Play Readers Anonymous

It is that time again. The days seem to be fly by and another month has passed so it is again time for anyone interested in reading from or learning more about plays to join us at Paragraphs, for the Play Readers Anonymous group.
From the El Paseo Arts Foundation newsletter:

The Play reading group meets again on Monday, November 9, 2009, 7:00 p.m., at Paragraphs on Padre Boulevard. This month we'll be finishing up Noises Off, a hilarious farce and starting the Thornton Wilder's classic American play about life, love and death in Our Town. Everyone is invited to attend. if you don't want to read aloud, you can just listen and enjoy. it's a great way to meet other folks who enjoy theatre. No charge -- no commitment -- just a good time.

"An Event of Note: The Valley Symphony Orchestra"

Living on an island at the southernmost tip of Texas, 25 miles or so from the border between the US and Mexico means that life is pretty relaxed. "Island Time" is the rule not the exception and shop hours often reflect this. To close a little early or open a little late is not actually a huge issue. But since Paragraphs is a new store, needing to get established and build a reputation and following, I have been steadfast in making sure we are open and welcoming during our posted business hours and also flexible enough to open a little early or stay late depending on circumstances.

This is a long way of telling everyone - I am giving notice right now, right here, that I am placing a "Gone Fishing" sign on the door to Paragraphs on Sunday afternoon, the 15th of November promptly at 3:45 to give me time to make the 3 minute trip to the SPI Convention Center to attend "An Event of Note", a performance by the Valley Symphony Orchestra. I will not miss this concert, and I would not expect anyone living in the RGV to be shopping at Paragraphs on this afternoon either, because my hope is, they would also be planning to attend this event.

Internationally renowned pianist, recording artist and pedagogue, Polish-born artist ADAM WODNICKI will be the guest artist when El Paseo Arts Foundation hosts the the Valley Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, November 15, 2009, at the SPI Convention Center.

The afternoon of arts entertainment begins at 3:00 p.m. with cocktail hour and art show featuring local artists from the Laguna Madre Art League. Exhibiting artists include: Glenda Spinks, pastel; Richard Schmidt, mixed media; Virginia Eggert, Paints local subjects in acrylic; Dina Saldana, oil; Voncille Zama, watercolor; Beth Fedigan, mixed media; Marne Law, watercolor; Tina Poucher, acrylic; Tom Leeman, acrylic, oil; Carol Plumb, oil on linen; Carol Thorson, watercolor; and Carol Turner, acrylic. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres will be provided and a cash bar will be available.

The concert begins at 4:00 p.m., in the exhibit hall. The concert program includes Wagner The Flying Dutchman Overture; Beethoven Piano Concerto #4 in G Major, Opus 58 with Adam Wodnicki on piano; and Khachaturian Gayane Suite.

Adam Wodnickki has received acclaim on five continents for his dramatic interpretations, poetic sensitivity and brilliant technique. Wodnicki's recording of the three Piano Trios by Robert Muczynski (Centaur) was chosen by a Fanfare critic as one of the top five albums on the 'Best of 2004' list; and the 2008 release on the Dux label of the Piano Concertos by Serocki. Adam Wodnicki has also made numerous radio and TV recordings as well as concerto recordings with the National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra.

Mr. Wodnicki studied with Jan Hoffman, Guido Agosti and Gyorgy Sebok, and his artistic roots can be traced to the traditions of Fryderyk Chopin, Franz Liszt and Ferrucio Busoni. Three-time prizewinner of the annual Chopin Society National Piano Competition in Warsaw and the recipient of three prizes at the 8th Festival of Polish Pianists, Wodnicki is Regents Professor of Piano at the University of North Texas in Denton and Co-Director of International Piano Master classes in Varna. He has served on juries of international competitions and is a performance editor for the Musica Iagellonica's first ever edition of The Complete Works by Paderewski. Adam Wodnicki is a Steinway Artist.

Don't miss this special arts event: a wonderful afternoon of music and art. I know I won't!!

Tickets for "An Event of Note: The Valley Symphony Orchestra" are $25 per person and $20 for El Paseo members, seniors and students with ID. Tickets may be purchased at the SPI Visitors Center, Designer Consigner, the Port Isabel Library, online at www.elpaseoarts.org or by calling (956)943- 4700. And of course you can buy your tickets at Paragraphs.

Rio Grande Valley International Poetry Festival comes to SPI

I am really excited about Paragraphs being asked to provide a venue on the Island, for this year's Poetry Festival. On April 25, at noon, we will have several poets here to read their work and guests will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with the featured artists. Refreshments will be provided and there will be anthologies, t-shirts and other items available for purchase.

The following is an e-mail I received from RGV Arts:

The Rio Grande Valley International Poetry Festival (VIPF) continues its second year to celebrate National Poetry Month from Apr. 23—26, 2009, with readings, workshops, and slam contests in venues across the Rio Grande Valley—all free and open to the public. This year’s festival features more than 40 poets in total, with 35 registered poets. Featured poets are Larry D. Thomas, poet laureate of Texas (2008), Amalia Ortiz, a La Feria native who supports herself through poetry readings across the country. Amalia has thrice appeared on HBO’s Russell Simmons presents “Def Poetry Jam. Also featured is Nephtalí De León, noted Chicano muralist and writer. The poets will be conducting readings in schools on Friday, Apr 24, then in coffee shops, libraries, museums, cultural centers, bookstores, and art galleries Valleywide and even in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, on Saturday, Apr, 25.

As far as we know we’re the only poetry festival anywhere with concurrent readings in two countries. -- festival founder Daniel Garcia Ordaz

On Friday evening, Apr. 24, there will be a youth poetry slam (recitation contest) as well as readings by college and university students, followed by the adult poetry slam—all at South Texas College (Pecan Campus) in McAllen. Music will be provided during a brief intermission by Pulse.

Poetry is a much practiced yet little celebrated literary genre. It’s in our lullabies, our sad goodbyes, our booty-calls, our bathroom stalls. It’s everywhere. Poetry is a rich and accessible form, but it’s often dismissed as too childish or way too deep, as if poetry isn’t what holds together our favorite songs, our favorite commercials, our favorite speeches. -- Garcia Ordaz

VIPF kicks off on Thursday, Apr. 23, 2009, at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce conference room with an anthology release party. Poets included in the collection will be on hand to read some of the selected entries in Boundless 2009, the anthology of the festival.

Unlike most poetry festivals, we solicit and accept submissions from all poets regardless of whether or not they registered to read at the festival. Poetry is not only for and by dead white men or young angry Chicanos; one of the goals of the festival is to be inclusive. While not every entry received was selected for publication, we are extremely proud of the caliber of the poems, which speak for themselves. -- Garcia Ordaz

Public and private venues have come forward as hosts. Aside from the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and South Texas College (Pecan and Mid-Valley campuses), other venues include Jitterz Coffee Bar (Mission), Galeria 409 (Brownsville), Paragraphs On Padre Boulevard (South Padre Island), Donna Hooks Fletcher Museum (Donna), and Museo Casamata (Matamoros).

We’re stimulating the economy here. We have poets traveling from Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, New Mexico, and northern Mexico, so the festival is already having a positive economic impact on the Valley. We’ll be spending money here—for food, lodging, and transportation. The McAllen Chamber of Commerce understands the business of art, which is why they’re our main sponsor. -- Garcia Ordaz

Boundless 2009 includes poems by poets from around Texas and other parts of the U.S. and even poems by an American living in London

We’re giving a voice to the often ignored and a stage to largely unknown word artists. We’re building international brotherhood and celebrating diverse cultures. Aside from giving poets a chance to ply their trade, sell books and merchandise, we’re also giving the audience free cultural programming. -- Garcia Ordaz

The festival’s grand finale will be the third annual Poetry Pachanga—the event that started it all in 2007 at UT-Pan American. The Pachanga, which follows a private dinner for poets only, is where all registered poets will take the stage, together for the first time. Doors open to the public at 7 p.m. at the Narciso Martínez Cultural Arts Center, with music by Incohero at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Poetry Pachanga. “Borderline,” artwork by Celeste De Luna, will also be on display.

Anyone who has pre-determined thoughts about poetry will find that this is not simply a festival by and for angry young Latinos—although we have some of those. Our festival poets are a broad amalgamation of very diverse poets presenting verses about love, lust, lemons, life—and everything in between. We have professors and pachucos, housewives and hoodlums, silly and serious poets coming together to teach, entertain, and make you think or even pee in your pants. -- Garcia Ordaz

VIPF 2009 is a program of Art That Heals, Inc., and with major funding from the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and also sponsored by South Texas College, the Narciso Martínez Cultural Arts Center and El Zarape Press.

Shop the Island on South Padre Island

I am excited about having the opportunity to participate in the first Shop the Island being held on South Padre Island, TX. The Saturday event will showcase our local businesses and artists as they collaborate to give residents and visitors a unique chance to find that one of a kind Christmas gift for someone special.

Paragraphs is especially honored to have the internationally recognized master sand sculptor, Lucinda Wierenga, sharing our parking lot on Saturday where she will be doing some small sculptures and have copies of her book "Sandcastles Made Easy" available along with sand sculpting tools and gift certificates for lessons. Combine some or all of these to make a perfect gift for that hard to buy for beach lover on your list.

Also spending the day with us is Wade Dunkin, of WD Dunkin Photography. He is an outstanding artist and his photos of South Padre Island, the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre area are absolutely beautiful. He features sunsets, landscapes, and some awesome surfing shots. You can view his online gallery here.

Paragraphs, Lucinda and Wade are all members of Indiebound.org.

Please, stop by, say hello and spend some time with us tomorrow. I look forward to meeting my new neighbors and I think you will find something of interest to make it worth your while. Paragraphs will have a small selection of titles and for that book lover on your list consider a gift certificate which can be redeemed when we formally open early next year. But most of all I just want to have the opportunity to take part in what I think is a great activity.

See you tomorrow. And remember when you shop locally you benefit your community in many ways. So do something good, support your friends and neighbors, and have fun.


1. You keep dollars in our economy

For every $100 you spend at one of our local businesses, $68 will stay in the community. What happens when you spend that same $100 at a national chain? Only $43 stays in the community.

2. You embrace what makes us unique

You wouldn’t want your house to look like everyone else’s in the U.S. So why would you want your community to look that way?

3. You nurture community

We know you, and you know us. Studies have shown that local businesses donate to community causes at more than twice the rate of chains.

4. You create more choice

We pick the books and gifts we sell based on what we know you like and want. Local businesses carry a wider array of unique products because we buy for our own individual market.

5. You invest in entrepreneurship

Creativity and entrepreneurship are what the American economy is founded upon. Nurturing local business ensures a strong community.

6.You make us a destination

The more interesting and unique we are as a community, the more we will attract new neighbors, visitors and guests. This benefits everyone!

RGV Social Media Club

I am definitely a newbie to the whole social media arena but I can see the potential for reaching a much wider audience without spending a fortune in advertising dollars. Not only is the potential to reach more people attractive, but the idea of building a community instead of merely selling something intrigues me. As the owner of a bookstore one of my goals is to welcome discussion and interaction among my customers and supporters and I think being more involved and fluent in the use of social media can only help broaden the diversity of those who find Paragraphs a place where ideas are welcome.

So I was pleased to see that Shaine Mata is planning to start a Social Media Club for the Rio Grande Valley.

From Shaine's blog:

I thought I’d join the conversation for kicks, only to find out that it was not led by Connie, but by Kristie Wells, co-founder of Social Media Club. I spoke with her exclusively for a few minutes. Everything since then has started falling into place, from conference calls to messages expressing interest from other folks in the region.

Here we are 24 hours later and there is a Facebook group and SMC RGV wiki page. I am really excited about the support that has come from Social Media Club and local chapters. I don’t want to give you the impression that it’s an automated process. One crucial part is missing. Social Media Club RGV will not get off the ground without a team. You don’t have to be an expert; you just have to be interested in social media.

Here are some of the leadership/volunteer positions we need:

• Programming Director
• Partnership Director
• Promotions Director
• Production Director
• Membership Director

You can find more details by visiting the SMC RGV Wiki. It is quite possible for one person to fill dual roles. Even with all the outside support, we can be sure that this will be a labor of love. I won’t lie to you. It will require some work. I hope you are interested in being a part of something groundbreaking for the Rio Grande Valley. Join me in launching Social Media Club RGV.

Any of you South Padre Island or Port Isabel computer gurus willing to give Shaine a hand?

It would then give us the knowledge and credibility to work with our local businesses to improve our visibility online. The attendance at the recent RGV tweet-up, which was held at The Padre Island Brewing Company, shows that there is a fairly strong interest in the area and it would be great for SPI/PI to be a part of this growing community. I plan to stay as informed of their activities as possible and learn more about how Paragraphs can become part of the social media world.

Shop the Island

Thanks to Lucinda and Nancy, two of South Padre Island's ambassadors of good will, I have signed up to participate in Shop the Island, which sounds like a fun event giving retailers, craftsmen and artisans a chance to share the sidewalks, spill onto the streets and provide the local residents and visitors with a festive day of shopping.

Word is a mover will be delivering boxes of household items, books, some tables, beds and my rolltop desk, from New York, at 9:00 a.m. Monday morning. The building inspector was kind enough to allow me to have this stored in the new building, as long as I do not block their access to electrical outlets or anything else they need to observe before issuing an occupancy permit.

I am not sure when they will be actually finished and ready to hand over the keys, but I should be able to have enough access that the parking lot at Paragraphs can be a welcoming spot for anyone cruising Padre Boulevard next Saturday. Used books for sale out of the box will be the primary offering of the day but I will spend the week working to spice up what visitors will find at 5505 Padre Boulevard!

Rumor is there may even be a sandcastle in a box! If Sandyfeet chooses the parking lot at Paragraphs to exhibit her sandcarving expertise, can the Saturn Street Strummers be far behind?

Back To The Island

I finally got everything in order for the move and to leave Denver for South Padre Island. We left Wednesday and arrived on the Island Sunday afternoon. I must admit my heart was in my throat while driving down Padre Blvd. and wondering what Paragraphs would look like. The main surprise is that there is more work to be done than I anticipated. Other than that I was pleasantly surprised with the end result. I will get some pictures and post them here tomorrow.

One side of the building, which is located on the property line and therefore couldn't have any windows or other variation, is going to need some type of decoration or ornamentation. Right now it is just a big green wall--and not terribly exciting. It will be a nice backdrop for some kind of mural highlighting the joys of reading.

I am thrilled with the space for Paragraphs. I was surprised with the size of the space and the amount of light and feeling of openness. The elevated ceilings and a second level of windows makes the area seem much larger than it is. There is plenty of room for comfy chairs and some tables where people will be free to sit and read, chat, or use their laptops via the store's WiFi.

I took my husband, Griff, to the airport this morning and then the rest of us finished getting settled in to a room at the La Quinta, which has been our SPI winter home for several years. A few familiar faces have already arrived from places north where winter has arrived.

While we don't have our normal large beachside room with wet bar and jacuzzi tub, I don't mind the sacrifice and hope to be relocated into our new home soon. I am revising my to-do list and tomorrow will be a busy day!

It is a glorious day as I sit here with the open door and listen to the surf. This is the view from my window. Enjoy!

No Snow? Get Toasty!

To people on or familiar with South Padre Island, Lucinda Wierenga, aka SandyFeet is a source of local pride. She is an internationally known and award-winning sand sculptor.

With the holidays on the way, I couldn't resist sharing part of her personal contribution to getting those on our sandbar in a festive mood.

From her blog:

Weather permitting, Toasty will appear on the beach at Wanna Wanna Beach Bar and Grill starting on Wed., Nov. 26 and staying until -- he melts. Or something.

Sunset on South Padre Island, TX

I found this when catching up on my reading of the blogs I follow. It reminded me of why I am so excited about moving to this wonderful little sandbar along the south Texas gulf coast.

Thanks to Todo Padre for sharing.

Indie Businesses Unite!

I have been posting on the SPI Forum about the advantages of independent businesses for the community. Actually, I think most everyone is tired of hearing about Indiebound, the Indiebound Community, or anything else that begins with "Indie".

In an effort to help the business climate of South Padre Island, the Town has initiated the formation of a "Coalition for Business Development". The coalition is being asked to identify ways (1) to increase consumer use of our existing businesses (2) to attract new businesses which will be used by consumers and (3) to attract more consumers by increasing the number of permanent residents and visitors. To meet these objectives several subcommittees have been formed, with each one being asked to provide recommendations that will help to meet the broader objectives of the coalition.

The subcommittees include:

(1) Establish a Merchants Association to focus on ways to improve sales for existing business.

(2) Establish New Programs will focus on new Special Events.

(3) Recruit Permanent and Part-Time Residents and Increase Tourism will focus on Specialty Groups to which our Island offers areas of interest.

(4) Recruit New Business will focus on developing an On-Line Website for the EDC that can be used by new business seeking information about the Island. In addition recommend better use of technology for data based marketing, and identify a liaison between new business and the Town.

My interest in these discussions is directed toward the Merchant's Association with a focus on some type of a Shop Local campaign, with an emphasis on our Independent Businesses.

The IndieBound program offers some great materials which can be used to promote, not just bookstores, but all indies within a community. This message, which appears on a flyer that can be customized for individual stores or for a merchants association, reminds the customer that when they shop local they have done something good for the community.

Here’s what you just did!

1. You kept dollars in our economy

For every $100 you spend at one of our local businesses, $68 will stay in the community. What happens when you spend that same $100 at a national chain? Only $43 stays in the community.

2. You embraced what makes us unique

You wouldn’t want your house to look like everyone else’s in the U.S. So why would you want your community to look that way?

3. You created local jobs

Local businesses are better at creating higher-paying jobs for our neighbors.


4. You helped the environment

Buying from a local business conserves energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation, less packaging, and products that you know are safe and well made, because we stand behind them.

5. You nurtured community

We know you, and you know us. Studies have shown that local businesses donate to community causes at more than twice the rate of chains.


6. You conserved your tax dollars

Shopping in a local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance, and more money available to beautify our community. Also, spending locally instead of online ensures that your sales taxes are reinvested where they belong—right here in your community!


7. You created more choice

We pick the books and gifts we sell based on what we know you like and want. Local businesses carry a wider array of unique products because we buy for our own individual market.


8. You took advantage of our expertise

You are our friends and neighbors, and we have a vested interest in knowing how to serve you. We’re passionate about what we do. Why not take advantage of it?

9. You invested in entrepreneurship

Creativity and entrepreneurship are what the American economy is founded upon. Nurturing local business ensures a strong community.


10.You made us a destination

The more interesting and unique we are as a community, the more we will attract new neighbors, visitors and guests. This benefits everyone!

So, remember the advantages to our communities when we Shop Local!

Sandcastle Days 2008

One of the South Padre Island events I have heard so much about and was really looking forward to attending this year is Sandcastle Days. Unfortunately, I will need to wait until 2009, since I am still firmly planted in Denver, but there are photos available on the todopadre blog's list of the top 100 things to do and see in the South Padre Island and Brownsville area.

This weekend Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island will host the 21st Annual SPI Sand Castle Days. From the events website:

Amateur and professional sand sculptors from all over the world descend on South Padre Island every year to create beautiful works of art using natural elements of the beach. The not-for-profit event showcases the artwork and an appreciation for the coastal environment, and donates to organizations helping to preserve it.

Masters of Sand will compete 3 days on the shores of the beautiful Gulf of Mexico for 'Peoples Choice' paying $2750 in cash prizes. This South Padre Island family festival has become one of the biggest and best international sand sculpture competitions in the United States!

Sand Sculpting is a performance art!
Have you seen Sandblasters on the Travel Channel? This extreme sculpting competition has made TV Stars out of many of our competitors!
Now's your chance to meet many of the sculptors who compete is this extreme sand sculpting competition!

Hundreds of amateur sand sculptors will make their mark in the sand as well! Kids will compete under the big top tent this year in a brand new format for competition! Families, adults and businesses will compete for cash awards and advanced amateurs will vie for Texas State Champ.

There will be FREE sand castle lessons,vendors, and a cool Sand Castle Kite Fly! The air will be filled with color down the beach this year as B&S Kites displays their biggest and best kites. Come learn to fly!

More photos of all the fun are available at the Sand Castle Days flickr stream of sandyfeet and for additional information about the event visit the South Padre Island Texas Sand Castle Days website.

photos from todopadre

Indiebound Community Launched Today

The online community is a vibrant gathering place for supporters of indie retail businesses. Those who register for the community can share information about indie retailers (including locations and specialties), comment on community issues, offer book recommendations, and exchange personal communication. Visitors are encouraged to add stores to the national indie retailer map, to become fans of stores, and to connect with like-minded indie enthusiasts.

"The mission of the IndieBound.org Community is to help people across the U.S. share and find great independently owned businesses," said ABA Chief Marketing Officer Meg Smith. "By connecting indie-conscious people with local businesses, we're working to strengthen the health of Main Streets. Thriving local economies make for sustainable communities and happy residents." Smith stressed that the community site is "a work in progress. We're planning on rolling out new features and new content on a regular basis over the next six to 12 months."

I blogged about this earlier and threw the idea out on the SPI Forum to mixed reviews, although I was pleased to see there does exist a modicum of interest in starting some kind of an Independent Business movement.

I was pleasantly surprised. Some time ago, I suggested my preference upon the arrival of a Tuesday Morning, while welcome, for an independent specialty shop that would offer a variety of housewares and gift items selected specifically for our community and which would add to the overall image and character of the Island. Most of the response on the SPI Forum was in favor of franchise, brand-name, retail establishments. The general consensus seemed to be a desire for recognized businesses where the merchandise or service provided is standardized and the consumer knows what to expect because the corporate ownership allows for less variety between stores. I must admit to a sense of discouragment at this attitude since I had felt the residents of South Padre Island would be more eclectic in their attitudes.

In all fairness, part of what may have influenced the attitude which I observed in response to my plea for the indie retailer, is the general lack of availability of many goods and services on the Island, and so even if the provider is a franchise, the ability to find what one needs without leaving the Island is certainly attractive.

The part of the Indiebound community which makes it different than most programs rolled out by the ABA, is its focus on all community independent businesses, not just bookstores. And this is consistent with the idea of booksellers as an integral part of a community. What it provides to South Padre Island businesses is access to another national demographic, which may not have been reached by the town's more conventional advertising without any additional expense. Furthermore, the concept is driven by personal recommendations from consumers - so if a business does not provide quality goods or services, they will probably not have many fans or positive comments.

Users who have created accounts can do a number of things:

• Post comments on retail stores, whether it be a review of each store, a personal experience there, some recommendations -- anything that can help other people learn more about that store;
• Edit existing stores to add more information -- store hours, pictures of the store, etc.;
• Add interest tags both to their own accounts and to stores ... tags like "Southern literature" or "vegan" help connect users and stores, and help everyone discover new things;
• Become fans of stores they know and love -- so that other people can find stores through their user profile;
• Add new stores -- great indie retailers they're familiar with; and
• Add other users as friends, and leave notes for other users.

One Book, One Denver

I have not followed Denver politics very closely over the last few years but from a distance I have been impressed with the direction Mayor Hickenlooper has taken the city.

One of my favorite projects of the Mayor's is his citywide book club known as One Book, One Denver. I realize this is not a unique program, but in fact has been implemented in many cities across the country as a means to encourage reading and to promote literacy, but that doesn't lessen my approval of "Hick" in his advocacy for literature in the public forum.

One Book, One Denver was created to build community and encourage people to read. Denver citizens, young and old, are invited to join others in the shared experience of reading the same book and participating in fun activities in September and October.

As an email, announcing the 2008 selection states:

Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone all over our city were reading and talking to one another? One Book One Denver aims to ignite that kind of enthusiasm for books and conversation by inviting all of us in Denver and the metro area to read the same book, and then discuss the book with friends, family and neighbors.

2008 is the fifth year of One Book, One Denver and the Mayor has just announced The Thin Man by American author Dashiell Hammett as this year's selection.

I think this could be a great idea for South Padre Island, and we could advertise it throughout the valley, inviting people from Brownsville, Harlingen, McCallen, as well as the smaller communities to take part. Our neighboring schools and libraries could also be included, encouraging a sense of inclusiveness among our neighbors.

Following is a list of free events offered by the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs, as a part of One Book, One Denver, to give you an idea of what is possible.

One Book, Many Films
Enjoy free film screenings of classic and modern hardboiled detective and film noir movies!

The Thin Man Radio Dramas
Join in as an audience member for tapings of an old-fashioned radio drama or download the podcast!

Three Thin Discussions
Join us for exciting discussions about topics from the book, from some of Denver's most engaging experts!

Writing Workshop
Interested in writing a novel, but having a difficult time getting started? This workshop is for you!

Power Read
Join a community read along of The Thin Man... We will start at the beginning and leave no page unturned!

Brown Bag Lunch with Library of Congress Historian John Cole
Bring your lunch and join a discussion about our national Library!

One Book, One Denver Final Celebration
Join Mayor John Hickenlooper for a celebration of this year's One Book, One Denver selection!
Teen Fiction Contest
Are you a young author? We want to see your skills!

Book Club in a Bag
8 copies of The Thin Man, 8 reading guides, 1 tote bag and your book club!

The Thin Man at the Kirkland
Enjoy discounted tickets to the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art

Powered by ScribeFire.

Boomerang Billy - Sodus Point , NY

As Griff begins to realize that his wife is serious about moving to SPI and opening a bookstore he has started to discuss my plans, and hopefully his, with more of the residents of Alton and Sodus Point NY.

Even though we have been wintering on the Island for a number of years, most of our NY neighbors were still a little confused about where he disappeared to for the winter. But as word spread, we were again reminded of what a small world we actually live in.

Boomerang Billy, the legendary character of the Island was originally from Sodus Point NY and while Griff knows his brother, they never made the connection between Griff's winter destination and South Padre Island until just recently. So I am really excited because he has a wealth of information about John McMahon (Boomerang) which he is willing to share but what I am really thrilled about is the boomerang which he has given me to display in Paragraphs.

I am honored to be able to provide this little bit of historical information to what is already well known about our sandbar.

Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project

I hope there was a good turnout for this today and that everyone had a good time while accomplishing some important work.

From mustlovespi on the SPI forum:

After a nationwide vote, America chose South Padre Island to become “barefoot friendly” this summer. This will be the last stop in the second year of the Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project, a partnership between Barefoot Wine and the Surfrider Foundation to preserve America’s lake and ocean communities.

On the morning of Saturday, Aug. 23, the project's organizers will hold a dune restoration effort which helps alleviate erosion caused by both environmental and human factors, followed by a free celebration for volunteers will be held that evening at Tequila Sunset, featuring selections from Barefoot’s wine portfolio and a performance by musician Tristan Prettyman.

www.BarefootBeachRescue.com

WHO: Barefoot Wine, flavorful and affordable wine and bubblies; South Texas Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans, waves and beaches
Tristan Prettyman, singer/songwriter, surfer and former model

WHAT: The Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project, now in its second year, aims to make beaches and lakes across America “barefoot friendly.” Surfrider Foundation and community volunteers will help to restore South Padre Island’s sand dunes that have faced erosion both before and after the recent Hurricane Dolly. Afterwards, volunteers 21+ are invited to attend a celebration featuring Barefoot wines, surf-inspired treats and a live musical performance from Tristan Prettyman.

More here and here from Waiting for the Next Swell.

Sand Sculpture via sandyfeet

SPI - IndieBound?

I attended a workshop,this morning, sponsored by the American Bookseller's Association, telling us about all the exciting things that are happening with the new IndieBound program.

For several years, the ABA sponsored a marketing program for independent booksellers called BookSense. The idea behind BookSense was to harness the collective wisdom of member bookstores in making recommendations to readers and to have a greater influence in the publishing world.

Well, the time had come to spruce up the program and apparently as the Madison Avenue types reviewed what was happening in the marketplace, they discovered that the concept of supporting local businesses and independent retailers was a growing trend and movement. There has been a distinct shift away from and a general disenchantment with the big box and chain retailers.

So the new brand IndieBound was born. Initially this is still primarily focused on bookstores but the aim of the program is to allow other types of independent businesses to become linked-in to the program so the consumer can more easily locate and support his or her local shop or at least buy from an independent retailer.

The exciting part is the materials the ABA is making available. They are easily reproduced - they suggest we practice what we preach - at any local print shop, such as Toucan Graphics to name one. But the best part about these professionally designed marketing pieces is they can be easily modified and used as part of a town wide Buy Local - Support Your Independent Business program and did I mention they are free - at least with a membership to the ABA (and Paragraphs is an ABA member bookstore so we will have access to any and all of the materials).

Wouldn't it be great to see the Indie businesses of SPI come together and cross promote one another as part of a Buy Local campaign. It could also be expanded to include Port Isabel, and the nice part is the advertising and marketing materials are top of the line, with modern graphics, professional artwork and totally customizable and remember they are free to use.

I think this would be a wonderful way to invite tourists into our small businesses and maybe divert some attention away from the T-shirt shops. Buying from Indies is a national movement and I believe it meets the South Padre Island vision, if we can work together to take advantage of our uniqueness.

Of course, the other piece is to encourage independent businesses instead of focusing on bringing chain stores to the Island. Hopefully, as the development in the entertainment district at Amberjack's is brought online, this will be a consideration. I would really hate to see us trying to become another shopping mecca with Saks, Starbuck's, Bubba Gump's Shrimp, and Barnes and Noble, when we can have the same quality but provide a more unique experience by promoting and encouraging our own brand of specialty shops that better represent our own distinct community.

I have said it before, on the forum and on my blog, I believe that the first step in attracting repeat tourists is continuing to develop a community that we find it a joy to live and work in, and then to welcome our tourist friends by treating them as an important part of our local community. The trend for many travelers, is to find places where they feel part of the crowd and where there is a sense of local individuality - as opposed to the mega-resorts where everything is standard fare and it becomes difficult to determine whether one is in Maui or Hilton Head. I only hope we are wise enough to recognize this market instead of seeking those who prefer the "it's Monday this must be Maui" visitor who is seeking the nearest chain retailer for the perfect Coach handbag or Gucci watch.

South Padre Island Welcomes You

From the Town of South Padre Island

South Padre Island is open to all, and its beautiful beaches and friendly faces await your arrival. Power has been restored to over 95% of the island and full power restoration is expected soon. Our beaches are clean and ready for sunbathing and sandcastle building. So feel free to put your feet in the sand, swim in the ocean or enjoy a meal.

The Town of South Padre Island welcomes you.

We welcome our tourists back to South Padre Island, but we ask you to ‘pardon our dust,’ said Mayor Robert N. Pinkerton Jr. Our warm, sandy beaches are open, and the weather’s fantastic.

We will continue with our usual Friday fireworks display, and it will be a special one, Pinkerton added. The display will symbolize South Padre’s grand re-opening and resilience after a rather difficult time. This is your Island, and we want you to enjoy it with us.

Photos of SPI - Goodbye Dolly

Leah, one of the owners of Dorados - a restaurant on the island - recommended this site. There are some good professional photos here.

Wade Dunkin Photography has some pics up on his website of a lot of the damage done to the bayside from the water. Here's the link:

www.wwdphotography.com

Click on the photo gallery button, and then hello dolly.

Thanks Leah for the link, and from me personally, thanks for the name of a new contact. There are some wonderful pictures here and many I would like to carry in Paragraphs.

La Internacionale

I received this email today from Carol:

Everything I know about computers I owe to my children. Unfortunately, they got distracted with their own lives before instructing me on the fine art of emailing pictures. Hope this is successful. My husband took this picture of La Internacional this morning for Beachlover and her husband.

SPI After Hurricane Dolly - Page 3

Click on photo for full page view.






Thanks again to Ann Smith and her trusty iphone.