Which should have a subtitle of “I’m pissed off at humanity.”
On my way around the trail, I plucked an oak leaf from a tree. In the sunlight, that leaf–still attached to the tree–looked like it was brilliant red, a dark, ruby color. It was the perfect shape and form, and I was sure it would make a good picture, if I could just get it in the right light.
One day, “Mi Patron” is excellent. The next? In my face about any one of a number of my shortcomings as his field agent. Never work for friends, strains credibility. My credulity is stressed enough as it is.
Up and down at work, and off for a part of my Saturday to work in the office again. Not exactly my idea of relaxing weekend.
I’ve done half dozen readings in the last week, but that really doesn’t cover much. And there’s been an extraordinary amount of hate-mail in my inbound mail.
I thought about posting some of the mail here, along with my replies, but then thought better of myself. While I was riding the bus, I started to compose a form letter reply to have handy, for the next round of “You suck” notes.
“Thank you for taking the time to write in! I appreciate your thoughtful, nicely-worded, and well-thought-out critique. I’m sure my editor will take your criticism under consideration for next week.
“I’m sorry that exactly 1/12 of the column doesn’t meet with your expectations. While every effort is made to make fit the column to your needs, and I adhere to strict policy of nothing but facts, occasionally, errors do occur. I certainly am sorry for any pain and suffering this has caused you.”
Sincerely, &etc.
There. I feel better.
Funny thing was, that one oak leaf? It didn’t look so wonderful once I had it in my hand. The edges were brown and brittle, the winter decay had set in, and it wasn’t nearly as colorful as it had been. Must’ve been a trick of the light, [utl=http://www.astrofish.net/weblog/comments.php?id=P402_0_1_0_C>behind it.
