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| That Red Circle |
Throughout the year, while Freddy sat at her day job, I helped gather silent auction donations from generous folks. It took little time to drive up to the local tire shop/restaurant/salon/gift boutique and ask for the gift card/trinket they'd committed to giving. And frankly, I didn't mind.
As the event day grew nearer, and it appeared I wouldn't be working early voting, I told Freddy I'd be free to help on the actual day of the event. Tears--TEARS--rolled down her eyes as she expressed her gratitude, telling me she had "no idea" how she was going to handle this event "by herself" this year. To hear Freddy tell her tale, she was a one-woman wonder who carried the success of event on her shoulders. And to be fair, this has been her baby for the past 15 years. She really is the face behind the Gathering of Authors.
Freddy even invited me to the dinner the night before where two delightful people were speaking. In all honesty, I didn't want to go. I asked if it would be all right to pass on it, but she insisted. After all, she said, it was the least she could do for all my driving around Texarkana for the past six months.
Sure. Fine. I came. I ate a pulled pork sandwich and heard an amazing tale from our keynote speakers.
The next morning, the actual day of the event, I dutifully showed up at 8:30, just as Freddy asked. The poor girl was frazzled. "Here could you handle... no wait! Hey? Where's my phone? Call my phone for me. I lost it." And in her next breath, "I see you called me? What did you want?"
But what I found out was that I wasn't the only volunteer she'd pulled the "I'm a one woman show and desperately need help!!!!" routine. In fact, there were so many of us, I had nothing to do.
I'm not going to say I resented the entire experience, after all, I agreed. I'm a grown woman and know how to say "No," which will be the first word that comes out of my mouth next year. I met some amazing local authors. Two of whom are joining the Golden Quills this coming week. I got a free book for my nephew and accidentally sold one of mine just through a little networking.
I am going to say I was beyond exhausted. I had not caught up on my sleep. I have a garden which needs attention. I have a book to write. I have a few Coronas I wouldn't have minded hanging out with. And, I have a family I love and wanted to spend time with.
By the way, I announced at 11:30 that morning I was heading home. I'm not sorry. The event was up and running and there were 690 other volunteers helping out. Frankly, I'm convinced if I'd just skedaddled out the door, Freddy wouldn't have noticed.
Incidentally, I don't hold any ill will against Freddy. Take her out of the confines of this event, and she's pretty cool. I can compartmentalize crazy and am grateful others often offer me the same grace.
A few weeks ago, Freddy asked if I want to have a booth at next year's Gathering of Authors. After watching this year's event, my answer is firm: "No thanks." I don't see the point. It is like a huge book fair in the middle of nowhere. The price for the booth is nuts and I didn't see enough book buyers driving to the middle of the forest from Texarkana to make the entire experience profitable for the authors.
After I passed on a booth, she instantly pivoted and wanted to get my commitment in helping out next year.
That's a Hard Ho. Nope. No Way. Bless your heart, that's not happening.
*Money raised goes to the Greater Texarkana Autism Awareness
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