Truth be told, I am nervous about this interview. In a small town, the weekly paper ties folks together like bailing wire. It has ripple effects too. A harsh editorial or article can run you crazy. There is no rock big enough to hide you. So, with trepidation I await my talk about my book in the morning. All the clatter on television about Sarah Palin furthers my doubts.

Maybe I won’t bomb like her. One network even used the word “stupid” for her delivery. For an instant, I felt compassion for her on that one. Maybe I have empathy because I will be the subject of conversation in our little paper next week. I want to feel the power of womanhood surge through my veins. Maybe all women cringe when another female cracks under pressure. In her case, it is often more of a fly-over answer. I may have to utilize that technique.

I hope I can go to sleep tonight. In past years, I wondered if our local paper would report either of our sons’ pitching records correctly. I crossed my fingers hoping they might be on the front page of the tiny sports section. I lost sleep enough. When our daughter was part of the state championship drama team in 1997, I bought a truckload of papers. The kids have had their glory days. Now I have a shot at fame.

My press kit is ready to go. I have written a half dozen blurbs about my book. If only I could get Sarah Palin and her Teflon smile out of my head. Then and only then, will I be able to think straight. ALL ROADS LEAD TO HAZARD, has cut a path for me. I take the first step in the morning. Maybe this qualifies me for vice president.