Really? How interesting.
I met her in the grocery aisle, condiments to be exact. Hadn’t seen her for ever so long, and I’d grown…older, and certainly more rounded. I know–because she told me, with a chuckle and a wink.
“So, tell me–what do you do with all your spare time now that you’re retired?” (said while she brushed something off my shoulder. Obviously I didn’t spend much time checking in the mirror.)
And before I could tell her, she began a litany of her very worthwhile activities. We stood for quite a long time–long enough, it seemed, to actually make the pickles that lined the shelves behind us. And I listened while she wowed me with the accomplishments of her quite successful children and exceptionally talented grandchildren. Her marvelously loving and still handsome husband–”you remember him of course. Oh, are you still married to that…that, oh silly me, I’ve forgotten his name”–and the woes of white carpeting in such a LARGE home, though their vacation home had hand-hewn walnut flooring.
And, about the time I was read to open a jar of Famous Dave’s signature spicy spears (so I’d at least have a good excuse for my left eye closing while my top lip twitched) she asked again…”and now-what was it you said you were doing with ALL your spare time?”
“Well, actually I’m writing a novel.”
“Really? How interesting. My, it’s good to see you again. I must run, (ring-laden fingers waving like she she was drying her manicured nails). Have a million things to do today. We have guests for dinner. Let me know if you ever get that book done. What did you say it was about?”
“It’s a Prairie Romance”…I HAD to yell, she was rounding the corner.
Three cans fell off the end display as she whipped her cart around. ”Realllyy.” No question this time. A flat-out statement, and she actually shivered when she said it. “How interesting. I just never read cowboy stories but I’m sure it will be…cute.”
One just never knows when inspiration will overwhelm one…and a new character is born right before your eyes–and ears.
Oh, there will be a disclaimer, of course–any resemblance to anyone living or dead–but I’ll know!! And oh, what joy will fill my soul!!
Never look down your nose at a writer!!!
Hilarious, hilarious!!!! At first I was almost sure I knew this lady…there must be several like her around!! I won’t say where I know my lady from ( to protect the innocent, meaning myself!) but her house is bigger and grander and built better and more _______ than any one else’s house. Oh, do I actually live in a house too???? Hmmmmm……Ican’t wait to see her show up in a book written by YOU, the novel writer who is married to what’s his name!!
Those same three words…Really. How. Interesting…can be said a hundred different ways, with as many facial expressions and either encourage, build you up, and leave you feeling refreshed and motivated…or crash you face down. This time, I decided to laugh….later!! But….I WILL get the last word!!
You go, girl!
I LOVED IT! AND I CAN SEE IT AS I READ IT! HILLAROUS, BUT WAY TOO TRUE!
Oh Julane, this is so funny!! Yes, a character or two of mine has been born this way
How powerful the pen when coupled with a dose of revenge and imagination!!
For a minute I thought you were writing about Mrs. Olsen from Little House on the Prairie.
. The only thing you can do is laugh – and create a “new” character. Keep doing what ya’ll love doing because we need that in this world.
You didn’t tell me you’d run into her!!!! Really, no idea who this might be, but can’t wait for her entrance into one of your stories!!!
Will never divulge name….but Henrietta comes as close as you’ll see!!
Loved it, Julane! Read it aloud to my husband. He loved it too! I’m sharing. Just so you know.
Thanks, Lora. It’s hard to explain what we do, isn’t it?
You are a HOOT! and a HOLLAR! (sp?) I am sitting here laughing as I can imagine that character, I mean lady, in my head and you eating your pickle. Can’t wait to see this lady appear in your story!
SO LOVED this post, Julane! Amen and amen. I pictured it all in my head. I can’t WAIT to read your next story.