My plane touches down late at night, or early in the morning
to be exact. It’s been nearly a year since I’ve been back to Ohio after moving
to the Seattle area. It’s familiar yet strange simultaneously. At the car rental the desk clerk asked if I
needed GPA. “No, I used to live around here,” I reply.
It feels nice to sit behind wheel and know where I’m going.
The next day, or rather later the same day, I drive east to
Zanesville, the city I left behind last June. My first stop is to the public
library where I had copies of my books sent. When I see the multiple boxes, I
immediately know I ordered too many. The more books I ordered the larger my
discount. But how would I get the ones that don't sell back to Washington? I
head to Staples to mail two of the boxes back, canceling my discount.
I lunch with old friends, where we fall into conversation as
if I’d never left. Next I am interviewed by the local newspaper (see link at the end of this post.). I had
sent Jennifer an ARC, and it helped she had read my novel.
I need to go to the Dollar Store to buy some mouse and deodorant,
but stop by Starbucks on a whim. As I chat with a familiar barista, a voice
behind me shouts, “Don't serve that woman in here!” I turn, and my friend Myra
is laughing behind me. She buys my coffee, and we sit and chat. The unusual
thing here is she’s not surrounded by books and papers, and my laptop is in the
trunk of my car.
I dine with another friend, and later, we meet up with my
old book discussion group.
On Friday, I was supposed to give a presentation, but it was
cancelled due to AP testing, so I’m relieved to have free time to spend with
friends. The weekend breezes by with meals and coffee with old friends, signing
books for many who pre-ordered copies. (My friend Cindy S and I correct a crime of punctuation.)
On Monday I crash the semi annual meeting of library
training. Trish, the facilitator, knew I planned to stop by, but she didn't tell
my colleagues. I step inide and it seems they are on break. I spot Becky, my
former assistant, at a front table. I approach and indicate the empty chair
next to her. “Is this seat taken?” I ask. She doesn't look up immediately, but
when she sees me she breaks into a groin and we hug. We end up having a three
hour lunch before I head to Columbus for my first official book signing.
There’s a critical scene in BREAKFAST WITH NERUDA that takes
place in The Book Loft, where my reading is being held. I had a small but
appreciative audience, including a couple of fold chums I had not seen in
person in twenty years. (Yeah, this pic didn't save right.
Tuesday morning I meet with yet another friend before
heading to Maysville High school to talk with students, reconnect with former
colleagues, and sign books. My friends Myra and Cindy had arranged a nice
luncheon for a couple of classes. Here I am with a couple of fans.
The last stop on my whirlwind Ohio tour is the John Mcintire
Library in downtown Zanesville. The turnout is excellent, with the audience
comprising of friends and former students and colleagues. (This photo of Jackie Kaser and I shows up correctly in my files, but not here, so you have to tilt your head to the right. )
I spend the night in Columbus because I have an early
flight. I leave Ohio again with mixed emotions. It’s as if I belong in two
places now, yet I’ve always felt at home in the world. Maybe a life of living
on the move enables me find comfort where I set my hat.
I’m back in Washington now, where I make my home. Pablo is
glad to see me. Usually he ignores me as a cat is wont to do, but he’s been at
my side since I walked in and dumped my bags yesterday afternoon.
http://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/story/news/local/2016/05/07/former-teacher-hopes-reach-young-readers-novels/84066952/
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