TALES FROM THE HIGH WIRE | August 2015

SIDESTEPPING THE MINEFIELD OF MIDWEEK

On any given Thursday afternoon you can usually find me unraveling. Like a kid in line at Disney World who’s waited two hours to ride Space Mountain, I’m in the final countdown of my midweek meltdown…and trying to keep myself from jumping the line. Why? Because I can usually be found doing a whole host of very un-princess-like things. From getting the dog groomed to stocking up on toilet paper to picking up dry cleaning –

Cinderella, Cinderella.

A couple of weeks ago, I just happened to be in St. Charles and in full-fledge midweek misery. Although it wasn't raining, I was looking for a place to take cover; a place that felt exactly the opposite of how I was feeling – so no sharp corners, no rough edges and no darkness overhead. In short, I needed a place to come in from the storm and do what I do best: daydream!

And voila, mid-musing I remembered a charismatic old friend, one that could fulfill my every wish like a genie in a lamp. Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to my Prince Charming: Town House Books and Cafe. This little nook of a space that is located in the Century Corners historic district of St. Charles makes you feel as though Charles Dickens could be penning his next novel in the back room – it’s THAT old-worldly and quaint.

This particular day my ever-present wanderlust led me directly to the travel section where I read about summers in France and hitchhiking with Larry

David. I then meandered over to Adult Fiction where I saw Judy Blume’s new book – I couldn’t help myself, I squealed a little “Yay!” as I ran my fingertips over the dust jacket. Talk about travel – I took a little trip down memory lane as I remembered all of her books I read as a tween-ager. At one point, I even found myself in the Fishing section – just like travel, I like to go on reading adventures, as well. Finally, with an armload of books, I made a pit stop in their wonderful little gift nook. Notebooks, greeting cards and gift books…oh my! One look-see at the little book proclaiming coffee gives me superpowers and I was no sooner in the attached café, ordering up a cup!

The whole time I was at Town House, I felt like I was getting lost, and yet somehow coming home...and was successfully sidestepping the minefield of midweek. Looks like I found my own little “happiest place on earth” right here in the western suburbs.

OVERVIEW Town House Books is an independent bookstore for all ages, offering a friendly and inviting literary experience. Town House Café, which is attached to the bookstore, has many daily morning and lunch offerings of deliciousness. Located at 105 N. Second Ave., St. Charles, (630) 584-8600, www.townhousebooks.com.

about the writer

Tiffany Schultz resides in Sugar Grove with her husband, two kids and Shih Tzu. While seeking balance between her dueling roles as wife, mother, daughter, friend and professional, Tiffany spends as much time as possible daydreaming on her screen porch. She enjoys cooking, traveling and yoga and hopes to one day learn Italian and make the perfect crème brulee.