Today I was reminded that it really is the small things in life that can sometimes make me happy. The perfect example is my love for Bartells Drug store. I cant explain the phenomenon, but when I enter one of the many Seattle locations of "your friendly neighborhood drug store since 1890", it is impossible for me to feel sad, angry or irritable at the world outside. Maybe its the friendly red vest-clad clerks who always greet me kindly, or the sparkling clean & organized shelves, that aren't too high as to make a short person feel claustrophobic. Perhaps it is the attentive, though not too attentive staff (they exhibit the perfect degree of helpfulness; they ask if they can help you, and even walk you to the aisle in which your desired item can be found, but don't hover), or the fact that they ALWAYS call an extra clerk if there are more than 2 people waiting in any one line.
When Bartells opened a new store in my neighborhood I was there on opening day (ok, I did not actually plan that, it was serendipitous), and I was one of the first to enter the store. The new employees all seemed so happy to be there, I can only imagine that the Bartells family treats all their employees well, which makes me love the store even more. I think the clerk might have thought me a bit strange when I told her how thrilled I was that they had moved into this, my, neighborhood! But if she thought I was a freak, she hid her feelings, asked my name and told me to come back soon.
This blog is not the first avenue for the declaration of my love for Bartells. I've told numerous friends over the years and my confession always gets a giggle. But I know Im part of something bigger- Ive heard the commercials of the other Fans O Bartells, the spots where they find a happy shopper in an aisle and ask them to describe why they love shopping at Bartells. I dream that someday, I can join the ranks of my radio comrades. Who will be laughing then?
