good day

Recently I had imagined hearing good news from a New York publication, but that didn’t happen. Today I learned I did sell an article to a North Carolina publication. Such news is fine by me. The story, for BackHome Magazine, will be about our adventures in garter-snake-friendly living.

Driving through town this afternoon I imagined hanging my head out the window, you know, nonchalantly, just sayin’ to folks in passing, “Sold an article.” I practiced it, several times, window up. Police car – “Hey, Officer, sold an article.” Teenagers hanging at a corner store – “‘Sup? Sold an article.” Fruit stand vendor – “How’s organics? Sold an article.”

Actually, I forgot my line at the fruit stand, because I was busy pouring out quarters, dimes, and nickels left over from our garage sale. I wanted a small cantaloupe (heavenly scent), a yellow-centered honeydew, and a palm-sized watermelon. $6.50 total. “No credit cards, right?” Of course not. My change came to $4.50 and some pennies. The guy with the wonderful dreads tied back over his shoulder said, “This’ll be good,” and took my money. No need, even, to promise him some of my check when it arrives from the magazine.

I also imagine, in glimmers of sophistication, that one of these days I’ll go about my business, doing whatever writing somebody wants, without needing to share, “Sold an article.” Possibly by the time New York gets interested, I’ll be hummin’ cool.