Straight from The Horse’s Mouth

In 2008 when we conceived the idea for THM we weren't really dreaming big. We wanted to give our community a comfortable place to meet friends, hold informal business meetings, feel good and have fun. I simply wanted to spend my time in a bookstore atmosphere. The last 15 months have been more exciting, educational and challenging than I could have imagined. If I had to do it over again I'd probably do it exactly the same way. Our focus is not on business models, trends or hip-ness Starbuck's style. We just try to pay attention to the people...their stories, their needs, their lives. This has turned out to be a pretty good plan...an awesome lifestyle for us. We've been blessed over and over and over.

Winning the Business of The Year Award of the BCoC by the votes of the public has been extremely validating. We feel honored beyond measure. We are appreciative and want to thank the Chamber and all of THM's friends and fans. You know who you are! The publicity that will accompany this award will be invaluable. It will increase our credibility and open doors for us and for Buffalo that we haven't even imagined yet. We have a lot to live up to, now. We feel we are up to the challenge.

At the award banquet last Thursday Glenn was installed on the Board of Directors for the BCoC as well. It was a fun and fabulous evening for us. Also on Thursday evening we learned that my college graduate son will be coming to help us at the store, do some IT work for those needing help with their computers, and do some writing. Craig has a lot to offer our community. Grad School begins in the fall for him, so for the next six months his presence will be a tremendous asset.

And finally, here is the news many of you have been waiting for. Meet Java St John. Our new mini dachshund store greeter is seven weeks old and full of mischief and fun. He is already in training and is working the store part time. (Have to be careful with puppy labor laws) Catch his story on Facebook; search The Horse's Mouth Bookstore and Coffee Shop. Alternatively you can see it all on our web site: www.thehorsesmouth. squarespace.com

Once again, thank you Buffalo, for the prodigious award. It is a humbling honor. We have a lot of work to do and fun to have in order to live up to it in the coming year. Welcome Craig Blaylock, the best son parents could have. And welcome little Java...you have big shoes to fill.