Get On The Bus

Riding buses is an emerging hobby of mine. Earlier this year, I rode a chartered bus to Jeff City in support of Planned Parenthood. Then, I rode Greyhound to Cleveland, TN, to visit Mom. On the first, I traveled with strangers united in a cause. On the second, I traveled alone surrounded by kind and decent seasoned with slightly crazy. On Saturday, Oct. 22, there's a bus trip I covet. The St. Louis Independent Booksellers Alliance is hosting "Get On The Bus," a tour of four local bookshops--Sue's News, The Book House, Rebounds and Rose's Bookhouse--with lunch at La Hacienda included. The round-trip ride, which starts at the Galleria, is a $35 bargain. I could hop in my car, drive alone to visit book shops and run through the Taco Bell drive-thru (as I only eat alone in the car). But, I would miss walking the "red-carpet" these four shops will roll out for die-hard book fans. I'd also miss connecting with a busload of booklovers ready to trade tips on books worth reading. My earlier, spontaneous bus journeys were somewhat equivalent to jumping off a cliff into unknown waters, only a lot safer. And on both adventures, I stepped out of  my comfort zone. As for the "Get On The Bus" bookstore tour, that's a no-brainer in terms of company and fun. But sadly, I won't be on the bus. I'm working that day. At Rebounds. So I'm counting on others to hop on the bus and come visit. I'm saving a special story for my red-carpet visitors...it's one about dogs, the canine kind.  For more information about "Get On The Bus," visit http://www.stlindiebook.com/  Or call Rebounds, 314/469-5400. Maybe, I will give you a hint about my story.