Banjo destiny

NNAOPP Update

January 2013

I regret having to report that I've once again delayed my yacht order, as Christmas sales of NNAOPP were insufficient to warrant proceeding with this ostentatious aspiration.  However, the New Year has offered a glimmer of hope for untold riches, but from a new and unexpected direction.

This past weekend we arrived in Sanibel, FL.  We were going to meet friends in Naples for dinner, so Judy planned to stop at a Wal-Mart Super Center to provision.  Her instructions were precise and brusque, "I need an hour, don't bother me."  So I decided to take my banjo along for a little practice session.  I found an isolated spot in the huge parking lot, pulled my treasured Ome open back out of the car, and contentedly plucked away.  Amazingly, I collected $2.25 from passersby who threw dollar bills and coins into my case.  The first coin tosser caught me by surprise, but I thanked him. Once the case was salted, others seemed to just follow suit. Next time I won't shave and will skip the Naples dining attire and go with more of a Bo Jangles look, adding even more luster to my nascent career in the arts.

Mardi Gras is coming soon, so I'm now faced with a conundrum:  Dare I dress in bedraggled garb, sit on a pickle barrel, and pluck like there is no tomorrow in the hope of earning funds sufficient for one Hurricane?  Or should I stand on our balcony at Royal and St. Peter, drink a cold bottle of Abita, and shower future Miss Alabamas with beads?  Hmmm?

I'm still waiting anxiously from word from the NYC book agent.  The good news is that I didn't immediately receive a rejection letter.  Sales of NNAOPP are now at 1,190. If you encounter a wizened man playing banjo on a nearby street corner, throw him a few coins.

May nothing but good tidings come your way in 2013.

Warmest regards,

Chuck

Merry Christmas

NNAOPP Christmas 2012

Merry Christmas To All,

Before this picture was taken, Granddaughter Waverly told her Mom, "I will go, but I won't sit on his lap, and I don't want him to hug me."  Finn was perplexed, but went along with the Norman Rockwell drill that American parents have imposed upon their children for generations.  Charlie, however, chose to articulate his feelings with bold action.

Waverly, 3, Finn, 2, (red shirt) and Charlie, 2, (green pants) Coulson.

We're fortunate to live about one mile from Lucy, Fred, and their little ones and to be able to be a part of their lives.  After being thanked by Fred for a recent babysitting tour of duty, I replied, "No need to thank us.  Your kids are the most interesting people I know.  It's a great pleasure to spend time with them.  I'd do this even if you didn't ply us with wine."

After our Milford Track - NNAOPP update one reader responded with the admonition, "You are beyond shameless.  My Amway neighbors are rank amateurs in contrast!"  Another thoughtful reader noted, "If you have any self-respect, any at all, even just a smidgen, you must lose that gay knit cap covering your head in those photos.  Surely a more comely covering can be found."  Thanks to all who take the time to read my endless stream of drivel and respond in kind.

A new friend with a background in publishing told me, "Selling 1,185 books out of the 'trunk of your car' is fairly impressive, but you need a publisher if you want your book to reach a wider audience.  But it's also true that you need an agent in order to have any chance at finding a real publisher."  He gave me the names of two literary agents that I will be contacting.   I'll keep you posted as the saga continues.

I hope the year has been good to everyone and that the joy of the Christmas season finds a home in your heart.  Like most everyone with a few years under our belts, we've experienced the loss of loved ones, and many of those near and dear are afflicted with serious and limiting health issues.  My heart aches for those who are suffering and in need.  My Christmas wish for all is that you find the strength to manage life's burdens and savor the many wonders that surround us. May the New Year bring good health and a good cheer.

Merry Christmas to all my Christian friends.  Happy Hanukah to my Jewish friends.   And to my agnostic and atheist friends, I hope you enjoy the non-sectarian-winter-holiday-featuring-excessive-gift-exchanges.

Chuck