Editorial: Memory, ties, marathon, wreaths, library, books, masks

I cashed some checks at Golden 1 recently. Teller Brandon Lopez served me, and to my amazement he remembered a problem he'd helped me with at least three long months ago – about a check made out to my now-defunct publishing company account at another bank. Actually, because my name wasn't on that check, I should have gone to the other bank first. Duh. "How did that work out for you?" Brandon asked, and I fell over myself, impressed he remembered. "I see so many people regularly. I try to remember and recognize them." Good for him. We all try … he succeeds. … At Flour Garden recently, buying a tuna sandwich on rye (I love this sandwich, but for some reason I never buy rye bread; explain that to me, someone), I saw Dallen Bradford's bow tie before I looked at him. One of the bakery's newest employees is making a point about himself and collects bow ties "because I like to be unique," he said. "We have to wear white shirts," and he figured wearing bow ties would be fun and different. He has six, he said, all from Ross. He gets to wear a different one every day. And he says his husband will get a kick seeing that I've written about him. … In some circles, November is National Novel Writing Month. It's a plot (plot, get it?) to urge writers to write a novel in 30 days. If you're interested in learning more about this marathon, you can participate in a 90-minute online workshop on Zoom, on Wednesday, Oct. 21, with writer and freelance editor Rebecca Inch-Partridge. Part of the Gold Country Writers Speakers Series, this workshop is sponsored in part by "Poets & Writers Magazine." Email taleteller2@gmail.com to receive the meeting ID and password. For more information: nanowrimo.org. … Since writing is an art, I'm not changing the subject. The Arts Council of Placer County's Placer Art Studios Tour is coming up pronto. Two weekends: Nov. 6-8 and 13-15. According to placerarts.org, "Taking the latest COVID-19 restrictions into consideration, this year's event will be a virtual Tour, and many studios are open for exclusive viewing by appointment only during the Tour weekends." Ways to make appointments are clarified on the website and in the tour guide. I have loved the Studios Tour for years. It's a wonderful thing for the county, the arts, artists and those who value all three. … Paula Celick plans ahead: It's not December yet, we know that, but she's preparing for the sixth annual Wreaths Across America Wreath Laying Ceremony on veterans' graves on Saturday, Dec. 19. For information about this program, email crowpaula0211@gmail.com or call 530-885-1428. Wreaths are $15 each. Make checks payable to Wreaths Across America and mail to Paula Celick, 12868 Erin Dr., Auburn CA 95603. And please ask her to say hi to Larry LaVerne. According to Paula, "He can't wait to read your column to see if you've printed his name." Ta-da. … I'm so tickled the Auburn Library is open again. It's not the same as it was – there's no place to sit, computers are not available, staff asks all who enter to use hand sanitizer and the number of people who can be in there at one time is limited, but even so … the library's open, I can meander through the stacks and the staff is happy to see people come in. Like me, they wish things could be back to normal, too. But we can't have everything. At least not yet. I chatted with the Weaver family last Wednesday. Mom Keely had 12 (or so) picture books in her arms, and her daughters Regan, 6, Ruari, 4, Rowyn and Ryann, both 3, seemed happy to be there. "We come to the library every other week, now that it's open again," Keely said. A homeschooler, she said when she's having a busy day, the older kids read to the younger ones. I learned Regan is a fan of any story or toy having to do with the movie "Frozen" – in particular, "Elsa and Anna." … I popped into Winston Smith Books with more masks – free for the taking! – and saw Delaney Johnson and her son Walker buying a children's dictionary, among other things. "We realized we didn't have a dictionary anymore," Delaney said, and part of Walker's education is to learn how to use one. My hope: that he discovers the joy of getting lost in his dictionary. But they also discovered a book about dragons: "Wings of Fire," by Tui Sutherland, and a picture book by the venerable Shel Silverstein: "Don't Bump the Glump and Other Fantasies." Speaking of my masks … I thank those of you who leave cash with Glen Sewell to hand over to me when I pop into the bookstore with another handful of masks. I thank you, but it's not necessary. I'm always thrilled to see that the store keeps needing more of my masks that keep getting better because I keep making them. That's my town. Got any items for me? Email me at goldcountrydenizens@gmail.com. And do me two favors: Vote. And stay well.