Where Did the Last Few Months Go?

        It just dawned on me that I've been remiss. I couldn't remember the last time I posted on the blog. I quickly discovered why I couldn't remember -- it had been two months since I'd posted anything. I have absolutely no excuse for why. Granted, four holidays were in that time frame, requiring all the usual activities that often take up my time. Seems like a good enough excuse, however, the holidays come every year with all the same responsibilities. I have no one else to blame but myself. Now onto a more interesting topic. 

        I took a brief respite from book signings and talks at Texas Quilt Guilds and Quilt Shops. The last one that Judy Steward and I did was in Austin the first week of December. What a great group of people. As I do at all our presentations, I read a segment of The Wedding Dress Quilt. Afterward, when I was signing copies of The Wedding Dress Quilt an impeccably dressed, precious older woman came up to talk to me.

Precious Lady: I dearly love it when someone reads to me.

Me: Did a teacher or a parent read to you when you were a young girl?

Precious Lady: Oh yes! Ever since I was a girl. That's why I loved your reading a chapter in your book to us tonight.

Me: I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

Precious Lady: Do you live here in Austin?

Me: No, I live in a small town two hours north of here.

I saw the smile on Precious Lady's face disappear.

Me:  Why do you ask?

Precious Lady: I don't have anyone to read to me anymore. I was hoping that if you live here in Austin or somewhere nearby that you would consider coming to my home and reading to me.

My heart began to beat extra hard. I took her hands in mine and looked deep into her eyes.

Me: I do wish I could.

Precious Lady: How often do you come to Austin? Maybe you could come to my home whenever you're in town.

I stood there grasping her hands in mine and feeling like such a disappointment. 

Me: Oh, if only I could. Honestly, I don't come to Austin very often. I've visited Austin only a half dozen times. 

She looked down, a look of sorrow creeping across her face. 

Precious Lady: Well, it was worth a try. 

She turned and walked out of the hall, leaving me feeling bereft, as though I'd lost something terribly important. And in truth, I had. 

Our next presentation will be on Monday, Feb 10, 6:15p at the Crossroads to Texas Quilt Guild at the Methodist Church in Harker Heights.  Join us if you can.