Back to the Good Stuff

[Peg Herring]

We're back at home, hospitals have faded into the background, and I had a successful presentation last night. Those three things make me somewhat more cheerful, although it was a near miss. Here's the story.

I hurried home from that faraway hospital place, changed my clothes, packed my stuff in a bag, and headed to the location where I was scheduled to speak. I stopped to eat on the way, choosing a fine dining establishment with a three-course meal, as I always do when I'm on the road. So anyway, as I was tearing open the ketchup packet for my fries, the damned thing burst and squirted all over my tan shirt. So, side trip to Penney's for a new tan shirt.

I arrive at the library. At five minutes to seven, I had no one. Great, I'm thinking. A week's turmoil is going to end in a no-show audience, which will signal an end to any cheerfulness I might still be hoarding in my soul. Finally two ladies wander in at 6:57 and mention that the newspaper article said the talk began at 7:30. They knew it was wrong, because the library closes at 8:00. So I started with four people (a young couple wandered by and thought it sounded interesting). It turned out well, because many more people showed up as the time approached 7:30. It was too bad they missed the beginning, but they seemed to enjoy anyway, and the librarian was happy with the turnout, which means an invitation to return next year, when I'll actually have a new book to offer.

So I have to call it a success, despite the drawbacks and irritations. Maybe that's what happiness is: overcoming the pebbles, the stones, and the boulders in your path and continuing the climb.

[I. J. Parker]

Been there, done that -- though not directly from the hospital and not with the ketchup mishap. On the other hand, I didn't have a newspaper announcement. About 8 1/2 people attended. I doubt anyone bought a book later -- or checked one out of the library. One lady was there to show her little daughter a live author. The rest wanted entertainment. Sigh!