When I wrote yesterday’s post, I was bummed. But some things happened later on to turn the day around and I thought I might share ‘em to balance things out a little.
First, my friend Cha Cha sent me this picture because she’d know I’d appreciate it:
How could I not cheer up, knowing that Richard Scarry was right and Gold Bug is real?*
We also went out to a late lunch (her) – early dinner (me) and commiserated about our day. Misery really does love company.
And cheese fries.
When I got home, there was a package waiting for me: Stephen Jay Schwartz, whose Murderati challenge I won a while back by guessing books by their first lines,** sent me not just the promised hardcover 
of Beat,*** his newest Hayden Glass book, but a copy of the previous book, too!
And he inscribed both.
Unexpected books, kind words, and the reminder of a victory . . . That’ll cure a Monday.
And then, of course, a bunch of you took the time to send me sympathy here and e-mails there and poems and one hilarious-in-retrospect story that trumps my brainfail all to hell but I had to promise never to tell anyone, ever, I mean it.^
Thanks, everyone.
Aaaaand to cap it all off, there was half a container of this left in the freezer, which was a minor miracle, let me tell you:
While I attacked the contents with a serving spoon partook of this miracle, I managed to rework more of that lost scene and fix a bit of Pigeon.
Not such a bad day after all . . .
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*If you don’t know what I’m talking about, go get a Richard Scarry’s Big Book of Something and look for Gold Bug. Waldo is an upstart whippersnapper.
**No idea how I won, except most of the books are favorites of mine and I could see several of the titles across the room from me. I’m still kicking myself over missing the Raymond Chandler and the Sherlock Holmes story.
*** I love this book and loaned my original copy to a friend who says he can’t find it, though I sincerely doubt this. Doesn’t matter now—he can keep it. But he’s never getting his mitts on my copy of Boulevard.
^ So I won’t, don’t worry, but I’ve been giggling all day and won’t ever be able to look at a lemon again . . . You rock, and don’t forget it. And you’d better write that down yourself or I’ll swipe it.
I’m so glad your day improved. Significantly, I’d say. Because – books! fries! Talenti Belgium Chocolate!
And friends. What would do without our friends? xoxoxox
Friends are key, Lisa.
Without you guys, I’d be staring sadly at my single-digit stats, tempted to comment on my own posts while posing as my characters . . .
(and I’d be out an incredible amount of support as well)
Fantastic turnaround day! How cool is it that Schwartz sent you not one but two books and inscribed them? Hats off to him.
He’s a cool guy—and his timing is excellent!
His books are pretty good, too.
So glad you’re on the upswing. Ever since you first introduced me to Talenti, I think of you every time I pass one in the supermarket. It really is the best medicine.
Thanks, MSB.
Pigeons and gelato . . . there are worse associations!
Those are some fabulous covers. Who wouldn’t be cheered up?
You know . . . I think you might like these, Averil. If you have the time, check ‘em out—no obligation, but the author writes with your honesty.
I’ll put them on my list. (How on earth did I ever find books before the blog circle?)
Let me know if I was right, please. (and I have no idea—you all have tripled my list)
I’m so glad that things got better for you – and because I’m so late reading again, I only had to wait about three minutes to hear about it
Thanks, Sarah!