Dear Esteemed Readers and Teresums,
The impossible has become possible!
Indeed, the impossible has gone beyond that.
The impossible has become…has happened!
Namely, I have made a mistake. I have have messed up. And it is not even Teresums’ fault this time. For once, it is not her fault.
I have been recommending Tom Robbins novel Even Cowgirls Get the Blues to you for a couple weeks now. I must now do a complete flip-flop and urge you to approach the novel with caution, if at all.
Here’s what happened. My memory failed me. And I failed to properly double-check the rascal — that is, my memory — in order to be sure it wasn’t failing me.
As it happens, Even Cowgirls Get the Blues is a deeply flawed novel. I should have remembered that, because — now that it’s all coming back to me — I had some serious questions about it when I read it 40 years ago. But over time I only retained the good parts, the positive things about the novel, and not the things that had once caused me pause.
I tend to do the same with people. Over time, I remember their strengths and forget their weaknesses. Unless, of course, their weakness is to cast aspersions on my extraordinary good looks. Somethings are truly unforgettable — and unforgivable.
Over the course of 40 years I forgot all about Robbins’ juvenile characterization of female sexuality and only recalled his magnificent treatment of being true to ourselves.
As you might recall, I offered the novel as a prize to the winners of my random drawing. Tonight I conducted the drawing. I know I said there would be two winners, but some events led me to decide there would be three winners instead.
However, I then thought to refresh my memory of Cowgirls at the very last minute before ordering the books. Bummer! Shock! Bummer!
So I have emailed the three winners of free copies of his novel, given them the “news”, and encouraged them to pick out a different novel of their choice.
What really chagrins me about all this is that in recent years I have tried to form a habit of double-checking my facts, and I was under the impression until today that I was succeeding in getting into that habit. But why didn’t Teresums remind me to double-check my memory of Cowgirls? I shall be having words with her.
And the winners are:
Each shall receive a copy of any book of their choice from Amazon up to $20 US. A small surprise book will also be included in the shipment — since I like to surprise people. And of course, autographed pics of me blogging in the nude.
what a great contest you did! that is so cool.
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Thank you so much, Wendi! I’m glad you liked it. Did you see the drawing I’m doing to promote Jane’s blog?
https://cafephilos.blog/2019/04/04/i-need-your-help-help-me-annoy-jane/
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I really did, thank you. No, I must not have noticed it, but I will check it out.
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Now I’m confused! Also, I’m more than ever curious to read the book. Your cycle of promotion/disparagement intrigues me. Also, concerning this: ” Over time, I remember their strengths and forget their weaknesses.” here are my strengths, stated so that you may be sure to remember. Three will do. Repeat after me: “Carla: creative, hard-working, pious.” Paul, what three strengths would you like to be remembered for? (I’ve got my notebook ready to scratch them down).
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It fascinates me that, of all your strengths you pick those three. Good picks, but why those three?
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Thanks for asking, Paul. Creative because creativity brings the most joy to my life. Hard working because I take so much pride in work that I do, whether it be making dinner or serving my patients and co-workers at my job. Pious because I believe, I adore, I love and place all my hope in God. In my humility I exercise faith in my church and I follow its tenets to the best of my ability.
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That is quite interesting, Carla. I like everything you said.
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I’ve been thinking all day about your question, and I’m still drawing a blank. I’ll keep thinking.
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Shame on you failing to remember such important thing after only 40 years!!!!
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There you go, Paul: nobody’s perfect all the time, so give yourself (and us) a break, hey? 🙂
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