Part VII

" As you can see," she smiled." The previous owner ran a florist shop here." She motioned to the silk flower petals sprinkled here and there. I could still smell the plastic of artificial greenery. As she showed me around I began to envision book shelves all around and a few chairs and lamps. A coffee table here, a love seat there. I was getting creative. Mavice must have seen the wheels in my head turning. "Its got lots of promise."she said. I could see it all by this point. I was envisioning curtains in the front window already. Mavice led me to a long skinny staircase. " Let me show you the upstairs." Creeeaaak... the steps were noisy then too. Mavice was a little startled. "That first step's a doosie."she laughed.I appreciated just how down to earth Mavice was. She didn't force the place on me or list all of its attributes she just showed me. I was to find that this was always Mavice's way. The apartment upstairs was adorable. I felt at home straight away.The abundance of wooden paneling and floors thrilled me.I'm an old fashioned and girl and as such I was tickled pink with the low set windows,and the sweet kitchen with its tile floor and white cupboards. I waved my arm and stated"The bedroom and bathroom are bigger then I would have guessed." Mavice nodding in agreement said"They don't build like this anymore." " How old is this building exactly?" I inquired with much curiosity. "This is part of the very first set of buildings on Main Street. It was built seventy-four years ago in nineteen twenty-eight." "Wow, how cool is that." Now I was feeling like I had the opportunity to buy a piece of history. She continued." This shop opened on March sixteenth, nineteen twenty-eight as a drug store." "That's amazing." I was stunned and my good fortune. This was my dream shop. "Canter Falls was one of the first towns built out this way because of the train depot."Mavice smiled " So its a train town."I said. "Yeah, trains are a big deal around here. We have "Train Day", "The Christmas Carol Train Tour",and "Railroad History Month". My husband has a whole room dedicated to a replica of the Canter Falls Station and Main Street. He's the president of the Historical Group in our little town."She looked so happy. "How neat." I was falling hard and fast for this town and Id'e only been there for three hours. "Do you have any questions?" she asked me at the end of the tour. I wanted to sound grown up so I asked about the heat and the A.C. "The heating works great but the air conditioning needs some work. My husband can look at it if you like. Bernard is real handy around the house." I was not in the big city any more and boy was I glad. "O.k , I'm staying at the Bed and breakfast, What's it called?" I had forgotten. " The Tea Rose Inn?" " Yes, that's it.(trying to sound grown up again...) I'll think about it over the weekend. I thought I'de get to know the town a little and decide by Monday. Is that o.k?" I asked. " Thats fine sweetie and when you go to Miss Sadie's make sure you get some of her Hucklberry Scones, mmmhmmm... are those things good." I laughed "O.k I will" We were walking out the door. "Thanks again Mrs. Bernard." I called as I walked down the street. " Just call me Mavice, she waved. Who was I fooling my mind was made up. But... for appearance sake I would take my time. I had to call Mom and Dad in the mean time and tell them the good news. Somehow as I walked down to the Inn I felt like I had been here my whole life. I felt like my life was really just about to begin.

Part VI

We walk on to the end of Main Street past the Library and the Post Office where Mr.Barton is putting up the American flag. Around the corner we walk further onto Maple Street where the park is. This time of year its stunning. The Maples for which it is named "Maple Park" are all flaming orange. I think about how many times I've come here. I used to come every afternoon on my lunch break. I came to talk with my best friend and mentor Mavice. She was one of the first people I met when I came here. She was the Real Estate agent selling my building. She was wonderful and told me all about the town and set up an appointment with me so I could see the only available building on Main Street. " What luck." I had thought to myself(but it was more than that).When I finally met Mrs. Mavice Bernard I was struck by her soft white hair and big blue eyes.She reminded me of one of those t.v cooks who always has a plate of southern comfort. We shook hands and introduced ourselves again. "Canter Falls is the sweetest place on earth." She said as she unlocked the shop door. "I have a feeling you are going to love this." I was a little skeptical because the windows were covered in brown paper. I couldn't see inside at all. I remember exactly how the door sounded as it creaked open. I felt like Lucy in The Chronicles of Narnia as Mavice motioned for me to go ahead in.

Part V

Unfortunately and unbeknownst to me big dogs have big price tags. Therefore I went without a few luxuries and extras. I saved and planned . It was almost like bringing home a baby. I had his food all ready and his bed was beside mine with some toys and a doggy blanket. The leash and collar were on the seat beside me as I drove out to "Meadowlark Farm"   in my Geo Metro. I couldn't wait to pick up my handsome new boyfriend.
When I got there my "little puppy" was already quite a size.  I didn't want to seem stupid, so I hid my surprise.
However when the "daddy" dog came charging into the room there was no hiding my feelings. For some reason I felt like I was in the Sahara facing a mane less lion.Two things at this point came to mind ,one I think we need a bigger doggy bed, and two, maybe I should look into getting a truck in the near future. The breeders boasted that the Bronx's father was tight lipped(not so drooley), that he had produced two champions and was  fed raw meat once a week. When the six foot tall owner coaxed the dog to stand on his hind legs he reached the man's shoulders. " Wow, that's quite a dog." I smiled, thinking to myself, if he had antlers he'd be a moose! I wasn't afraid of him though, he was very gentle. By this point Bronx had already claimed me. He came waddling over and tried to fit himself onto my lap. I knew what my family would think...that I had gone nuts! I came from a long line of Daschound lovers." How did this happen?" they would ask. The thought of their response  cracked me up which only confirmed that  this was the perfect dog choice for me.On the way home Bronx sat in the passenger seat with the seat belt on. I think he was smiling.

Part IV

     I'm beginning to get excited about wearing  a scarf so I change out of my p.j's. Coming down the stairs that connect my apartment and my shop is one long creeeaaakcraaaack. I could never sneak up on anybody that's for sure. The Bronx is right behind me and I hope he doesn't miss a step.Once he slipped and we landed in a heap twelve steps later.I grab his leash from a hook on the wall and we're off. A dozen tiny birds fly out of the bushes by my front door. Their little wings pound against the air making a fluttering sound. I always feel sorry to disturb them. Bronx is using his over sized nose to sniff out the cafe.As we pass by the window I wave to Mrs. Daily. She is in the back rolling out pastry dough. She waves back with a floured hand.
      Living on Main Street with Bronx causes a small problem since he is such a big dog. He is so large that he can barely turn around in the tiny courtyard behind the shop. It doesn't matter though he and I enjoy these morning walks. Its good exercise too.
     Several years ago I felt a little lonely living in the shop all by myself so I decided to get a dog. I thought a dog would be good company and a bigger dog would make me feel safe. So I figured on a lab or a largish beagle. However when I saw an advertisement for Mastiff puppies on The Daily Grind bulletin board I was sold.With that face, that dark muzzle and those big brown eyes I knew he was the man for me. So I tore off the phone number and called that very day.

Part III

 Working at my little bookstore is almost too fun to be my job. Lots of college kids come in to get books for school. We get into conversations about life, faith,family and their dreams. I try to be Jesus to them and build  relationships. Some of them come here to study which brings a great opportunity to serve others which is exactly what I want, although it hasn't always been. I think for the most part the kids like me. Some of them think I'm a little radical, but they respect me because I tell them the truth. I tell them exactly how I feel.
 Speaking of feelings there's something wet on my hand . I'm snapped out of my thoughts to find my dog, Bronx, with his nose in my hand.  "Good morning Buddy." I say to my moose of a dog. He puts his head on my lap, what a mush. One hundred and sixty five pounds of mush to be exact. Bronx is a mastiff which pretty much means he's hard to hide and easy to find, the best kind of dog, right. He lifts his doggy eyebrows and looks up at me. Sometimes I really think he wants to say something but he doesn't because he knows it would freak me out. I scrub his ears. If he could speak he would probably say, " Can we go now?" Bronx loves to go ,not fast though, just slow and steady. He's certainly not a jogging buddy. I could sit here all day like this, but I have a job to do and people and my doggy friend counting on me.

Part II

 I thought of that name about this time ten years ago when I  bought this building. I'll never forget when  I first saw Canter Falls  . I googled Main Streets of America and it was love at first sight. As a college student I liked a lot of things. I still do. I love the outdoors, cooking, gardening,history and art, and of course I love to read. I majored in English Literature and graduated with a dream of having a place where people could come and read about all the things they love. My Dad, being a successful entrepreneur, was happy to help me start my own business. So here I am Jenna Davis. I am single and the owner of a small bookstore.I'm living above the shop as they say, and on the cutest little Main Street in America.As I finish off my tea I notice Mrs. Crandly across the street. She's setting her front window for fall.  Pumpkins ,leaves, a scarecrow and of course "Hammy"the cat, have been nicely arranged behind the glass. Accept for Hammy, he arranges himself however he pleases.Sometimes much to the pleasure of tourists. He mostly prefers to be right in the middle of everything and upside down. He decided to be Mrs. Crandly's shop mascot and pet after she began feeding the stray every morning. Mrs. Crandly makes a somewhat comical picture in front of her store. She's examining her window and I see that she is wearing overalls, cowgirl boots and Laura Ingalls braids. I laugh. Cracking open my window I can smell coffee wafting up from "The Daily Grind". The shop is an adorable cafe/bakery with free wi-fi and the best cup of joe around. Pastor and Mrs Daily :) run the shop partly as a ministry to the college kids and the community here in Canter Falls. Every morning from six to seven you can hear the grinders going.I can hear Pastor Daily is  playing some solo piano c.d while they prepare to open. Mr. and Mrs. Daily have been a real blessing to me.They have taken me under their wing I guess you could say.   When I first moved here they and their then teenage kids helped me unpack my moving van. I  go to their church and love the fellowship there. The people really care about each other and no one rushes to get home after the service. Its really unique. On Thursday nights they host a DVD Bible study at the shop . I enjoy the class very much. I'm so thankful that God led me here ,things might have been very different for me if He hadn't. I am thrilled to be in this community and take  part in what God is doing here. I lean back in my swivel chair, ahh... yes I love this place.

Part I

                                             
I sip my tea looking over the brim of my cup. I read recently that this was a Victorian tea party no no, ever since then I have felt a delicious liberation in doing so. How many strange little rules for society back then. Thing change unfortunately in today's society pretty much everything goes. Things haven't changed that much in Canter Falls however.
            I reach forward and pull up the blinds on my window. What a beautiful view! The other half of Main Street and then beyond that the Blue Ridge Mountains. I'm so glad that this is my home. The fall foliage is peaking. "Incredible" is the only word to describe it. There's no place on earth I'd rather be. Its October and the most beautiful day I've seen all year. The thermometer says its a crisp fifty-nine degrees. Sweater weather...my favorite. I smile and wave at Mr. Bernard who is walking his dog.  He walks "Old Mac" his black Scottie dog every morning of life at exactly seven thirty. The only morning he skipped was when his wife passed away six years back. Aside from being a very punctual elderly gentleman he loves my shop. My bookstore, "The Golden Leaves".