At Beany’s real people talk at tables without the aid of electronic devices. I’m not saying don’t walk into a chain store. I’m saying consider places that make you feel comfortable enough that you don’t need the freaking phone to make you feel secure.
I am secure that Beany’s has better pastries than Starbucks. This is relevant because I don’t drink coffee.
Anyway, before I could go get my croissant I saw this guy at the table. The guy said “Hi” and sounded like he meant it. I said “Hi” back as I checked out the table to determine if this was animal, vegetable or psycho-political.
Usually the psycho-political don’t talk to me but mistakes happen.
I am buying my croissant and I hear him outside give his pitch about traveling the world, writing books and raising money for a writing project for his students. Getting students to voluntarily read and write?
What can I do to help?
I got my stuff and had a conversation with Ross. Not only do I support independent vendors I have an obligation to help support independent and self-publishing authors. Someday I could be one of them which is why I’m fixating on the iPad/tablet publishing opportunities but that is another topic.
Where was I?
Oh yeah. Writers and artists who sell at tables fall in one of two camps. Camp No. 1 is “Please buy my book or art but don’t talk to me.”
Or Camp No. 2 “I’m open, I really do like people. Please buy my book or art and come talk to me, for a bit.”
From what I could see Ross was doing ok for a June gloom Saturday morning. Colorado and Los Robles is not an easy corner to pitch literary and artistic woo. I bought the book Circle Earth and the passage I like so far is:
Jan 14
Travel is a high like falling in love, like finding God. It teaches one to smile with the light from one’s eyes. It reminds “Hey, you can do anything.”
Page 98 Circle Earth, A Sketchbook, A Journal
Ross Anthony
I like Ross. And I love your new look here! I needed this post today, when I am so otherwise disheartened by the world. You've helped me remember the upside of living in America.
ReplyDeleteIt is that serendipity thing. I needed reminding that there are engaged people in the world who not only do but try to do better for the next generation.
ReplyDeleteI think we all forget that each one of us has a connection to another person, no matter what the duration of contact.
Sometimes just a spark will get you through the day.
Thanks for noticing the re-decoration. Bloggers has official new templates and customizations. Trying this one on for size.