Hi friends! It’s a new year! Thank goodness!
I have been working from home for the most part this last year, and I have missed seeing your smiles and hearing the laughter from little voices. Fortunately, I have absolute faith in my eager and resourceful staff that can answer any questions and handle any issues that arise at the store. They are SO excited to still see and hear from our wonderful community. I love when they text me fun things that happen at the store, like when 2 siblings came in and plopped down on the rug to read together the other day (with masks!), or when one of our team heard what she thought were children laughing outside, and looked out to see geese. Another team member created a gift-wrapped person to welcome customers! I could go on and on, but there are always incidents that brighten my day and show me just how much love we’ve been able to create at Second Star.
For instance, I was worried that we couldn’t host Santa in person this year, and was so thankful our Santa could take the time to answer kids’ Santa letters and respond to them on video! What a bright spot this was! We work with James Brunt, an award-winning actor (and poet) from The Black Actors Guild, who does improv with the kids when we can get together. He is amazing, and just interacts with kids so well!
Due in part to incredible community members like James, Second Star was able to adapt quickly to moving many of our in-store events to virtual ones. It’s been kind of fun to see authors, illustrators, and other guests in their actual living room, often with their own pets and/or kids! I’ve watched at home with my husband Marc, and our 3 dogs. I feel really blessed that our team, and you - our community - rallied round and we had a great holiday season! We aren’t going anywhere, and hopefully this is the year we will expand!
When the pandemic hit, I was nervous to see if Second Star could withstand the quiet days, limited hours for my staff, and loss of income. As of now, I have been able to keep all of my staff, taking utmost care to keep them, and you, safe and comfortable within the store. My own family has remained healthy, at least for now. This year our whole family had COVID birthdays, as I know you did too. What a strange thing that is. We have 4 older kids, 2 have spouses, and we all had a virtual Christmas, as you probably did too. It’s not the same. However, this is also the year I found out that I’ll be a grandma, and I can’t tell you how excited I am!
So I keep looking up, waiting for the flowers to bloom, and hoping to be able to see you sooner than later. I want to thank you so much for your continued support for our store, and our little book family. I can’t tell you how much joy you have brought to me, and to be able to bring some light into your lives with books and toys and memories is something I treasure. I wish for your continued health and prosperity this coming year, and please reach out if there is anything Second Star can do for you!
With love and gratitude,
Dea
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