Another Fine Evening

Another Fine Evening
By John R. Greenwood

Friends, readers, dog lovers, and more all gathered with soft smiling faces in a warm hearted bookstore. Peace enveloped each foot step as they entered the wonderful world of words. My friend Jon Katz, "The Encourager", was about to launch his newest book, "The Second Chance Dog" - a book about love and second chances. A story that was destined for greatness-written or not. I arrived early at Battenkill Books in hopes of taking a quick shelf browse before the crowd arrived. It was nice to experience the pre-event simmer as other early birds stalked the patient, book-filled shelves looking for words of inspiration, love, and maybe a little adventure. Many arriving faces took on a familiar tone as if I knew them all by name. Generous hosts passed out delicious maple cookies. Bedlam Farm followers clip-clopped the hardwood floors with quiet anticipation of the books author Jon Katz, his wife, artist Maria Wulf , and the star of the evening Frieda the 'Helldog'. Yes this was going to be another fine evening provided by Battenkill Books and Hubbard Hall's Curiosity Forum.

These seemingly simple evenings have become an important part of my life. I relish new acquaintances and experiences because they keep me vital in the world. Jon used that word a  few times during the evening. I too look at life with open eyes  and open mind. This little chunk of Cambridge has become an oasis for me. It all started with my association with Jon and the Hubbard Hall Writers and it has fueled my spirit for the last couple of years. It was a wonderful feeling to see so many like minded people enjoying a popular man as he shared his extraordinary story so openly and with an authenticity that is so lacking in today's world. 

Thanks again Connie Brooks (Battenkill Books), Leslie Parke Studio (Curiosity Forum Supporter), and Deb Foster (Hubbard Hall Marketing Director), for your time and effort providing your community with such meaningful events. Your commitment to the arts and artists in your backyard is a commodity that pays dividends that can't always be measured in dollars and cents. Changing lives would be a hard gem to value. I can tell you from this man's perspective it is priceless.