Sprinkle Fairy Dust

No, I don't write fantasy, although I do write children's picture books, as well as novels. You'll get the gist of the fairy dust soon.

While dining with my husband at Nicola's, our favorite restaurant, the chef, Nicola Gilardi (who is well aware that I write children's books) pointed me out to a young couple and their first-grade daughter. They were sitting one table over and I could see the young girl's mouth fall open as the chef told her about me. (This is how young children react to authors. It's precious.)

Luckily, I had some bookmarks in my purse and asked the parents for their daughter's name. At first I spelled it Landry (should have asked) and handed it to her. I asked if I had spelled it correctly. The mom said, "No, but that's okay." I assured her it wasn't okay and found another bookmark in my purse.

I then made it out to Landrie and autographed the bookmark. I asked the young girl where she went to school and let Landrie know about my upcoming contest for SANTA'S SECRET. As hubby said, her eyes were as big as pizzas and she nearly trembled with excitement. I gave her a hint (the same hint I'll give everyone when I announce the contest) and told her I'd be in contact with her teacher.

We proceeded to eat, and after a few minutes Landrie (who was wearing my favorite leopard print, by the way,) brought over a beautiful page she had carefully colored while her parents were enjoying wine. She addressed it to me and signed it, so now we both have a treasured keepsake.

Have you sprinkled any fairy dust lately? Please do. It'll come back to you.

My First Job

Everyone remembers the first time they had a real job and received an actual paycheck--that all-important, grown-up feeling of having a boss, co-workers, a schedule and responsibilities. My first job was great fun and perfect for a high school kid. I worked in a movie theater downtown in both the concession stand and box office. I much preferred the concession stand because I could eat all the popcorn I wanted, drink soda and interact with customers. I only had to pay for the candy I ate. Other perks included watching the movie after everyone was seated and doing my homework once the movie started. Our uniforms consisted of a very short, navy, one-piece dress. My boss's name was Mr. Schnaible (I never knew his first name). He hired me when I was just 15--three months from turning 16. He told me to keep my age quiet after I told him I really wanted a job and needed the cash. I was saving for a car and was a total clotheshorse (still am). We sometimes had midnight movies and Disney premieres where moviegoers would line up around the block. I remember The Love Bug was a huge hit. We had to make bags and bags (trash bag size) full of popcorn beforehand and then mix it with the warm stuff. I remember the big, clunky cash register didn't add up the totals. It was very old--sort of like a manual typewriter. I became very adept at adding quickly in my head. Once, a guy angrily challenged me and said, "How do you know that's the right total?" I smiled sweetly and said, "Because I do. I can add in my head." If someone had a huge order, I would pull out a napkin and pencil and add the total on that. Of course, we had to be able to count back change (unlike today) but I digress. Several of my friends who were also in the Kiltie Drum Corps started working at the theater so we often had scheduling conflicts with games and parades. Many times, we had to be off at the same time but Mr. Schnaible never complained and would even take a shift himself. What a great first boss. My hourly wage was $1.10. Can you beat that? Let's hear about your first job.