Now that the figurative dust has settled, I guess it's time to introduce myself. My name is Ruta Skujins and I bought Amazon bookstore at the end of July. I am very grateful to Barb Wieser and the other members of the co-op who kept the store going all these years, and I assure you that the focus of the store is *not* going to change. We are still a woman-oriented, feminist and lesbian bookstore, as well as a store that caters to our neighborhood.

I am an editor at two lesbian publishing houses (Regal Crest and Intaglio) and also beta-read and do some free-lance editing. I've had the joy and privilege of working with Lynn Ames, Carrie Carr, Jane Volbrecht, Brenda Adcock, Nell Stark, Lori Lake, Vickie Stevenson, KE Lane, Rick Reed and many others. This past summer I was honored to be asked to be one of the judges of the erotica category for the Golden Crown Literary Awards (GCLS is an organization founded to support and promote lesbian literature). Almost three years ago, I unmasked a plagiarist weeks before her book was to be released, which was a nerve-wracking introduction to the publishing world.

Lesbian fiction is my passion, and when the opportunity to buy Amazon came up it was literally a dream come true. I believe so strongly that the store still has an important role to play in our community that I drew down my IRA to purchase the store. I so appreciate all the support I've received from everyone. The literary community has been especially supportive, with many authors and one of my publishers, Regal Crest, donating new books to restock the store.

The store is my second career. My first career was with Ecolab in St Paul, where I spent 34 years in a variety of departments, ending as a business consultant in IT. Almost two years ago I broke my shoulder in a bad motorcycle accident (a pickup made an illegal left turn in front of me), which ultimately led to my taking early retirement from Ecolab, and left me in a position to buy the store.

I'm a biblioholic and voracious reader, and my personal library contains about 10,000 books. I recently moved to a smaller house, and while I packed two PODS with over 100 cartons of books, some of my collection has ended up in the used book section of the store. In addition to lesbian fiction, I enjoy history, mysteries, and all types of fiction. I do have to say that one thing I didn't anticipate when I took over the store was that I'd be surrounded by books but have no time to read!

I've taken writing classes at the Loft from Lori Lake and Ellen Hart. I was a history major at Carleton College in Northfield, but have also taken classes in equine veterinary medicine (when I was younger I exercised hunter-jumpers for a friend), Scandinavian mythology, military history, and the literature of whaling and the social structures of whaling communities, especially concerning women. You could say I have eclectic tastes.

Let's see - I live in South Minneapolis with my partner Joann, only 3.5 miles from the store - and don't need to get on a freeway to get to work! I love to travel, especially to Key West and Sedona, but I also enjoy the mountains. I wouldn't miss Women's Week in Provincetown - that's a fabulous experience! I'm a photographer, and if you flip over your copy of In Deep Waters or Radclyffe's Lonely Hearts Club or Winds of Fortune you'll see my name credited for the author photographs. Once life settles down at the store I hope to have time to produce some of my note cards and matted photographs

I have two daughters, ages 23 and 24. I'm a first-generation American of Latvian descent, and English is my second language. As mentioned above, I ride a motorcycle - a 1995 Yamaha Virago 535 - but haven't had the opportunity to ride much this summer.

When you're in the store, stop and say hi. I'd like to meet each of you in person.

It is with mixed emotions that I am announcing that the store's name is changing. This is not a decision I am making on a whim. Many of you will remember the lawsuit that Barb Wieser and the members of the cooperative brought against Amazon.com. They sued the on-line store over the use of the name, and won. But the victory came with a price, and it's now time to pay. One of the conditions of the settlement was that if the brick-and-mortar store changed hands, rights to the name reverted to Amazon.com.

It's now time to say 'good-bye' to Amazon Bookstore Cooperative, a name that has been an icon for almost 40 years. True Colors Bookstore will carry on the legacy and traditions established so many years ago. The name True Colors stands for many things, but the primary meaning in my mind is that of identity, and not necessarily that of orientation. I've always been fascinated by maritime history, especially the 'age of fighting sail'. In the days of sailing ships the only way to tell to what country a ship belonged was when it showed its colors, or flag. So, True Colors is a place to be yourself, whatever that may be. We have always been so much more than a bookstore, and still are. I want it to be a place of community, where everyone is comfortable and always welcome. Come in, relax, chat, admire the artwork in the gallery, browse our shelves (and, of course, buy!).

The focus of the store will not change. I am still committed to stocking the store with the most recent writings on feminism and LGBT issues, as well as the biggest selection of lesbian fiction in the Upper Midwest. I will find books that look at current events from a slightly different perspective, and provide a great selection of current fiction and children's books. In the near future, I'll be introducing a new logo and new website with many exciting features.

Please help me spread the word - we are indeed still open, and gaining strength with every day. I'd also ask that you remember how you felt when you heard Amazon was closing, and the relief you may have felt when you heard we were staying open after all. Now is not the time to be complacent and say, "good, they're still around!", and assume all is right in the world. The only way the store can stay open is if you patronize it. I'll even mail your books to you if you can't get over here!

I welcome your comments and suggestions. Don't hesitate to call (612-821-9630) or email (ruta@truecolorsbookstore.com).