When I was in high school, I used to ditch class to hangout at an old bookstore in downtown Visalia called Ye Ol' Bookstore. It's owner and proprietor was an English man by the name of J.P. Beavers. I learned a lot from J.P.. We had many a discussion involving religion, ethics, history, literature, chess, music—you name it.

He taught me a chess move called En Passant and hipped me to a lot of wonderful literature growing up. He was a very intelligent guy, and I dare say that I learned more from him than I did from my high school. I bought many book from his shoppe (he also gave me quite a few as well). But, the greatest gift he ever gave me was his company, his conversation, and his brain. J.P. is no longer with us on this world, but he lives on in my memories. This visit to The Last Bookstore with my friend Sarah, reminded me of him—specifically, this art piece upstairs. Thank you J.P., for everything.