I didn't think anything of it at the time, but when the Friends of the Library were putting away the chairs and tables at Town Hall following my book launch, they found a book. One lonely copy of Live Free and Eat Pie left behind. Inside was a name, Ursula, and a cell phone number. Did I know whose book it was?
I did. It was my friend Sue's handwriting, and the number was for my other friend, Ursula. I said I'd get the book to Sue. (Putting it in the mail today!)
At a dinner party, I told about the abandoned book, and a friend from New York said, "Only in New Hampshire." I asked what he meant. He explained that the fact that the Friend bothered to search for the book's owner, who was located in short order, was a small town phenomenon. I guess so.
Which reminded me of Phil and Dianne. I dedicated my book to them. I'd met them and talked with them MANY times, because they attend lots of my storytelling sessions. They sent me a photograph of Frog Rock in New Boston that I blew up and sometimes use as a visual aid when I tell a story about that most interesting rock. It It looks just like a frog, in case you couldn't have guessed that from its name. Anyway, I didn't know Phil and Dianne's last name or how to get in touch with them. I just knew they lived in New Boston. What to do?
I called the New Boston Town Hall. Sure enough, the second person I talked with knew Phil and Dianne, and I got the information I needed to send them a personal invite to the launch party. Which they attended. Sat in the front row. Great to see them.
"Same thing," said the New Yorker. Where he comes from if you called town hall, or city hall, looking for somebody in particular, chances are the folks there wouldn't know them, and, even if they did, they probably wouldn't tell you how to find them.
I like the New Hampshire way better.
I keep forgetting to mention this, but please comment on my blog. Share a story! Or, you can shoot me an email at [email protected], and I'll post it myself!
Hi Becky,
Uncanny. I'm heading to Pie Town, NM next weekend and will bring the book to my hosts. See you soon in Littleton, my home town, which I also refer to as "The Center of the Universe", to grab a signed copy.
Way to go - you rock the Granite State!
Cindy Heath
Posted by: cindy heath | July 22, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Hi Cindy:
Missed you in Littleton! A small but lively crowd assembled at the Community House. We had pie. Pie Town, NM sounds like a great place to visit.
Becky
Posted by: Becky Rule | August 05, 2008 at 07:52 PM