Another new thing in A New Thing

I hate to admit that bookstores, as we’ve known them in this past century or two, are a thing of the past.   But the high rate of failed bookstores in  the past several years tells the truth.  Big stores, little stores, new ones, old faithful ones – from London, England to Clarksville, Tennessee – have closed their doors in the past 10 years.

To stay open bookstores have to make many adjustments.  One of the things we are adding to the books in our store is musical accessories and some instruments.  We’ve always had music and art because we love it and it is important for culture and education.  But now we want our place to be a destination, not only to hear good music, but to buy guitar strings, cords, drumsticks, etc.   So stop by and scout out our musical additions and let us know what you’d like to see and buy here.

The New Baby – Just Grand!

Jo Ann’s grandbaby (from daughter Summer & hubby Nathan Clark in DC)

Ole Tyme Music Night 7pm Sat 4/17

Come join us with your instruments and voices.  There will be some planned music on stage, some invitations to join the musicians there , and impromptu groups later in the evening.  Everyone welcome – if you haven’t been before, remember this is a fun, family – and remember suitable for families – evening.  Some of us will bring food & snacks to share, donations welcome – and coffee, cokes, juice & tea will be a dollar.  The bookstore is always open during entertainment.   And you can always pick special orders on that night.

Yet Another New Thing in A New Thing

Coming by the end of February:  The former cafe area will be the place to buy your musical accessories, guitars, and more as time goes on…

spam problem

If you went to google and typed anewthing, it came up high on first page, BUT spammers hacked into to my site as me (!?!) and added that crazy drug ad to deter people to their site – I guess ?? BUT we are working on it. However, we had to delete some recent posts on my site because they added & changed stuff. It is maddening and saddening that this is happening, but we’ll be ok — apologies….

Same Kind of Different As Me

This true story was so easy to see, to become involved with, as I read alternating chapters, each told by two very different people, who eventually met and found they were not so different after all.

One man, Denver, tells his heart-wrenching story of his beginnings in mid-20th century in rural Louisiana and his life as a sharecropper.  The other man, Ron,  meets a  young college girl in Texas and eventually becomes an international art dealer.  The lives of Ron and his wife, Debbie, and Denver come together in a Ft. Worth homeless shelter.

This book goes a little deeper and a little further than simply feeling good about spending a day serving food at a  shelter.  The insight and true Christian love that is in this story has affected so many readers and it soon will be coming out as a movie for all to see.

Go to www.samekindofffdifferentasme.com for more info.   Come buy one from me – as well as the sequel,  What Difference Do It Make? (sept. 2009)

Music ~ Friday, Oct. 9th

Come by for LUNCH (at our pizzeria) or browse the books & gifts and hear Robert play his classical flamenco guitar.

Stay for supper (or come back in the night) to hear Lynn (yes, my husband!) and Ted Thompson trade songs – they are both great guitarists.  And I think Ted’s wife, Debra,  may sing a few tunes with him.  You can eat, browse books, find that special gift or card you need, sit and stare at these musicians, or sit and visit with your friends as they play – just come out for a very enjoyable evening.

Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Today, on the 200th anniversary of the birth of one of England’s most beloved poets, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, I read some of his thoughtful poetry.  The famous line,

“Tis better to have loved and lost                                                                                                                          Than never to have loved at all.”

is from “In Memoriam,”  the elegy of his closest friend.  The King Arthur epic Idylls of the King, “Ulysses,” Locksley Hall, and “Charge of the Light Brigade” are among his many great poems. If you don’t get into poetry, read “Enoch Arden,” and you’ll be so into this noble story that you soon forget it is poetry.  This poem made him the poet of the people.   Tennyson was also the literary representative of the Victorian age, living many of the years of Queen Victoria, through most of the 1800s. He felt the conflict of the issues (such as evolution)  of those times, and evolved in his writings from faith to doubt to faith again.  The poem he requested be at the end of any reading or collection of his is “Crossing the Bar,” of which the first few lines are often quoted.  I will share the last four:

For though from out our bourne of Time and Place                                                                                               The flood may bear me far,                                                                                                                                  I hope to meet my Pilot face to face                                                                                                                             When I have crossed the bar.

Live Music with Lunch Wednesday, April 22nd!

Come for lunch to hear the wonderful Jeff Miller – just scroll down under Performance Stage to learn of him or watch the store video or go to Jeffmilleronline.    The Back Alley Cafe will have a full dinner (at lunch!) or soup and sandwich and/or salads.  Good, healthy, and fresh!

Stop in and say hi!     Jo Ann  – Get a new spring catalog with specials that start soon.

Jeff Miller Returns! july 5th (also Dec. ‘08) & March 14, 09!

Are you one of many in Cheatham County who read the newspaper article about the guitar artistry of Jeff Miller, but did not make it to his concert at our place in Ashland City? Here’s another chance – Saturday evening July 5th – His music makes me think of a bit of Phil Keaggy and Chris Rice – doesn’t that sound enjoyable?