My Favorite Bookstore: KRISTINE OCHU
By KRISTINE OCHU
My Favorite Bookstore: Story and Song Bookstore Bistro Amelia Island, FL
Imagine driving over 1,500 miles to create a new life, not knowing a soul, excited and nervous. Then stepping into a real-life fairy tale, without the antagonist, at Story and Song Bookstore Bistro in Amelia Island, Florida.
I entered a courtyard with small tables gracefully tucked between luscious ferns and flowers along with exquisite touches of pottery and art. By the entry door, a captivating mural of angel’s wings, with a halo and a songbook greeted me.
Inside the store, rows of books were charmingly interwoven with puzzles, cards, gifts, jewelry and artwork adorning the walls. A bistro counter beckoned me to indulge in gourmet coffees, teas, sandwiches, salads and tempting desserts. Could anything be better than this?
Luckily—yes!
Friendly faces welcomed me, the store owners, Donna and Mark Kaufman. When I shared that my debut novel, Campfire Confessions was being released, Donna immediately offered to host my book launch. I joyfully accepted, and had an inkling that this was a magical place.
Donna and Mark started their journey in 1992, and in 2018 created Story and Song that reflects their unbridled passion for books, community and supporting local authors, musicians, artists, and charities. They even train people to operate their own independent bookstores throughout the world!
The store includes a performance area, a grand piano and an art gallery. They have programs such as: Sharing a Hug, Poetry Canteen, Children’s Story time, Book club, New Neighbor Night, Mindfulness and Meditation, etc. They host author events, music and art performances and more! The extensive list is on their website, StoryandSongBookstore.com.
I was ready to drag my suitcase out and move in! Instead, I enjoyed a lovely lunch and filled a shopping bag full of treasures! It’s now my favorite place to bring friends and share this real-life fairy tale!
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KRISTINE OCHU is founder of “The Night of a Woman’s Soul – Creating Your Amazing Life” workshops and is a former Human Resource Executive with a MAIR from the University of Minnesota. A former log-rolling champion, she still log-rolls along with being an avid hiker, kayaker and explorer. She lives with her husband and their rescue golden retrievers, and splits her time between Hayward, Wisconsin and Amelia Island, Florida. For more information, visit www.KristineOchu.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/KristineOchu
Category: Contemporary Women Writers, On Writing
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