To Tell the Truth, by a Little Dog Author…

Hello folks, let’s chat… Big name authors have book-signing events where people line up around the store to get their signatures. This doesn’t happen to me and my author friends. We’re what they call B-list authors. We’re the ones sitting at our table trying to appear friendly but not desperate while y’all avoid eye contact with us, lest you feel compelled to purchase our book out of pity. That’s right, we’re on to you.

Not long ago at just such an event, my author friend watched as a couple came in, smiled at her and took off in the opposite direction. She was surprised a few minutes later when the man doubled back like he was on a mission— until the truth came out. He admitted that he’d forgotten his wife’s birthday. He wanted to get her a signed book and check out while she wasn’t looking. “So, it’s going to be a surprise?” my friend asked, warmly.  “I’ll say,” the nervous man said. “She doesn’t even know she wants it.” Bless his heart.

Oh, well. At least it reminded me of another truth in gift-giving example I had almost forgotten to tell y’all. Granted, it would’ve been perfect for Mother’s Day, instead of the day after we celebrated our Fathers but I know y’all don’t expect me to sit on a good story for another year and this one’s priceless. Its further proof of something we all know. Little kids will tell you what you want to know, and then some.

The featured child is grown now but her grandmother told me the family still laughs about the time she came clean in first grade. The teacher was having them write cards for Mother’s Day and her granddaughter was having a hard time deciding what to put on her card.

“Well,” the teacher said, “Can you think of anything your mother might like?”

The little girl thought a minute. “Yes’m.”

“And…” the teacher prompted her. “What would that be?”

In all seriousness the little darling responded, “Mama just wants five minutes of peace and quiet.”

Hugs, Shellie