Some of Life's Little Setbacks

I find it hard to believe that I haven't written anything here since Christmas and that seems like a very long time ago. Life has been getting a little frantic and most of the day to day tales of my joys, troubles, frustrations and achievements have been recorded on Twitter. It is much easier to rant or do a quick, happy dance, in 140 words or less than it is to write a fully thought out and coherent blog post.

Ah, the best laid plans of mice and men frequently go awry and as everyone obviously has figured out the title of this blog had to be changed since the "Coming to South Padre Island in 2008" could be construed as false advertising and more importantly it just sounded a little silly. I have been making some giant strides, however, toward actually getting this bookstore open and filled with happy readers. I will write more about that in later posts.

My mother, aunt and I actually moved into the new residence right after the 1st of January since we needed to wait for some bedding to be delivered. For several days before actually leaving our peaceful sanctuary at the La Quinta--where hot water is abundant, cleaning is done by a competent staff and cable TV is included--we spent the time cleaning up some old, or I should say antique--it sounds better--furniture. We buffed and polished a pair of brass-looking twin beds, repaired the legs on some cedar chests, scrubbed, sanded and polished a couple of wooden dining room chairs and tables. As soon as the mattresses were delivered we made the trek from La Quinta to 5505 Padre Boulevard.

That would have been well and good but we have had a few bugs to work out in the last few weeks. Folks have been scurrying around here for days getting the last details ironed out. Everyone has done their best to make sure my dream is everything I could hope for but life seldom goes according to plan.

Catching up on laundry was an objective of my mother's in the first days after the move. A little delay in finding a dryer vent and getting it hooked up delayed matters but finally she was ready to put these shiny, white and brand new appliances to work. Everything was great as the soothing slosh/slosh of the water acted as a tranquilizer on our shattered nerves....until I walked by and saw the water running out into the hallway from the laundry room. Thank goodness for concrete floors. As I write this Sears is working on figuring out how they are going to replace a machine which was purchased in August but not installed until December.

This would have been no big deal except for a couple of other details. First, most of our clothes, hangers, cosmetics, personal hygiene products and other stuff is coming from Denver and will not arrive until the 26th of January. So, with a limited wardrobe and no washer, I am beginning to look a little ragged, which leads me to the second highlight of the last few weeks.

I have tried and been assisted by a wonderful architect and builder, to make Paragraphs as energy-efficient and "green" as possible. One of the new technologies we used is a tankless water heater. The concept is absolutely beautiful, the water is heated when the faucet is turned on and the water flows through a series of elements-- there is no standing tank, full of water, to heat, cool, and heat again and it takes up an area about 2 ft. square and 6 inches deep on my closet wall. Best of all, when I want to take that long, relaxing, soak in the tub I won't run out of hot water.

Great concept but on the first day we arrived we could only get a little warm water. Some investigation, turning up the thermostat, adjusting for air in the pipes from the irrigation installation, yada, yada...and we were all looking forward to a hot shower. Disappointment reigned. The builder investigated and tried everything until he finally realized that the electrician had installed this new technology the same as an old style water heater with a tank. After a week of tepid showers we were giddy with excitement that a solution had been found. Dirty clothes don't seem as bad when one is clean underneath and we were noticing that no one wanted to get too close so our enthusiasm cannot be understated. Arriving home after a trip to Brownsville TX, where we had been negotiating with the nice Sears salesperson, to no avail, I headed straight to the shower believing all had been resolved with the addition of a couple more circuits. Alas, all was well until someone turned on the kitchen faucet and my never ending supply of hot water did the unthinkable -- it ended.

Now, by this time I think BJ, the builder, and John, the architect, had serious doubts about my sense of feeling. Surely there is hot water, there has to be. Joni is getting a little stressed out and you know how women are. Now mind you, no one actually said any of this, but I can imagine what was going through their minds. So, yesterday, they both arrived on the scene, determined to solve this mysterious situation.

After finally deciding that I wasn't delusional and that one should be able to expect enough warm water to shower while someone else washes the dishes, calls were made to the manufacturer. At first everyone was convinced that this was the best that could be expected and we began discussing what to do next. Then, someone decided that this was just too strange, if this was the best performance one could expect from one of these new-fangled contraptions the company would not be selling any and so the manufacturer was called again and the individual elements within the unit were tested. Voila, problem located, and will be solved someday soon. Meanwhile, one person can have a nearly unlimited supply of almost hot water.

To our delight, we have also discovered a temporary fix to our washer problem. The bad transmission makes the agitator go a little haywire which is what causes the water to overflow, and eventually run out the bottom. If one only fills the tub halfway, it can slosh around all it wants and the water still stays within the tub. So, until Sears decides to do the honorable thing we can have clean underwear--just in case one of us is in a car accident.

I know this blog is supposed to be about opening a bookstore, but in this case the store and my new home are all wrapped up in one package and I am doing everything at once so all these little annoyances are part of the day to day process of getting ready to open Paragraphs.

And just so no one gets the idea that everything is going badly or that I am completely discouraged I need to tell another story. Several evenings ago, mother and I took the bookends for a walk on the beach. We were near what is known as the end of the road where there is not any development and all one can see is the gulf, dunes and the bay. As we looked west the sun was sinking below the horizon and casting a beautiful deep pink glow over everything. To the east we could see the full moon rising over the white-capped waves of the gulf and at that moment we spotted one of the most perfect yellow blossoms tucked into the sheltered side of a wind-swept dune. Yes, no matter what, life is going to be good on this sandbar.

New Pictures of Paragraphs

The other day I promised some updated photos of Paragraphs but it seemed I just couldn't get camera or phone together at the time when I was at the site or driving by. I finally remembered this morning, so

Ta Da, drum roll, please.....

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!

Paragraphs is Progressing

I received these photos from Darla at the EDC of South Padre Island, TX. It is getting easier to visualize the final product.

What Comes Next?

When I think back to the beginning of the year and when construction started on Paragraphs, it seems like ages ago.  And, yet, when I try to quantify the progress I have made in preparations for opening the business it seems as if I haven't been doing anything.

There was a column in the American Bookseller's Association newsletter, recently, which printed the responses of several new bookstore owners to a question which appeared on the ABA's bookseller-to-bookseller forum.  Someone had asked, "If you could do it over again what would you have done differently in planning and opening a bookstore?" Now, why didn't I think to ask someone that?

Well, I'm not open, and I probably wouldn't actually change anything, since this silly dream of mine, just seemed to take on a life of its own, but if I were to admit there could have been an easier way, it would probably be not to do everything at once.

Building a new home, creates a whole set of questions to be answered, decisions to be made and expectations to meet.  I never dreamed of having the opportunity to build a home from the ground up and have it be just the way I wanted.  The problem then, becomes knowing what my idea of a dream home is and then adjusting to the reality of what I can afford.

Next, occupying this dream home of mine has meant consolidating and packing all those things that one just can't bear to part with - a duck my aunt gave me when I was born that has long since lost most of its stuffing - from two locations. And, the next issue is figuring how to get these precious possessions from New York and Colorado to Texas.  That, I think I will leave up to Griffy - it seems like a job he should be able to handle, and after all, what are husbands for.

Anyway, I have just realized that most of my efforts have been focused on the above challenges, and my timeline and bookstore opening checklist doesn't have many items crossed off, and I think I am woefully behind schedule.

Let me think, there is shelving to order, computer systems to evaluate, paperwork to complete for vendor accounts, opening inventory to choose, a website to design....

With that, I think  I'll end this and take the dogs for a walk.

Inside Paragraphs

The week before Hurricane Dolly hit SPI I had visited the island to meet with the architect and finalize some construction details. I took some photos but with all the turmoil last week I hadn't had a chance to get any of them posted here.

So if you have been following the construction of Paragraphs, here is the update, pre-Dolly.

Welcome to Paragraphs

As we enter the front door the space opens up into a 1400 sq. ft. sunlit area which will be filled with new and used books, gifts, cards, and other merchandise, along with having some comfy seating areas where I hope visitors will feel inclined to sit for a while and escape the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

Two doors at the back of the space lead outside to a courtyard, which when filled with plants, tables and chairs will provide another place to sit and relax with a crossword, suduko, or the daily paper while enjoying a cup of complimentary coffee or cold drink; make a date with some friends to meet and discuss the latest best-seller; or bring your laptop and enjoy access to free wi-fi.

Across the courtyard is the entrance to a small residence which I will be thrilled to call home.

Paragraphs Survived

I have been writing so many personal emails to friends and family who were concerned about how our building survived the Category 2 Hurricane, Dolly, which hit the Texas coast last Wednesday, that I totally forgot that I had not posted an update here.

Friday morning, I received official word from the contractor that we did not have any damage. A few shingles were lost from a partially shingled roof, a porta-potty washed or blew away, and our sign was knocked over but has been restored to its proper position.

I am feeling tremendously fortunate, lucky, and just plain thankful. I guess all those building codes and construction extras really are worth it.

Anyway, I just wanted to let those of you who I haven't heard from know that things are ok. Power needs to be restored before the contractor can have access to the island and construction can continue. But that is a minor issue, considering what we could have been facing.

Back on the Island

It is probably only natural to have doubts when making a change of the magnitude involved, both financially and emotionally, in opening Paragraphs, and so it is a relief to realize how comfortable I feel upon my return to the Island.


Thank you again JW for the updated photo showing construction to date on the building. Believe me, it is probably a good thing I was prepared or the shock which I felt when driving up Padre Blvd. Monday afternoon and seeing my building may have been too much to bear.

I am reminded of the experience one feels when riding a roller coaster. My father would reassure me as we slowly made the climb up that first incline, "see there is nothing to be frightened of, we are just moving along up this hill at a nice reasonable speed, just enjoy the view", and then when I began to believe that everything was going to continue at the same leisurely pace, and that the frightening ride I had expected was just in my imagination, suddenly the top of the hill was reached and we began hurtling down the other side at an ever increasing speed.

The feeling in the pit of my stomach as I approached the future home of Paragraphs and it's proprietor, was the same as I had when cresting that first hill and feeling the ground seem to drop from beneath me, knowing there was no way to slow down, stop or escape.

I am here for a day or two, to make some decisions about stucco color, floor stain, interior colors, ceramic tile and a hundred other details. John returned my canvas color swatch and I think we have ended up with an attractive combination which while somewhat different than the predominant tan, yellow, beige and brown, is still tasteful, with a splash of color.

As we did a quick walk-through and John seemed to be able to have all my comments, questions, changes and concerns neatly filed away in his incredible memory bank - I felt like I was totally spinning out of control. After agreeing to meet again Tuesday, to make some more decisions (which I postponed until Wednesday) it was time for a cold beer.

I made this trip alone, and I contemplated going back to my friendly LaQuinta friends and joining the happy hour crowd, or stopping someplace for some shrimp and liquid refreshment. Now I don't think that was even much of a contest, even as much as the staff at La Quinta always make me feel at home, I knew I had to go to Daddy's (I didn't know if Al's had reopened and I was too hot and tired to go that far south). I am pretty shy, sometimes to the point of becoming a recluse, so it was reassuring to be recognized and I felt completely comfortable sitting at the bar while I enjoyed some pleasant conversation with Cameron and a few other patrons, slaked my thirst with a couple brews, savored a half pound of cold boiled shrimp and realized that life couldn't get much better. That is when I knew I had made the right decision to move, work, open a business and live here.

Follow that up with a walk on the beach this morning and I think I have survived the first leg of my roller coaster ride to becoming a bookseller and Islander.

Selecting a Color for Paragraphs

Construction on Paragraphs has proceeded to a point where there are some important decisions to be made. John (the architect) and BJ (the contractor) had mentioned that it would be a good plan for me to make a trip to the Island the week of the 4th so we could select a stucco color and the corresponding color for gutters and trim.

I did not relish the idea of heading to SPI over the 4th, and of course we were also to be in the middle of this meandering trip back to Denver. What to do?

I explained to John that there is a restaurant in Denver, Bonefish Grill, which has a sophisticated-looking color scheme and the manager had agreed to give us the details one time when we were having dinner there. So, it seemed like a simple matter, just give the restaurant a call, get the name of the colors and relay this information to John. What could go wrong?

Well, after getting a somewhat lukewarm response from the manager, who seemed to have had a sudden attack of amnesia, I telephoned the corporate headquarters which are located in Florida. While sitting on hold, waiting to be connected to the construction department, I kept looking at my hat, hanging over the seatback in front of me. Finally, I was connected to the Bonefish construction offices and was informed these color schemes were strictly proprietary.

With this bit of news I was faced with the need to become creative, quickly. Suddenly, I was struck by the color of the brim, on my canvas, Grand Lake, hat. This led to a search for a Post Office or UPS store and the loss of one hat, temporarily.

John, confirmed that he received this unique color swatch, yesterday. I hope it will give him enough information to match stucco colors!!

The Walls are Up

I have not been able to get to the Island to see the latest construction activity so I was excited to get this update by email today.

YouTube - Paragraphs on Padre Blvd

via South Padre Network
Thank you JW and Jackie

Not Your Ordinary Masonry Block

I had wanted to make a trip to SPI and watch the walls going up, because I am excited about the materials being used. I probably won't make it and will need to be satisfied with photos but for those of you who are interested, here is the story. When first contemplating the construction of a building it was tempting to consider going "green" and energy neutral with solar and other available technology. But, then the practical issues like money, interfered with all those "feel good" ideas.

However, we are still trying to be as energy efficient and environmentally friendly as possible on a fairly tight budget. The use of APEX block is one of the green technologies we have chosen to implement.

Recycled Content:

Every APEX Block is made utilizing 100% recycled (post-industrial/pre-consumer) EPS #6. Each APEX Block contains 90% recycle EPS #6 by volume. An average home (3,300 sq. ft.) built with APEX Block keeps 2,477 lbs. of polystyrene out of our landfills!

Less Construction Waste:

APEX Block and ICFs provide builders with a more efficient material to reduce construction waste. Both products can be cut and reused during all phases of the wall construction. This reduction in job site waste is welcomed by builders and their owners.

Energy Efficiency:

APEX Block structures are proven to save up to 50% on heating and cooling bills. The EPS used to create APEX Block provides the magnitude of our energy-efficiency properties. Our 10-inch thick block walls provide a substantial envelope of insulation resulting in a superior thermal and sound efficient barrier to all outside elements. When compared to other foam plastic insulation materials, our insulation performance is proven to remain stable during its entire life, while other foam insulators can lose up to 30 percent of their original insulating ability. This loss of insulating value is referred to as Thermal Drift.

It makes me feel as if I am doing my part on our little sandbar by supporting a manufacturer who has a commitment to doing the right thing for the planet:

For all of us at APEX, it is not just about creating a 3-hour fire resistant building material that can help save lives, and help reduce our clients energy bills by 50% or more...it is also about a committed belief in doing what we can to make this world a better place to live.

.... the idea that we needed to create an energy-efficient, alternative building solution that would help preserve our critical forests, lessen our dependence on our natural resources, and significantly reduce our overall CO₂ footprint; we had to do something different.

Over 95% of all ICF manufacturers on the market today continue to use virgin (manufactured) EPS for their insulating forms, yet APEX Construction Systems, Inc. has refused to adopt this practice.

The human race has arrived at a critical point in our existence. The realization that almost every decision we make about everyday affairs, will have some kind of impact on our environment is very real.

Leaders of companies are in influential positions to make decisions that will have a significant environmental impact (positive or negative) in our world.

At APEX, we have made our decision...
We have chosen to exclusively utilize 100% recycled EPS in each and every APEX Block we make. Additionally, we challenge other manufacturers in the U.S. and across the world to compare the short-term benefits with the long-term environmental costs of their current manufacturing materials and processes to adopting more sensible, environmentally-friendly, alternative manufacturing solutions.

Construction Photos

Garco Construction e-mailed these photos several weeks ago but I had some trouble getting them posted here. For the residents of the Island these are old news but for those of us who are following from a distance, this is the latest photo update.

Once the retaining wall was built then filled and compacted, and the pilings drilled and filled with concrete, the next step was pouring the concrete slab or foundation. These photos are of this process. This photo is of the south side of the building. The top of the retaining wall is shown, and the steel bars that reinforce the wall are "woven" through the piers below. Now the foundation of the building is being tied into this network of steel.

The whole thing is like a huge steel basket, woven together and fastened with concrete. If the "big one" hits, and the Island goes there is not much that man can build to stand up to the full power and force of nature. But, I am comfortable that it is going to take a pretty angry Mother Nature to wash away the structure of this building.


In the last two photos it is finally possible to see the outline of the building. The area in the front, where the concrete is being poured will be the bookstore, and the area in the rear (closest to the camera) will be the residence. The center, which has been left as dirt will be a courtyard which will be open to the public and may be used to host events.

Block Building Foundation

After the pilings were finished it was time to build the masonry block retaining wall, which once filled with "dirt" will be the foundation upon which my bookstore and home will be constructed.

John Silar has explained that beach sand is rounded and cannot be compacted to make a solid base and so the sand that is used to create the foundation needs to be trucked in and has sharp edges that are readily compacted.





You would think that with all the sand on the lot more wouldn't be needed. How many grades and kinds of sand, dirt and fill material are there?
















Finished retaining wall. I am going to feel like I am sitting on top of the world, literally, not metaphorically.

The support posts for yard fencing have been set in the block and secured with concrete.

So let's get the fill dirt trucks rolling!

Retaining Wall Foundation

This is the back side of the lot and believe it or not the standing water is because of the tide! The water table is high which of course would be expected, but I certainly didn't expect it to rise and fall with the tide. Anyway, a strip about 5' deep has been excavated around the back and north side of the lot. A foundation was poured for the retaining wall which will hold sufficient fill sand to raise the building to around 8' above sea level.

North side of lot

A whole lot of steel ready to be placed in the foundation to support the retaining wall

Pouring cement

This is the final foundation along the north and back side of the lot. The steel embedded in the concrete will form the structure for a masonry retaining wall built to the same height. I don't think the fill under our house will be going anywhere. The south side will be handled differently since the building sits on the property line.

Groundbreaking Pictures

New golden shovels ready for action

And we can't forget the important stuff

We ended up with a really nice crowd - around 50 people. It was encouraging to have such an enthusiastic reception.




From Griff, Mother, Sophie, Sadie, and me - Thank You to everyone.

I don't think Garco will be hiring her any time soon

But if they change their mind she's ready.






The Chamber of Commerce and "The Islanders" know how to make someone feel wanted.

And the Garco crew added life to the party!!

Thanks again everyone. I love this place!!!

Variance Hearing

Tuesday, February 5, we are scheduled to appear before the Board of Adjustments and Appeals. This is to review our request for a variance, by which we are asking that the requirement for a commercial sprinkler fire system and a residential fire sprinkler be waived.

The way I understand it, if I was only building for retail use, there would be no fire sprinkler required because of the limited square footage involved. Similarly, it is not necessary for a single family home to install a fire sprinkler system. But now, when they are combined in a mixed use building both a residential and commercial fire sprinkler system seem to be required. This will add around $35,000 to the cost of construction. Hopefully, we can convince them that it really is an excessive requirement.

The building is to be constructed mostly from non-combustible materials and the retail building and residence are separated by a courtyard and a 2-hour firewall and door. Furthermore, the residence is to be used as a single family dwelling - this is not a condo/business mixed use project, which it seems the code is addressing.

So, I will have the opportunity to meet some more islanders and promote Paragraphs. I just hope they see things our way!!

"Grubbing" Commences

The long awaited day finally arrived, as usual, when least expected. After making a daily run south along Padre Boulevard each morning to check if there was any activity at 5505, this morning I was just catching up on some correspondence and hanging out at the La Quinta, with no intentions of going anywhere.

When my Google sidebar notified me of an e-mail from John Silar titled "A Start", I must admit that my heart skipped a beat. It took a minute or two to round up the dogs, Mother and Griff, but then we were off to check things out.

My new word of the day is "grubbing" which is the removal of vegetation from the building site. That is what is happening today in preparation for laying a foundation for the retaining wall, which will be built to contain enough fill material to raise the site to an acceptable elevation. My little piece of sandbar is just a little above sea level so all this gets more complicated.

The morning's work resulted in a small pile of grass and sand which had been scraped together. But Sam made a lot of progress and by 3:30 a sizable amount of surface debris had been removed.

It's time to call the chamber of commerce and schedule an official ground-breaking! Now the countdown to opening day can begin in earnest and my days of leisure will be coming to an abrupt end.