My Continuing Education

My Continuing Education Last Saturday I went to the Southern Festival of Books at the Legislative Plaza to wander around the stacks of reading materials just to see what jumped out at me. I was hoping to see Terri Merriman who co-wrote a terrific book based on the former High Sheriff in Wilson County Terry Ashe, . http://www.amazon.com/Ashes-Bluebird-Sheriff-Terry-Ashe/dp/1937763390 I found what I was looking for and sat down to enjoy the live music. As the singer from South Carolina was wrapping up her set I got a tap on my shoulder. There stood a fellow whom I guessed was about my age, but less ‘robust than I’ He pulled up a chair and told me a complicated sob story about his car being towed and the loss of his credit card along with the burden of paying the towage fee. When I heard all the story I was thinking, “you can’t make this stuff up!” Then he asked me to “Trust him for $12.50.” I was agreeable and gave him $15.00. He took my mailing info down so he could repay my, and we parted ways. When I began my trek toward home it crossed my mind that it was certainly possible to make up such a convoluted story! So here it is a week later and “my good friend” has probably lost my mailing information, since I have yet to hear from him. So the story of my life goes on and my education continues. Life is a roller coaster ride with bumps along the way. Fifteen Dollars is a relatively small price to pay. It will be difficult to avoid making this same mistake in the future since it is against my nature not to help someone who appears to be in need. I just wonder how many other well intentioned attendees at the book festival heard his spiel.