It feels surreal to be home, home on the farm (cue Home on the Range) and see my picture plastered all over town and all over the house. There’s some hometown charm going on, and I owe a big thank you to Jason Stark of Osceola Printing for the eye-popping posters and flyers. Not only did he create the design, he handled the project from start to finish in a matter of hours during a time when I couldn’t think straight. Sometimes the right person appears at exactly the right time. And, yes, a professional makes all the difference.
Being from a small town is a great thing.
Yesterday, I stood in a long line waiting my turn at the post office. The postmaster handled each customer’s business while chatting about grandchildren and Star Wars and all sorts of things. Everyone knew everyone.
When my turn came he said, “You’re the author, aren’t you?”
“Yes sir.”
“Congratulations.”
“Thank you,” I said, feeling a little stunned that he recognized me. I handed him one of those yellow claim slips, and he promptly placed a heavy box on the counter. This is for your mother. Wrong address, but it has her name on it. It has to be for her—there’s only one Barbara Tate.”
Truth.
I laughed and marveled that the box with the completely wrong address wasn’t lost forever in the mail universe. Small town miracle.
“Your picture is on the front door,” he said, “unless someone stole it.”
“Yes, I saw it.”
He grinned. “I told Ms. Tate it’s against the law to hang posters at the post office, but she said where’s your tape?” So I helped her hang it.”
Hometown charm.
After our trip to the post office, Momma and I ate wonderful white beans and fried okra at Sandbar Grille. With cornbread, of course.
My picture was on the window there, too.
Surreal, I tell you.
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
[tweetthis]Small town charm, gotta love it! @Osceola_AR @ThatBookstore #TheAccidentalSalvationofGracieLee #mustread[/tweetthis]
Musical Pairing:
Maddie & Tae, Downside of Growing Up
Sometimes a small town is the best kind of town. What fun we are having!! The rest of our gang will be here soon.
The best thing about small towns is that everyone knows everyone else.
The worst thing about small towns is that everyone knows everyone else.
🙂
Awesome! Good song to go with it too!
Your momma sounds like quite the character. The part about the sign at the post office had me grinning. Gotta love that small town welcome!
Maddie and Tae remind me of one of my favorite Trio’s “the Dixie Chicks”
Small towns are wonderful! Your mom is a hoot!
What Gary said, plus I’m so excited for you. I’m loving the book.
Makes me homesick. I love anytime I get to go back home, but this weekend is going to be the best! Cannot wait to celebrate with you!
Just finished reading your book and loved it. Haven’t lived in Keiser in years, but it jogged loose lots of memories. At 83, we are generations apart, but some things are common of humanity.
Thank you, Lee. I’m so happy you enjoyed my book. Yes, we all have much in common.