Jess Ay Yo

Safisana's heart is too big and works too hard. Doc says my little shadow and ultimate cuddle monster only has a few more months with us. It's an odd grief, after losing Olive so suddenly in the autumn, to be given this long-winded goodbye.

I think Sant Jordi Day is my new favorite holiday. I had a blast at my first independent book fair. Thanks for making it fun, @chateaugrandrapids ! Let's do it again soon! If you have an event coming up or a bit of space begging for a book fair, I'd love to fill it. I'm completely self-sufficient (I even brought the furniture for this one) and can fit way too many books into my Prius. I also love a theme! My favorite genres are nature, history, politics, community improvement, literary fiction, and mysteries. Hit me up!

NEW SALE: Next Stop Bookshop's once-in-a-lifetime Mom Special! My mom asked me how she could invest $100 into my new business. Idk how investments work, but I do love a discount club. So, she became the first 🌟Lifetime Member🌟 of Next Stop Bookshop. Now, I'm inviting you! There are a limited number of 🌟Lifetime Memberships🌟 now available on my new, free website: www.nextstopbookshop.square.site For $100 now, you will get 20% off of all books, whenever wherever, until one of us croaks! "Get in on the ground floor." "First movers advantage." "Be part of the build." and most importantly, "Invest in yourself!" Buy in now at the link in the @booksellerjess bio or venmo $100 and your contact info to @jessieraeyo PS. You can still be an early believer for free if you just *engage* with this post in whatever way feels right for you. 😘 ... Catch-up: I’m building something new: Next Stop Bookshop! I’ve realized the part of bookselling I care about most is out there. I like tables of books in real spaces and the right book finding the right person because I put it there. I love curating and hosting book fairs, pop-ups, and literary events at local businesses, theaters, clubs, neighborhood gatherings, and anywhere I can squeeze in a stack. Next Stop Bookshop is a pop-up, events-based bookselling project designed to bring books into places you don’t usually find them, show up wherever people actually gather, and say YES to more community connections. If you’re planning something and want a thoughtful, independent, and very much in-person bookseller there, I’d love to make it my next stop. FIRST STOP Sant Jordi Day: A Celebration of Books + Roses April 21 from 5-9 pm 📍Chateau Grand Rapids (955 Cherry St SE)

I’m building something new: Next Stop Bookshop! I’ve realized the part of bookselling I care about most is out there. I like tables of books in real spaces and the right book finding the right person because I put it there. I love curating and hosting book fairs, pop-ups, and literary events at local businesses, theaters, clubs, neighborhood gatherings, and anywhere I can squeeze in a stack. Next Stop Bookshop is a pop-up, events-based bookselling project designed to bring books into places you don’t usually find them, show up wherever people actually gather, and say YES to more community connections. If you’re planning something and want a thoughtful, independent, and very much in-person bookseller there, I’d love to make it my next stop. FIRST STOP Sant Jordi Day: A Celebration of Books + Roses April 21 from 5-9 pm 📍Chateau Grand Rapids (955 Cherry St SE) @chateaugrandrapids

Late winter, early mud: the season no one romanticizes... But horses love mud. Mud can feel warm in the cold and cool in the heat. It repels bugs and soothes itches and irritation. Plus, rolling and laying in the mud is instinctive behavior that feels good, stretches their muscles, and makes them even more cute, imo.

Today was very rough, but at least there was this.

I made chicken content for you. Starring Dorothy the Olive Egger, Valkyrie the Plymouth Rock, Carla the Speckled Sussex, Diane the Cream Legbar, and Sophia the Silkie. Rose and Rebecca have opted out of being held for any reason, and I respect their privacy. Carla, Diane, and Rebecca are still under a year old. After spending the summer separated, they wintered with the big girls -- who are six years old (with Valkyrie less than a month shy of seven). The hierarchy softened during the many dark hours of roosting together, and now the flock is functioning like a peaceful sisterhood. Happy Spring!

Vacation prep.

Love this boy.