A Funny Exchange and an Idea is Born

Okay, some of you may know that I didn’t run right out and tell you that I made a website. I still chuckle to myself when I say that. I think of Tom Hanks in Castaway when he built the fire, beating his chest.

Me: “Look at what I have created. I have made website.” 😁 Sweeps arm in front of computer then shakes fists above her head…

It went live the beginning of June and I didn’t tell some people until August. It wasn’t because I didn’t want to, but I was embarrassed. I had my nose to the grindstone and barely talked to anyone for a hot minute. My brother, Ron, being one of them. He knew I was writing this book and that it wasn’t one of the other books I had been writing, but that’s about all he knew. So when The Reluctant Bandit released, I sent him a link. Then I decided to send the url to my website. I created a “collage” of the redacted version of our text exchange, but can’t seem to post it. I’ll try to figure that out and post it. Still learning all sorts of tricks–at the 11th hour no less. That doesn’t make the aforementioned chest beating any less real, however. In the meantime, I’ve included a portion of the exchange.

Aside from giving you a giggle and the humor of it all, why am I sharing this? Well, I’m sharing it because I’m creating another ask of you all. It’s really more of a community bonding experience–releasing your inner goof. I think it would be so awesome and fun if you took selfies of yourself wearing a bandana or mask–bonus points for Stetsons and other cowboy-like headgear–holding up my book! 🤠📚💜 In the texts, Jimmy said he was going to wear his Stetson while reading my book and I’m begging Ron to get Jimmy to take photographic evidence of this event. Ham it up because I love that kind of stuff. Was Jimmy joking? I don’t know. I do know that I really, really want Jimmy to wear his Stetson, hold up my book, and get his pic taken. Then send it to me. You know what else would make me geek out? YOU ALL WEARING A MASK/BANDANA WHILE HOLDING UP MY BOOK AND SNAPPING A PIC! #doit Please, do it and send it to me or post it and tag me on Instagram (or Facebook if you feel compelled, although I’m not there very often…). I’d geek out. I promise, I won’t squeal in your ear. I may clap my hands and hop up and down. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

The other crazy thing that I decided to try as more of a social experiment and crazy thing is to co-opt the hashtag purple clan. #purpleclan. There are less than 100 posts there and they’re really pretty random. A lot of people wearing purple, but no real rhyme or reason…just sayin’. These people don’t seem to be related in any way, either. If you want to try something else new, wear purple when posting and #purpleclan. I’m going to be following it and see what happens. Again, I’ll keep you posted. Especially for those who don’t do Instagram or social media at all.

Aside from another heartfelt thank you, that’s all I have. Our power keeps going out because it’s trying to storm outside and the dogs are going nuts. Enjoy the texts, and please consider having some fun with the crazy Instagram aunt. It causes no harm and brings great joy (to me 😁). I bet you’ll feel joyful after doing it, too. 😉