That big box of STR stash in the background – sorry – that’s MINE!
Do I owe you something? Chances are it’s going out today. And a few other goodies to some of you out there that you might not know about. I don’t send gifts to anyone in my family, but to KNITTERS? Gifts galore. This is THE FASTEST I will be getting out contest winnings! YAY! In fact today’s winner might just get a package before [insert whatever freaking winter holiday you want right here thank you very much] starts. Unless, of course, we’re celebrating Solstice, and well, then, I’m late. But Happy or Merry or [insert whatever jolly freaking word you want right here thank you very much] Solstice! And the winner is….
Sadly, Manise is blogless (maybe that should be in the package too?), but she wins nonetheless! Here are the possible winning answers, in case you’re curious:
“Dancing with Jesus in Grove City, Pennsylvania,” High Plains Literary Review, Fall/Winter 2001
“The BBC,” Fourteen Hills, Spring/Summer 2002 (also published in New Standards: The First Decade of Fiction at Fourteen Hills)
“The Summer My Mother Grew Up,” Other Voices, Fall/Winter 2002
“What You Wish For,” Green Hills Literary Lantern, 2003
There you have it. Oh and I published an interview with Charles Baxter about William Maxwell in Washington Square. You can read it here, if you’d like. That didn’t count though, because even though it’s about fiction, it’s not fiction.
A little bit harder, wasn’t it? I guess so because I got half the entries I received for the other two. Next week will be hard(er) as well, but I might make it easy again for the grand finale package on Dec 31. Let me tell you – as good as the others have been (and next week is really fine!), the last one is SPECTACULAR! And very special to me. Gotta admit though, this question was kind of depressing. Three years practically since my last story came out? Fuck. Not a good feeling. Resolution anyone?
T Minus 12 Days and Counting
I’ll have you know, that you can’t open this package from the bottom because it will destroy the box. It’s one of those open from the top tuck the sides in kind of boxes. I know this because it’s actually a box I sent to Margene! She turned it around right back to me. Good thinking M! But here’s proof anyway:
See the headline? The MTA is on strike in NYC. I’m very torn on this issue. All of my dealings with unions have been very bad. I worked in a union shop in college and the union rep for my department was borderline abusive to those of us who really didn’t want to get involved. I was eighteen and in college and honestly, because of that union, I was overpaid by A LOT. Which I guess was good, but I would’ve rather been paid a smaller wage and not been harassed. I really feel for all the workers out there – MTA workers and anyone else trying to get to work today. I cancelled a haircut appointment, but that’s inconsequential to the fact that my husband had to walk a good distance to work from the NJ train (which, yes, he’s lucky he could take) but it’s very cold and his hip is bad. He doesn’t need the aggravation. And I have to believe this isn’t what the MTA workers want. They’re losing money and they’re losing the good will of the people. I’m suprised the strike happened, but after seeing the mayor this morning on TV, I don’t think this will end quickly. Pissed doesn’t even begin to describe the anger I read on his face.
So if you’re in NYC, I hope you had an easy time of it today. The idea that the subways and buses are quiet is just too weird to comprehend.
I’m off to finish the packages. And there’s still more work stuff too. Have a great day!
He, he, he. As Norma said…you could doctor the photo. But I do have faith in you. I have faith in everyone (except maybe the unions). Tomorrow is Solstice. It’s the best day of the year as the light is returning. That’s something to celebrate.
I want to read ALL your stories.
Curses! Foiled again! I thought with my extra-librarian-type research skills I’d get a bonus prize. Hee!
That’s quite a box of STR there, girlie.
Oh my the STR stash is calling amazing…I shouldn’t but I want to buy some like right now!!! I had an easy time today since I took the day off because of the Strike but tomorrow all bets are off and I will be walking with all the rest…oh joy!
You know something, one of my suggestions for your book the other day was going to be “Feast of Love” by Charles Baxter. I loved it and am in awe that you got to interview him!! I have a newer book by him Saul and Patsy but haven’t read it yet. I hope you get back to writing soon! Happy Chrismashanikwanza!
I’ve been watching the news about the transit strike with some horror and a lot of sympathy. I take public transit to DC every day. If transit workers here went on strike, I’d really be screwed. Big time.
Hi Cara! Have been a lurker on your site for a while. Love your knitting.
Could you please tell me where you buy the Socks that Rock yarn. I really want to buy some in the Cotton Candy colorway.
Thanks and Happy Knitting!
Traci
Congratulations to Blogless Manise! Looking forward to digging for next week’s answer! This has been fun. 🙂
Cara, Your generosity is stunning. I’m still reeling from my lovely Rhinebeck package of goodies. I hope that you get as good as you give – you deserve it!
By the way, I got my fabulous Japanese Crossed in Translation mag in the mail yesterday. I can’t wait to KAL!
xox,
I have similar feelings for unions. My DH was part of one for many years (and had no wish to belong, but that was not an option). For the money they took (from *thousands* of workers at his place of employment) every week they got a stinkin’ BARBEQUE in the summer, and a you’re-kiddin’-me pittance if they had to go on strike (not their choice, it was the union’s call). The money was going *somewhere*, but it wasn’t to the little people!
I think it’s a great idea to take a picture of the box (reuseable = something I do all the time) with the paper each day. If it weren’t so expensive, I’d get the Times each day!
I don’t agree that unions are bad – my dad’s union has been pivotable in keeping things safe for all workers and health care insurance has always been a priority. I think we’d be in better shape if more things in this country were unionized – but I do realize that I’m not in the majority of your commenters.
stay warm!
But, surely, with photoshop, you should be able get around the demand for the daily picture….
1.) Wow, Grove City? Never thought I would see that town on a blog. I’m originally from Beaver County and went to college in Meadville, PA before I moved to New York (well, Brooklyn).
2.) I biked to work today. It’s cold out and I am not looking forward to the ride home, but I’ll just suck it up and deal like all the other New Yorkers have to.
3.) That isn’t a huge STR stash in the background, isn’t it? I’m madly jealous!
darling – that’s a nicely coralled STR stash ….
Do you really think it nice or fair to show us your STR stash to us?? If anything, if you are going to flaunt it, please take a closeup of it so we can drool over it instead of just wonder.
Just finished the first half of my pair of socks in a STR yarn. YUM!
How in the world did you get to GET that much STR yarn???
I just wanted to write to tell you that I think it is cool someone has actually written about the small town of Grove City, PA. I am not from there, but only live about 20 minutes away. The title of the article is interesting too.
Box. Cutter.
Darn! I was so sure I’d win this time! Oh well. Congrats to the lucky winner. You’re so generous, Cara!
I think you should write a short story (or long one, for that matter) about knitting. You’d have a built in audience.
I admire your restraint with the birthday present. Don’t know that I could do it.
I can’t imagine having to get around NYC w/ no buses or subways. I’m sorry your hubby has to do that. Here’s hoping they resolve it soon.
Second. Rock Chick.
:-} I suck at being patient…
Happy everything. Big hugs to you!
Woah. That’s some serious STR stash. Woah.
While blogstalking Carrieoke, I ran across your link and saw that you had written about my hometown. I was born and raised in Grove City my parents and brother still live there. I only live 20 minutes away now. How can I get a copy of your story? I’m assuming your article refers to the college.
Love the blog. You have a terrific sense of humor.