Browsing at Borders for Dreams

Following Nathan Bransford's advice, found in an old q&a post on Absolute Write, I decided to go to Borders. The only day I was able to accomplish this was Sunday afternoon. I managed to check the online catalog to find they had one book by Anne Dayton and May Vanderbilt, which should be on the shelves. Very encouraging. So, there I was, trying to peruse the shelves of recently inventoried books for a single novel while keeping an eye on a freshly napped 4 year old. He was having no trouble sneaking away from his easily distracted sisters, who were finding plenty of material to feed their minds. Finally, I located the elusive sea green cover of "The Book of Jane." After collecting my son, I stopped at the cafe for coffee. Then we found a comfortable chair near the comic books. While his sisters each found a book, I read to my son about super heros. On the way to the check out, I picked up Publisher's Weekly, Writer's Digest and Writer's Journal. A little closer to the check out I remembered reading on Critique Circle about how invaluable "The Elements of Style" is to a writer. We quickly located the last copy. It was only after hearing the total that I realized I'd neglected to print the 30% off coupon from my e-mailed newsletter. I handed over the debit card anyway, remembering it's an investment in our future. Actually, it's an investment in me and my dreams. How can you put a price on that?