LIFE IN A SMALL TOWN

My wife Monika and I had lunch in the local bakery/cafe. And there, at the table closest to ours, was my son’s chemistry teacher and his wife. We began a conversation at lunch, which carried out onto the street and well down the street outside. We actually had to plan a polite separation as we reached the end of the block—otherwise the conversation would’ve gone on longer than any of us wanted.

While we were having lunch, I noticed two women leashed a Welsh Corgi to a sign-post close enough to the door so that the dog actually made it inside when some later customers came through. The dog began to bark inside the restaurant so one of the women got up and tied the dog at a post a suitable distance from the door. The nice thing was, nobody was irratated by it. Not one person got bent out of shape. It wouldn't have played out like that in Conecticut!

The cafe, called Schat’s Bakery, along with Ellie’s Restaurant, and The Coffee Critic, all have counters with post cards on them announcing the sale of my book "Beneath Buddha’s Eyes" at The Mendocino Book Company on School Street.

I was thinking that all this might end up a small town celebrity if I don’t watch out. It would be a shame if that happened because part of what I like about living here is being able to witness life in a small town—anonymously. I think that so far it’s my truck that’s achieved the greater recognition between us. It’s one of only two brand-new 2004 F150’s and I’ve noticed many pairs of eyes coveting a ride in its driver’s seat.

But that something so simple as driving around town in my brand-new truck makes me feel good, is what makes life in a small town great. When someone made a comment about my pick up the other day, I found myself saying, with false modesty, "Yeah well, a truck’s gotta be new sometime," which I thought was a pretty good line.

It seemed at first, like a small town line—but later, after thinking about it, I thought maybe it came from the mouth of a "big city boy."

I think I need to just accept the fact that my truck is shiny and new and—well yes—people ARE going to talk!