I live in one of the nicest communities in the world.
This morning I had a dentist appointment and, as we finished up, Dr. Boynton said he’d like to know more about my writing. On a previous visit, I’d told him and his staff about my book. So I gave him my card, and suggested he visit my blog. Then he told me if I’d like to give them something for the waiting room to help promote my book, I could do so. I let out a little gasp of surprise.
“We’ve been friends for many years, Sue. Of course we’d do that for you.”
A few weeks ago I ran into a friend at the local dollar store. She had her grandson in tow and I know she loves to read so I told her about my mystery. She asked where I’d be promoting it and suggested I talk to her son who is opening a flower shop in town soon. Perhaps he’d let me do a signing. I felt honored and humbled that she would think my work worthy.
My hairdresser asks about my writing every time I bow my head to her shears. Bonnie has been doing my hair and been my friend for many, many years. I just love her. My recent appointment was a few weeks ago and as I prattled on about The Red Shoelace Killer – A Minnie Markwood Mystery, she told me, “Go talk to Rhondy. Tell her she should do your launch.” Rhondy co-owns the indie bookstore in Kinderhook and is also one of Bonnie's heads - uh - clients.
So I popped into Blackwood & Brouwer the following Friday. Rhondy greeted me cheerfully and could not have been nicer. She and her mom, Jean, have run the bookstore for twenty-two years. The place simply reeks books and all things related. They have a special corner just for mysteries and have had many signings at their place. I have an appointment to work out launch details next Friday. If you love books, old wooden floors, that wonderful book smell, and a huge selection of good reads, go there.
A few weeks ago our local library, in Kinderhook just down from the bookstore, had a Sunday afternoon meet and greet for their new director, AnnaLee Giraldo. I took myself on over and was introduced to her as a writer with a book coming out in the fall. AnnaLee favored me with a big smile and immediately asked if I’d like to come in and do a reading or an event. I could have hugged her.
Well, after my dentist appointment I had to stop at the post office to pick up our business mail and got to thinking. How many towns are left in this country where you can leave your car running and run in to grab your mail? Or stop and chat with six people you know in the grocery store - something like this.
“No little one today?” asks Donna behind the bakery counter. I frequently shop with Sierra, our youngest granddaugher, on Tuesdays while her sister, Melodi is in pre-school. But it’s Monday so . . .
“Not today,” I laugh as I bypass the free cookie container that Sierra always has an eye out for. Then I wave at Donna as I head to the deli and see Charlie, the bread delivery guy, who happens to eat at the local Elks lodge with his wife the same night my husband and I always do. He's setting his bulkie rolls out and accepts my condolensces on the recent death of his dad.
Yup, I live in a great community. One where so many people, some who don’t even know me, are happy for me and willing to help with a smile and an invitation to invade a part of their world with, among other things, my little book.
How many places like that are left?
I hope there are thousands, my friend, and that you live in one of them.
