Fifteen Minutes of Scrawl

These are a range of prices, but are just some things that I thought would be fun for either a platonic or romantic gift. You can read my first 15 ideas in my "15 ideas for Valentine's Day gifts in 2026" post. Underground Donut Tour , "Delve into some of the best donut shops, bakeries, and restaurants in the city! With a dedicated guide, you'll uncover hidden gems and sample new flavors most people miss." (in Chicago, at least, it's on the more expensive side, could angle platonic or romantic) The Orchid Show , "Rewind to the ‘60s and ‘70s at the Orchid Show: Feelin’ Groovy where 10,000 vibrant orchids are the hottest thing since bell bottoms" (on the cheaper end, more romantic, but could be platonic) Gwen's Winter Curl & Chill , "Challenge your friends to curling, then warm up fireside with indulgent à la carte drinks and seasonal bites" (mid, could angle platonic or romantic) Improv I Class , "Through group exercises a...

Time for some more attempted romance thwarted by drama?  Emma, dump this man Lisa! Why haven't you changed your wig??? Lisa, also, if you wanna do wigs, you gotta invest in better ones Rick, you still suck Trish, I'm with ya on it not being sexy But like, fair, there are wilder fantasies than this Rick, it's not forgivable Aha so Birkan does reveal he gambles "a lot" Jovon, I'm on Anna's side. 100% Rick, like, thank god you finally came clean, but I hope Trish dumps you Emma, why do you want this man? Loveday is a great name Laura, do not trust this man Rick, you suck Wow, I did not take enough notes (my bad) Next time Emma and Ziad go on camels Next time, I'll be telling Jovon to fuck off Next time Birkan is annoying Next time Molly confronts Forrest about finances between him and Sheena Next time Sprig meets Spring Next time that meeting does not go well Next time Lisa is (maybe) insane Next time Lisa hears from another woman? Next time looks dramati...

Just gonna do some brainstorming! You can read the first 15 ideas I brainstormed in my post "15 brainstorming ideas for the bookstores I'm on the board of" . Craft more libro.fm audiobook playlists Post more on social media platforms and enhance social media descriptions Partner with UChicago's Center for Digital Accesibility to improve our website, social media platforms, and any other communications (e.g. emails) Ask customers if they'll pay the credit card fees Leave X, join Bluesky Introduce summer reading challenges for both adults and children Advocate for our community's rights Host pop-up markets Display local art for sale (like some cafés do) Throw skill shares Schedule adult show and tells Invite Nadia Odunayo and Rob Frelow (founders of The Story Graph) for a talk/interview Advertise The Story Graph Open up a survey to customers to ask for their ideas, thoughts, concerns, etc. Start more charity drives for community organizations (Prompt by me)

Rate-A-Queen Talent Show, part 1!  Mia, how is Vita "a silent killer"? Like, her designs are loud (in a good way!) Myki is adorably nerdy Jane has some valid concerns Jane, I hear ya, but like...Rate-A-Queen is not new Well, I want to see Nini be a mantis Wow there is a lot of plotting happening This picking drama is not that interesting to me As per usual, I don't know the guest judge (though I did enjoy her Swedish lesson) Ciara's makeup is incredible, but the outfit isn't super interesting to me Juicy's makeup remains stunning, and while I like the concept of her look, it doesn't quite work for me Nini's look idea is fun, but it is too messy for me Vita is, as I expected, impeccable Darlene's face and hair are great, but I really don't like the dress Something about Mia's makeup is not singing for me, but, wow, can she sell a garment Myki's idea is great, but it seems wobblier than is ideal Athena's look is fantastic, but, like w...

Just gonna do some brainstorming! Sell beach reads at the beach and the Point (like one would sell ice cream) Actually advertise that you can buy audiobooks to benefit the stores on libro.fm Organize write-ins for NaNoWriMo (maybe come up with our own challenge?) Partner with other 57th St. businesses Host speed-dating/friending Throw trivia nights Do crafting events At least consider having a fundraising gala Offer private shopping experiences Provide space to community groups Train booksellers more/better Partner with Safer Foundation or a similar organization Schedule board office hours Attempt a few book swaps Form at genre fiction book clubs native to our store(s) (Prompt by me)

Time for part 1 of the tell-all! Oh, I do like Manon's denim look Yes, Anthony, there will be loud noises and yelling Greta, you're right in that your relationship with Matthew was healthier than a lot of these other relationships Love these buildings of tension Wow, Anthony! I love that Manon is a fan of Jenny I do love Manon saying, "I'd rather be a bad cook than unfaithful" Wrong answer, Sumit (he fixes it) I love these questions YIKES, MANON Yes, Chloe, Jonathan was gaslighting you JONATHAN! YOU JUST SAID YOU WERE RESPECTFUL THE WHOLE TIME? Okay, no shame on sex work. Just shush about it, everyone Jonathan, I do not trust you (again, not saying Chloe is perfect, but Jonathan is DEFINITELY a liar) Wow the two women in their early 20s are just going at it I do love Madelein then being like, "Uh, actually though, Jonathan, Chloe is right in that it was YOUR ACTIONS that are ruining your reputation" Oh, wow, I did not expect Greta to be living in London ...