buy. These days, Daphne is in an out quickly, because browsing is not encouraged by the health experts.

“It’s hard making a quick decisions,” Daphne was standing at the counter, wondering about the crochet and a food magazine on the counter. “I remember when shopping was fun and entertaining. These days it’s get in and get out.”

So much about shopping has changed. We loved people spending time considering their magazine purchases. These days, though, speed is key. We want everyone to be safe.

Storytime: 2020, corona and a trade and his dad

Storytime. “I don’t usually buy father’s day cards,” 20-something Jackson said with a wry smile, as he pushed a Father’s Day card across the counter, “but 2020 is a year of firsts.”

Jackson is a local tradie, he moved here last year when he started his apprenticeship. He’s not our usual Father’s Day card shopper. “I get on okay with dad, but we’ve never been card givers, we both prefer a beer.”

He’d chosen a fun card that said ‘Happy Father’s Day from the good one.’“ “The thing is, I don’t know what to write.” This is a common comment with Father’s Day cards. “Be yourself. Imagine it’s the last thing he ever reads,” I said, delivering our fine-tuned advice.

Jackson stood to the side of the counter and write his dad a note. I’m pretty sure I saw him wipe a tear, a happy tear, from his face as he closed the card to put it in the envelope.

This Father’s Day is different. The hugs being sent to dads will be cherished.

Storytime: grandparents, nursing homes and corona

Storytime. Through his mask, 70-something Walter spoke quietly with a tone of sadness in his voice. “I want to hug my granddaughter and tell her it will be okay. She’s in her last year of high school and we all know how that’s going this year.”

Walter was a long time regular, although not so much in recent months because of corona. “It breaks my heart what this year is doing not only to her but everyone.”

After a chat we found out Walter’s granddaughter adores pandas. Walter loved the card we had with a big fat panda on it. “I can’t hug you but this panda can,” he wrote inside the card. Walter left the shop to post the card, with a smile on his face.

People are finding other ways to love those they love in 2020.

Storytime: Father’s Day cards from a son to dad

Storytime. “I’m so scared for him, so scared.” 20-something Oscar was telling us about his granddad who was in a nursing home and on lockdown. “No one is allowed to visit, for obvious reasons.”

These days people are sharing personal stories at the counter more so than ever, even those who usually keep counter chats light.

“I spoke to him on the phone and he sounded so sad.”

I knew Oscar liked to draw because he’d buy sketch books from us, so I made a suggestion. “Mate, why not draw a picture of him and you together doing something fun.”

“That’s perfect. Why didn’t I think of that?.” Oscar headed for the door. He was on a mission. I called after him “let’s see it when you’re done okay?!” “Okay,” Oscar yelled back.