After a long wait, I have confirmed the validity of Richard Ford's autograph in my copy of Rock Springs. He seemed quite pleased that his autograph boomerang back to him. Next I'll have to get Roger to re-autograph my copy of Lost River. Then I'll track down Tim O'Brien and have him re-autograph my copy of The Things They Carried. After that, Barry Hannah can re-autograph Geronimo Rex, if he's not too crabby.
Liz said that it must be one of the most satisfying feelings an author can have, seeing one's own book many years later. To know that individual people are still reading your work. I agree. Sure, sales numbers or Amazon rankings can tell a writer that people are buying his books, but in a detached way, a commodified way, an impersonal and distant way. Mr. Ford asked me where I found Rock Springs. I said, "At a thrift shop in North Mankato. I paid a dollar for it." He smiled and chuckled at that, and said, "Well, I'm glad the book's not languishing somewhere."
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A Slowly Growing List of Things to Look Forward To When You Have a Child
- Every day is either Christmas or Halloween or Birthday or Easter
- Leave those cats alone! They're going to scratch you and it will hurt
- You cannot lie under circumstances, but nor can you tell the literal truth
- Geez that kid is sharp
- Can I have cake? Can I have cake? Can I have cake? Huh? Daddy? Can I have cake?
- For the last time, stop asking me!
- Noticing the growth: taller and a bit heavier to carry
- Children's television shows
- Food. Wasted food
- Remembering that you once acted this way yourself
- Watching where the both of you are going
- The joy of hearing the word "fuck" being used experimentally, and justifying this experimentation by saying "Well they learn it eventually"
- TANTRUMS
- Sitting down together on the living room floor, a mess of blocks & cars & plush Care Bears strewn around you, discussing the complexities of each car's identity, its name, and why it is so humorous
- Having to take responsibility for someone else for a change
- More frustration than you're prepared for
- Wicked cackling
- Drawings of potato guys
- Learning about the world all over again
- Circular Logic
- Unexpected hugs and words put beautifully together out of context
- Waking up after 4 hours of sleep, and unexpectedly having to confront shit, in more than one place, including the carpet, a big toe, a butt, a bed, a toilet seat, and underpants
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