 Loretta, a Sheridan Public Library board member, displays a vintage table linen during a fun time of "show and tell" during the Sheridan Readers program last week. I know. I'm retired. And retirees are supposed to have all the time in the world, right? Maybe someday, but not these days. I intend to devote a blog a week to the journey I'm on with There's a Clydesdale in the Attic: Reflections on Keeping and Letting Go. But folks, I'm typing as fast as I can, and I'm still behind! I've picked up three new bookings and one possible one since yesterday afternoon. That means corresponding with the persons issuing the invitations, getting it squared away with our mutual calendars, and confirming the specific type of program they want, or maybe a discussion, or something else. Then sending some "press kits," the fancy term for information and photos. All of that is wonderful, but leaving me behind on this blog, and on the programs I'm creating for upcoming outings. Last week was about as perfect of a warm March day as an indie author can get. Loretta Sutherland and staff at the Sheridan Public Library had everything in perfect order when I arrived early to get my bearings. (A little secret: I love showing up early for library programs and soaking up the atmosphere.)  The Sheridan Public Library ... is that not a beautiful library? I love the little step stool for kiddos. There's more to see, but you get the idea.  How do you like my new sweet ride? Brian snagged this to make it easy to tote supplies to my gigs. Game changer. Arriving and setting up early allows me time to freshen up, set up my table, make sure a lectern and sound system are in place, and best of all ... visit with early arrivals.  I had a lovely visit with Mary, who brought a treasured Bible that belonged to her mother. I also learned that she is from Williamsport, Indiana, a town I know well as it sat on one side of the Wabash River, and the Attica newspaper on the other. I worked there during a big chunk of the 1980s. Sheridan Readers are a great group. Some of the library patrons and book club members brought amazing heirlooms for a show-and-tell activity. I didn't get all their permissions to show photos, so won't, but the stories generated from stuff include a yellowed newspaper ad for Sunkist Tuna. A lady's mother won $10,000 in the advertised contest and the money was life-changing for the family. A man displayed his Railroader grandfather's precision pocket watch; and there were gorgeous vintage post cards, and so much more. Loretta's round table linen is in beautiful condition. She explained that part of its function was to cover the leftover food so that it could be left on the table following a meal. As a personal bonus, son Ben was able to drop in for the program and help me pack up afterward. He enjoyed the early evening as well and then, we went to a late supper and enjoyed an hour together visiting.  A mother's pin to indicate her son was in the service in World War II was found in a small container. If your book club or library would like to hear about my programs, give me a shout at [email protected]. Now back to my regular programming ... for the next stop on this journey.
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