DEB HORAN, BOOKLOVERS' GOURMET AT 30: AN APPRECIATION

The quality of my life has been enhanced by having been associated with Deb Horan and the Booklovers' Gourmet for over a decade.

I SHARE EXAMPLES BELOW

 ____________

 

DEB OSTROKOLOWICZ HORAN

DEB IN 1995

SUCCESSFULLY

GROWING A BUSINESS

&

CREATING

A 

COMMUNITY

 'CULTURAL OASIS'

[1995 -2025]

WITH 

SIGNIFICANT PARENTAL SUPPORT

WHERE

ALL ARE WELCOME

THE

BOOKLOVERS' GOURMET 

IS

MORE THAN BOOKS 

OFFERING 

DIVERSE

 ITEMS FOR SALE

           BOOKS FOR All AGES, MANY INTERESTS  

INCLUDING

Adult, Adolescent, Children

Hardcover and Paperbacks

NEW & USED

FICTION & NON-FICTION

LITERATURE

POETRY

CURRENT EVENTS, HISTORY, POLITICS

+

 Graphic Novels, Comics, Science Fiction

  NATURE, SPORTS, COOKBOOKS

AMONG OTHERS

---------------

CUSTOMERS CAN ENJOY HOT & COLD DRINKS

INCLUDING

COFFEE: Expresso, Lattes, Chai, Mocha

TEAS, SMOOTHIES, ITALIAN SODAS

                    

FRESH PASTRY SELECTIONS

 OFTEN INCLUDES 

CAKE, PIE, MUFFINS, SCONES, COOKIES, BISCOTTI

                

ALSO

Cards for all occasions throughout the year

Jewelry, Trinkets, Scarfs, Pottery

Incense, Handcrafted Soaps, Soy Candles

PLUS

Puzzles, Toys, Gifts, Calendars

Journals, Bookmarks

____

DEB HAS BEEN A SKILLED COMMUNICATOR

SUCCESSFULLY

KEEPING THE PUBLIC INFORMED

ABOUT

 AVAILABLE PRODUCTS, EVENTS

Deb has effectively use print and digital media to promote her business activities 

Notifications appear in online newsletters,  in printed local media, in mailers using the postal service

 ESPECIALLY INFORMATIVE

IS

THE

BOOKLOVERS' GOURMET

MONTHLY

 SPECIAL EVENTS / NEWS

NOTIFICATION

SHARING UPDATES

ABOUT:

AUTHOR PRESENTATIONS, SIGNING BOOKS

POETRY READINGS

MONTHLY ARTIST DISPLAYS, RECEPTIONS

LIVE MUSICIANS

WRITERS GROUPS

 

 APRIL EVENTS INCLUDE 

.  SILK ART WORKSHOP

.  WILDLIFE TALK

.  PSYCHIC READING

.  EVENING MYSTERY BOOK GROUP

.  OPEN MIC POETRY

SPRING ARTWORK

+

LOCAL AMNESTRY INTERNATIONAL MEETING

THE

 ORIGINAL

 BOOKLOVERS' GOURMET

AT

55 EAST MAIN STREET 

(WEBSTER, MA)

HAD

A

 TREE IN FRONT OF STORE

The main sitting area in front of the counter, pastry display case had three tables along with a low table cut from the large tree in the above photo.

A a single table next to a window was available in a smaller side room lined with bookshelves.

___________

BECOMMING A REGULAR CUSTOMER

I noticed the BOOKLOVERS' GOURMET on East Main Street while driving to Dudley to participate in group hatha yoga classes taught by RAY HOYT in THE YOGA LOFT.

NOTE

For many years I had been attending Antiquarian Book Fairs and Independent Bookstores in a nine states while employed at the  Shriners Pediatric Burn Hospital for Children in Boston.

I enjoy books and have a large collection of volumes in diverse topics of interest

A VALUED ASSOCIATION

 WITH

THE BOOKLOVERS' GOURMET

I recall my first visit to the Booklovers' Gourmet was a positive experience.

 For many years I looked forward to going to the Booklovers' Gourmet after my Saturday 9:00 am morning yoga class and staying to enjoy the many scheduled book, art, music events among others.

WHAT I HAVE ENJOYED

[1]

 THE FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

Deb made possible to sit and interact with others on a daily basis, to enjoy various drinks and pastry options with easy conversations

[2]

ATTENDING

 AUTHOR, MUSIC & ARTIST EVENTS

 

 AMONG OTHERS

AUTHORS

2014

TOM INGRASSIA

JARED CHRUDIMSKY

Conversations with Tom during this event led to many positive outcomes including my providing one-one-one yoga instruction

MUSICIANS

ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS

MARK MANDEVILLE

CAMERON SUPTIN

ARTIST

RALPH MASIELLO

ILLUSTRATOR

A MARVELOUS EXPERIENCE!

EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION SKILLS 

ALSO

2017

DICK FLAVIN

RED SOX POET

I

I  ENJOYED SEEING A WORLD SERIES CHAMPION RING

[3]

OPPORTUNITY

TO SHARE

 J. R. WHITTAKER

 ARTWORK

I attended many artist receptions for years on Saturday afternoons enjoying the diverse media and skills reflected in the displayed works.

Talking about my friend's artwork was a special, fun  

[4]

SPECTACULAR SUNFLOWERS

FROM SUMMER INTO FALL

[5]

THE SCULPTURE

YEARLY APPRECIATED ARTWORK

[6]

DEB SERVICE

OBTAINING

NEW & USED BOOKS

ONE EXAMPLE

2019

ALEX HONNOLD

The  focus of the documentary 'FREE SOLO'

THIS BOOK WAS ONE OF MY MANY ACQUISITIONS FROM THE BOOKLOVERS' GOURMET OVER MANY YEARS

[7]

SHARING YOGA EXPERIENCES

CELEBRATING 

 WEIGHT AT 125 POUNDS

 

SIGNIFICANT MEETINGS OCCURRED

Conversations resulted in me providing customized yoga instruction to individuals (one-on-one, one-on two)

------------------

A MAJOR DECISION BY DEB HORAN OCCURS

BOOKLOVERS' GOURMET ADDRESS TO CHANGE

WITHIN SIGHT OF ORIGINAL LOCATION

ADDITIONAL

 POSITIVE EXPERIENCES

 OCCURRED AFTER THE DECISION WAS MADE TO RELOCATE 

THE BIG MOVE 2020

Deb selected and organized images that were printed as a hardcover booklet entitled THE BIG MOVE 2020

THE NEW BOOKLOVERS GOURMET

FEATURES:

. BIGGER

. BRIGHTER

. EASY ACCESS, NO STAIRS

. PLENTY OF PARKING

. WHEEL CHAIR ACCESSIBLE

. LARGER, MORE DIVERSE INVENTORY

OPPORTUNITIES I ENJOYED

(MARCH - MAY, 2020)

RELATED TO THE BIG MOVE

[1] Providing boxes, assisting with many others in the packing and transport of the store contents over ten days to the new location

[2] Participating in painting and helping to install the new flooring in both rooms 

ALSO

Assisting Deb in the set up the new bookstore including the placement of books on many existing bookshelves including ones that I donated. 

_________

 PANDEMIC CHALLENGES WERE ADDRESSED

DEB & TINA,

OWNER & VALUED ASSISTANT

BOTH RECEPIENTS OF THE JAMES PATTERSON BONUS

RESPONSIBLE

 FOR SMOOTH BUSINESS OPERATIONs

KUDOS TO BOTH OF THEM!

NOTE

RELIABLE POSTAL SERVICE OCCURS

  

AND

ONCE AGAIN

ENJOYING COMPANY OF OTHERS BECAME POSSIBLE

CULTURAL EVENTS CONTINUED

AMONG THOSE I ENJOYED 

(2020 - 2023) 

MARK MANDEVILLE

RAIANNE RICHARDS

AT BG

ON

 ZOOM

RALPH MASIELLO 

ILLUSTRATOR

AUTHOR

TOM INGRASSIA

TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY

ONE DOOR CLOSES

AUTHOR

DAWN WILSON

WITH

STUDENTS

2023

AUTHOR

ROD LEE

INTERESTING READING

 .J .R. WHITTAKER NAME IN THIS BOOK

NOTE

WE CELEBRATED THE LIFE OF A FRIEND 

NORMA MOST

KIVA WORCESTER

HER KINDNESS IS MISSED

___

 WE NOW ENJOY WEEKLY MEETINGS WITH DANA

THE DECEMBER 30, 2023

END OF YEAR CELEBRATION

AT

BG

WAS FUN FOR ALL

2025 UPDATED DRINKS MENU

MANY OPTIONS TO CONSIDER

2025

MY MOST RECENT

 BOOKS PURCHASED

ENJOYED

RECEIVING

A

 SIGNED BIRTHDAY CARD 

I have appreciated Deb organizing the signing of cards celebrating the birthdays of regular customers for many years 

RECENTLY

LORRAINE 

WAS CUTTING HER CAKE

30th ANNIVERSARY

CELEBRATION / MEMORY TREE

SPOT ON MESSAGE

ACKNOWLEDGING

DEB'S PARENTS

Lorraine and Ed have both significantly contributed to the growth and success of the Booklovers' Gourmet

ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO INTERACT WITH THEM 

Where 

good books,

 good coffee

 & good friends 

 meet!

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS WITH ME, DEB

BOB CROWTHER - NUTRITION - YOGA

PHOTO GALLERY OF YOGA MOBILITY AT 74

I share asanas photographed using a ten second exposure delay and update walking and nutrition experiences during the past six months. 

[1]

 YOGA

DOCUMENTING

 'ADOLESCENT GERIATRIC'

 MOVEMENTS

NOTE

Other whole body movements practiced by me but not shown above include inverted and balance asanas - exceeding my ability to move within the camera exposure delay of ten seconds.

Also not included among the above images are asanas requiring both hands to support my full body weight - currently restricted due to:

•  compromised mobility in each from a diagnosed connective tissue disease (Dupuytren's Contracture)

•  lingering soft tissue trauma to my right wrist from a car accident in March, 2021  

     

VALUE OF GALLERY PHOTOS 

[1]  The images of asanas in one of five positions (standing, sitting, supine, prone, on hands) convey information about my current strength, balance and flexibility/range of motions.

&

[2]  Some of the asanas also indicate controlled breathing having a calm mind.

ONE OF MY FUTURE PROJECTS

EVALUATING

THE

EVOLUTION OF MY YOGA PRACTICE

INCLUDING

HOW YOGA BECAME A LIFESTYLE FOCUS

These PHOTO GALLERY images will complement earlier records maintained and address many questions about the history of my yoga practice.

I will be able to tell my story:  what I did to gain yoga mobility as a senior having no previous yoga experiences. 

NOTE

Detailed documents about what was done in group yoga classes and one-on-one partner pose sessions will provide the ability to ask questions about the transformations my body underwent to experience better mobility over 15 years to date. 

AN EXAMPLE

[1] 

How & when  did I acquire the ability to move into the five postures shown below?

&

[2]

Have I maintained these abilities or have they been restricted, lost? 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

[1] My yoga practice originated and benefitted from attending the skilled and inspiring instruction of RAY HOYT and others during large group classes and those in THE YOGA LOFT over many years.

[2] One-on-one partner yoga sessions with PATTY TREMBLAY for over five years further enhanced my yoga abilities and interest. 

This eventually led me to start daily morning and evening yoga sessions in my condo studio (2018) that continues in 2025.

ALSO

It is appropriate to mention the many and diverse yoga class  participants who have contributed to my yoga experiences and knowledge.

WITH RAY HOYT, 2023

[2]

DAILY

FALL AND WINTER

WALKING

During the past six months I continued a daily practice of early morning walks - often starting after 3:30 am under skies that varied each day.

These were the first Fall & Winter seasons I walked at this time - when increasingly lower temperatures became the norm.

On the coldest days when temperatures and winds led to conditions below zero I wore seven layers of clothes to protect my torso.

AND

I also was sure to cover my head and face, to protect both hands and feet. 

MOST CRITICAL

I learned to dress well for different weather conditions.

Rain, dense fog, freezing rain and/or sleet and snow days with windy conditions had me wearing a valued poncho.

MAJOR CHALLENGE

It was extensive and often barely visible ice formations that created the most slippery and hazardous road and sidewalk surfaces.

I shuffled my feet on many occasions but managed to stay upright and avoid a potentially serious injury from falling.

MY NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENT

1,400 CONSECUTIVE DAYS WALKING

Achieved During February, 2025  

BEFORE WALKING EACH DAY

I DRINK WATER

I STRETCH BODY ON EXERCISE BALL

(1)

LENGTHENING

 SPINE, BACK GENTLY & SAFELY

NOTE

EXERCISE BALL

WITH LESS INFLATION

(2)

LENGTHENING 

 SPINE, PELVIC AREA & LEGS

Other stretches are done on my yoga mats as well.

TWO 

MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES

1st

MISTAKEN IDENTITY

I had another ten to fifteen minutes before returning to my condo, on the sidewalk at the site of the Auburn Senior Center when bright lights suddenly appeared.

I became the focus of four police officers - three aligned cars on my left and one on the right.

A local resident had called to report an individual carrying a hatchet.

Observing from a distance an individual wearing a jacket with a hood over a facemask and hands covered in bulky mittens carrying something could be imposing to someone not accustomed to someone walking at night. 

The officers immediately recognized I was carrying a walking stick and did not represent a threat.

I calmly answered their questions and appreciated their professional interactions with me.

2nd

UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTERS

During my early morning walks these past months I have seen  rabbits and skunks along with dogs.

I was walking on snow covered roads near the Auburn Golf Couse, however, when my first encounter with a coyote occurred - an experience perceived as threating resulting in an immediate fight or flight sensation. 

I noted its initial forward and later lateral right and left movements low to the ground approaching me.

The sounds of my walking stick striking the ground was heard by the coyote and it eventually move out of sight.

Another closer encounter with a coyote occurred near the Auburn Senior Center; once again my walking stick was used to make noise and the animal moved away from me.

Both instances have made me pay more attention to my surroundings while walking.

[3]

NUTRITION

I AM STILL

 ENJOYING MORNING MEALS

AT

THE

 ROSE ROOM 

CAFE

LOCALLY SOURCED

& 

FRESHLY PREPARED

 FOODS

IN 

WEBSTER, MA

I

APPRECIATE

 INSPIRING LEADERSHIP & SKILLS

BY

OWNER

JESS SABINE

THE ROSE ROOM 

IS

A

VALUED RESOURCE

SERVING LOCAL COMMUNITIES

PROVIDING

 EXPERIENCED, QUALITY & FRIENDLY

SEVICE TO ALL

NOTE

[1] I have continued to eat plant-based breakfast menu selections including some dairy but no meat during the past six months.

[2] With the owner's permission, I have supplemented each meal with additions purchased elsewhere including avocado, mushrooms, veggie mixes, mixed nuts and fresh fruits.

HEALTHY FOODS

The Rose Room meals are my primary source of daily nutrition

I only eat a banana or apple with some nuts and water afterwards - usually before 3:00 pm

My approach to nutrition has led to excellent Lipid Panel values

 

 

SHARING

THREE MENU SPECIALS

ENJOYED

BAKED APPLE & YOGURT, GRANOLA

BUTTERNUT BISQUE

COLD HUMMUS

ZA'TAR ROASRED GARBANZOS

PICKLED VEGGIES

+

HEATED FLATBREAD

NOTE

THIS WINTER THE ROSE ROOM CAFE WAS ESTABLISHED 

AT 

LOGEE'S

(DANIELSON, CT)

LOGEE'S SECIALIZES IN PLANTS

THIS SUMMER I WILL VISIT 

THE ROSE ROOM CAFE

 IN 

PROVIDENCE, RI 

_________________

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS

BOB CROWTHER - NUTRITION - YOGA