38 Comments
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Sarah Bringhurst Familia's avatar

Well, it’s in Narni, so I couldn’t resist: I’m calling it The Wardrobe.

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Heather E. Cole's avatar

😂🤣😂🤣

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A Designer in Italy's avatar

So inspiring! 😍

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Sarah Bringhurst Familia's avatar

Thank you!

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Win's avatar

Oops so sorry- I wasn’t paying attention…you did say this earlier… there is a book about that by an Italian woman…will check my book stacks …I should open a book shop.

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Win's avatar

Oops. - because I’m such a terrible book collector not hoarder …well…

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Sarah Bringhurst Familia's avatar

Yes! Diary of a Tuscan Bookshop. It’s a lovely book, and I would love to visit her bookshop.

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Heather E. Cole's avatar

I grew up with the Maida books: Maida’s Little This and Maida’s Little That. “Maida’s Little Shop” started me on the path to bookselling and to many (sadly) unrealized dreams. How wonderful for you all to have managed such a momentous right-turn in your lives. In Narni, of all places! Bravi! 👏👏

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Heather E. Cole's avatar

How nice of you to say! Actually: We’ve founded a community-directed cattery, instead. That’s been Elektra’s dream, and 40 years later, she’s brought it off. Plenty of work for everyone — third litter and counting. No apps required.

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Sarah Bringhurst Familia's avatar

Oh, that’s lovely.

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Sarah Bringhurst Familia's avatar

It’s never too late! Keep on dreaming.

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Marcella's avatar

I had missed this post, Sarah! How wonderful to see the bones of your bookshop-to-be. Any ideas about what you're going to call it? (yes here's my former copywriter self kicking in 😇) Also, the house and the surroundings are positively dreamy. I've never been to Narni, but maybe next year we can exchange visits -it's "just" a 4 hrs drive 🙃.

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Marelene Jefferson's avatar

This such an exciting new adventure. I look forward to your next posting. I would love to visit your bookstore and the town when the time comes. Congratulations to a new chapter!!!!

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Sarah Bringhurst Familia's avatar

Thanks, Marelene! I would love to see you at the bookshop.

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Sue's avatar

Wow! My daughter and I are doing a Rome to Venice adventure in March 2025- I hope you will be open then!

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Sarah Bringhurst Familia's avatar

What a delicious adventure to have with your daughter! I’ll still be in the throes of renovation then, but beautiful Narni is certainly worth a visit anyway. ❤️

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Jan Egan's avatar

I live in Italy (Piemonte) and SO identify with that little fission when dealing successfully with a bit of Italian bureaucracy. Am a bit far away to buy regularly but if you'd post books then...(and the absolute joy of dealing with Posts Italiene).

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Sarah Bringhurst Familia's avatar

Thanks for the vote of support from afar! I lived in Piemonte for a year, and it will always hold a very special place in my heart.

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Jan Egan's avatar

I will always support a bookshop as you would be able to see from my home! Fortunately my husband is the same although finding shelf space is becoming tricky! One day I’ll get to Umbria.

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Sarah Bringhurst Familia's avatar

It would not be an exaggeration to say that one reason I’m starting a bookshop is to find a meaningful place for the beloved contents of my overflowing bookshelf.

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Marcella's avatar

Fellow piemontese here, Jan :) where are you located? I'm from Torino.

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Jan Egan's avatar

Hello Marcella, I’m in Torino too! Moved here two years ago and like it very much.

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Marcella's avatar

Wow Jan, I wish we could meet over coffee :) I’ll be back in early October, we should definitely keep in touch.

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Jan Egan's avatar

Let’s do that. So many good places for coffee and pasticcie.

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Suddenly Last Summer's avatar

I hope you’re near me and will have books in English!!! I’m often desperate!!!

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Sarah Bringhurst Familia's avatar

I’m planning for it to be an English-language bookstore! We’ll be in southern Umbria: Narni, just an hour and a half north of Rome. Where are you located?

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Suddenly Last Summer's avatar

Ah a bit too far unfortunately- I’m on the Umbria/Tuscany border, near Monterchi.

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Sarah Bringhurst Familia's avatar

Ah, too bad. Maybe the idea will catch on!

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Liberating Ease's avatar

This is what dreams are made of! I can absolutely imagine it and have already made up my mind to visit the next time we are in Europe and you are ready for customers!

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Sarah Bringhurst Familia's avatar

I will be delighted to welcome you there when the time comes. <3

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Lani's avatar

What a dream!! Congratulations!

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Sarah Bringhurst Familia's avatar

Thank you!

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Debra's avatar

I love this sweet book store. I can see it will bring many wonderful adventures. I will put this on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to see how it comes about. Love and hugs 🤗❤️

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Sarah Bringhurst Familia's avatar

Thanks for sharing the journey!

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Art and Other Things's avatar

I'm in LOVE with this! It's been a tremendous inspiration to see where you've been, what you've been doing, and what your next adventures are. Thank you for sharing so much of your life with us. (We're planning a move abroad in 2025. ;) )

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Sarah Bringhurst Familia's avatar

How exciting! Best of luck with your preparations for 2025 ❤️

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Art and Other Things's avatar

We'll make a point of visiting Italy. Todd and I would love to see how your kids have grown, and hear more details about... well, everything! (We're back in Orlando. Again. This time, making a point of staying focused on the big move.) Hope to see you in 2025! <3

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Debra's avatar

Ant wait until the dream become reality. So exciting. Love you

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