PROGRESS

I knew the world had changed when I opened a chill box door at my local grocery store and heard music playing in back, where employees load the milk, eggs, juices, and yogurt. Oh, I’ve heard music back there before, but it’s usually something like heavy metal. Today it was a reed instrument playing something Middle Eastern. Have any of you seen signs that the world is changing?

The surgery on my left eye went well. I was less doped up this time and now realize it takes half an hour, not fifteen minutes. The right eye seemed to heal without incident but the surgeon says the pressure still isn’t down enough and so wants me to come back in tomorrow to have one of the stitches holding the opening partly closed removed so more fluid can leak out. I wonder what minimum pressure it takes to keep the human eye from collapsing? (But I worry needlessly about a lot of things.)

With some assistance the piece of counted cross stitch depicting three critters playing in the rain was turned into a small pillow and sent on its way to my agent in New York. I hope she likes it. Meanwhile I have begun another comic piece depicting a flamingo wearing a flower and flip flops under the motto, "Don’t Worry, Be Happy." This is another gift. I’m getting much better at giving my work away. Once upon a time I wouldn’t do a piece unless I wanted it for myself. I find I am more likely to struggle to completion if I’ve promised it to someone else.

My great niece contacted me out of the blue – I don’t think I’ve ever actually met her – to say she wants to be a writer and could I give her some advice. First thing I did was warn her that it’s not always a good idea, that the occupation has as many heart breaks as rewards. Then I offered her a copy of my "How To Write a Play-Fair Mystery" even though I’m not sure what kind of book she wants to write. If she’s like me, I won’t be able to discourage her. I hope she is, and that she’s a success.

Happy Easter, everyone!