The Kind Soul

Bethany Grace Cohen-Chang You have found your way to the blog of the girl that spends way to much time hidden behind a book or baking. But you may also know me as Bethany. I am twenty-three, single and new baker at the cafe attached to All Booked Up. But don't worry I could still help you pick out and buy your books.

[northsideblaine]

Happy first full week of the New Year, friends. I hope 2020 has been as good to you as it has been to me. I really can’t wait for all the exciting and wonderful things that lay ahead in this new year. I’ve been enjoying my time off from work, thanks to the school’s Winter Holiday but honestly, I cannot wait to get back to work. I think I might have put on way too much weight from all the Christmas cookies and holiday food but thank goodness for sweater weather, right? 

I know a lot of things happened in 2019, some good like engagements and children, new relationships and friendships. But there were also some awful things that happened to people who didn’t deserve it. Life is always bittersweet that way and it’s not always fair but I’m glad that most people have made it through, the best they can. 

Either way, I am grateful to everyone – friends, family and everything in between, that I had in my life last year and the ones who I’m bringing in with me to the new year. I hope you only good things come your way but if not, I hope you will always have people around you, to help you get through it with support and strength. And know there is never any shame in reaching out when you need help. There will always be someone there, even if it’s just me.

But that’s enough sap from me. Just want to say a very happy 2020 to you Riverdale.

[msbethanygrace]

You are amazing you know that right? I didn’t realize how much I needed to hear your words of encouragement until now. What would Riverdale do without your wonderful self around here to spread sunshine?

And please tell me the plans you have for this upcoming year. Do any of these plans include more of our movie nights and baking days. I need as many of them as possible. I have so many new recipes that my parents gifted to me that I have been longing to try to bake. While I would love to bake them with Jackson I would much rather surprise him with it. 

[msbethanygrace]

mccmads‌:

Hmm, oh! Yeah, it was.. it was great, actually. We got a lot of people show up but I think it was also because the clearance stuff was on sale for an extra 10% off but Mr. Tollier also messed up and put stickers on some of the comics which, i’m sure you know, when you do that the glue can really mess with the integrity of the comics, especially when you’re trying to collect them and save them for like, ever and ever. I had one that had just this tiny sticky spot for the longest time and it was pretty much awful and I hated it and I had to look everywhere to get a new one and I couldn’t find it but Mason actually found it and gave it to me for Christmas one year – Mason’s my brother – and that was pretty much the best Christmas gift I ever got. 

But I also hate throwing things away so I have all my comics and this one duplicate in a cellophane wrapper that still has that little sticky spot on it from the sticker so.. yeah, but um, I think.. that’d probably be cool. Mr. T is usually here most days until three so I’m sure if you talked to him he’d set something up at some point. He’s usually cool about stuff like that. I mean, I say usually but we’ve never really collaborated with other businesses because it’s kind of hard when you’re a comic book store but, what can we given, you know what I mean? We can’t give samples of like, comics. But that’d be cool and I’m sure he’d think of something. Sorry. 

I never thought of that before! Goodness! My parents always just had the scanned code on the back for books and any other deals listened on the front off the shelves. But I could not imagine how frustrating having that mark would be. But then again that doesn’t change how special that is. How great of your brother, what a great and considerate gift. Those ones are always the best aren’t they? 

I can understand that! I am the same way with books. My parents were not a good influence with me having more books than I need. There are books I had from when I was a kid and I just wanted a more classic copy. Or maybe a new release of the cover. I am sure we could figure something out! If he ever has deals going on I could show off the coupons that he has. Or either of us could offer a deal to people who shop at one of our places first. And then we also have my parents book store we might be able to make something work with as well! The possibilities are endless! 

[msbethanygrace]

text // Kara aka Bethany✨

Pey: Awesome! I'll tell mine whenever I talk to him next.

Pey: It was good! Sam and I stayed home and it was nice having it just us. What about you? How was your New Year?

Bethany: That sounds wonderful!

Bethany: It was so great. I got to spend it with Jackson. We went up to the lake house together and it was so relaxing.

[mccmads]

I’ve been told asked to um make sure everyone knows that the uh, comic book store Excelsior! is going to close tonight. For the night, I mean. Not, you know, forever. That would be.. literally the worst thing ever. I meant for the night. For New Year’s Eve. Um, at eight o’clock. We also have the End of Year sale going so.. 25% off select comics. So. We uh, hope to see you. You know. Here. Before we close.. at eight. 

…Happy New Year. 

[msbethanygrace]

What a great idea and deal for business! I hope it went so well for you guys and that you had a great New Year. I’ll have to stop by the store soon. I love saying hi to all the local businesses and seeing how we can work together and help one another. 

[msbethanygrace]

text // Kara aka Bethany✨

Pey: Right?! Im so sorry Im now just getting back to you, things came up with the shop.

Pey: However, tell that man of yours that we're wanting to go on a double date. I'll tell mine.

Bethany: That sounds like a wonderful plan to me!

Bethany: How was your New Year?

[starshineblaine-deactivated2020]

I just realized… for the first time since high school, I actually have someone to kiss at midnight on New Years! I haven’t had a midnight kiss in like … six years. Oh my god! 

[msbethanygrace]

That is wonderful, Blaine. I am really happy for you. It is nice to have a special person in your life that can make holidays that much more fun. 

[perfectlyqfabs]

Spending the holidays by myself for the first time was actually very liberating. I thought I was going to be super sad but it was nice to kind of just spoil myself and have the alone time. Though I’m not so sure I want to spend New Years alone. Does anyone know of anything possibly going on around town for the holiday?

[msbethanygrace]

That is actually a very good question! I do have some specials going on for every holidays so if you don’t mind something during the day you can stop by the bakery. But as for evening festivities, I for sure think there must be a party. Or maybe one of the bars are hosting something. 

[msbethanygrace]

theoneandonlygilbert‌:

If you wanna make me one, I’ll take whatever you have.

Wonderful! I’ll have one ready for you. 

[msbethanygrace]

serpenthart‌:

I don’t I could risk going out right now, but as soon as it clears up enough expect me to be knocking at your door.

I cannot wait! I am so glad that I got so many visitors once the snow cleared up. It was an amazing early Christmas gift. 

[msbethanygrace]

northsideclarington‌:

People will flock your place once the storm is over, me amongst them.

They sure did! It was so great to see so many friendly faces. It was almost like I got an early Christmas present. 

[msbethanygrace]

northsideclarington‌:

That’s good. We’re staying at my place. Me, with Quinn and Sebastian.

I hope you guys got to have some fun during the snow storm. 

[msbethanygrace]

text // Kara aka Bethany✨

Pey: For the most part, yeah.

Pey: Thank you! Maybe one of these days we should go on a double date.

Bethany: I would love to go on a double date!

Bethany: That would be so much fun!

[msbethanygrace]

northsidemarleyrose‌:

I think it surprised all of us to be honest, Bethany. Though, it’s the time of year so I guess we should all be on our toes. We watched a little bit of Boy Meets World but it mostly just turned into a long night of talking with B.

That’s true! Part of me was hoping if a snow storm would come that it would come on Christmas. But I may have just been watching too many holiday movies. Well I hope that it was still a good night. 

[msbethanygrace]

northsideclarington‌:

I would fight the storm to get some of that infamous hot chocolate, Beth. In fact, that will be my first stop as soon as the weather clears. It’s good to know we can always count with your kindness.

You all are seriously too kind. But I’m glad you will be waiting until the weather clears. That is what I hope everyone is doing. But regardless I will be here if people need it. 

[msbethanygrace]

firefighterxnoah‌:

It’s a good thing we’re not busy, but it makes work so boring. We can only roll hoses so many times.

I mean...there must be something you guys can do with your time. Or maybe you guys could order in some food? I could even bring some baked goods. 

[msbethanygrace]

southsidepey‌:

I might drag Sam out into the cold with me, because Im definitely craving some of your hot chocolate and the weather won’t keep me from seeing your face.  Did I tell you that Sam and I are dating?

Oh goodness if you do please be careful! You know there will always be hot chocolate for you. You don’t need to go out in the snow to get it. I think you did mention it! I am so happy for you guys.

[msbethanygrace]

northsidefabray‌:

You’re absolutely right, though we’re always due for a good snow storm usually every winter. I’m so glad you’re safe and keeping warm, Beth. I meant to check in on everyone but all the snow put me in the mood for all day naps apparently. Do you need anything at all?

That’s true...very true. Although part of me couldn’t help but feel cliche and wished it would have fallen on Christmas. Thank you, I’m glad you’re safe too. I am hoping that everyone in town got somewhere safe. I am wonderful though, thank you. But if you know if there is anyone who needs help let me know