this

In the time it is taking—

—for the internet company to call me back—¹

—I have woven--

—plied:

—run with:

—ducked under a tree to avoid:

—spun:

—relished innumerable cups of:

—been stunned by:

—delivered compost across town to my son’s energetic pile with:

—delighted in:

—worked on:

—and drawn:

I’ve even written:

—in the parking lot of the fabulous local library—

—where the internet is fast and free—²

—and from which delightful spot Beryl and I can zip up the street to celebrate Earth Day³ on (one of) our (so far) favorite paths after I send—

—to you.

1. I signed up two months ago when I first moved in and was told they had to wait for the ground to thaw (four to six weeks), so since then I’ve been writing The Gusset while tethered to my phone—which has worked slowly but well until now when for some reason, it doesn’t.

2. —and where I may just keep writing because who can resist such a wondrous and generous place? Ideas. Books. Gathering Spaces. Storytime for kids. Arbor Day events. Free internet for all. People sharing a space where everyone is quiet (an introvert’s dream). Truly, to have a library card is a remarkable thing and these amazing places are under threat even as I type so I beg you to support yours in any way you can. Get a card even if you never use it. Or step inside and see what’s on offer! And if there is a local library board election—please check out the issues and vote for the people who believe in supporting access for all the people and all the ideas. (Shameless plug for two dear friends—one of whom made the blue hat I’m wearing in the photo above—who are currently running for their library boards).

3. Though honestly the best way to celebrate Earth Day would be to NOT drive someplace to take a walk. Indeed if we weren’t already out in the car (because the library was closed and the frost too thick to write outside when I began this)—I’d scoot. Next time I’ll try that. Indeed I just got a text that said that they won’t start internet installs until Mid May so there will definitely be a next time and the Gusset will be brought to you thanks to the library for several more weeks. Which is fine with me.