But, my child, let me give you some further advice: Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out. That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. – Ecclesiastes 12:12-13

This is living in a small town.

It’s Wednesday morning and I am walking up Saint Patrick Street through the cool, clear sunlight, a paperback tucked under my arm. I cut across the Town Common, the scent of fresh-cut grass filling the air, passing the lovely historic homes on Park Avenue then turning up Main, a street framed by oak trees that have likely been here since the 1800s.

I pause to breathe in the freshness of the day, not at all in a hurry because, “why?” The impressive homes display a united front of old world grace, southern charm and colorful shrubbery, the sound of birdsongs fills the air, the day is perfect.

I reach the public library just a few clicks ahead of 10:30 and make my way back to the room where one of the bookclubs meets. I shake a few hands, learn a few names, sit down and pull a few notes out of the volume I am carrying; it is one of mine.

I am not sure the morning could have been more idyllic. A relaxed walk on a pitch-perfect spring day, through the historic district and across the common to meet with a bookclub comprised of delightful people who have chosen to read one of my stories (Suddenly the Light was Gone)

As I walk home I look up through the canopy to see a thousand shades of green, and I think maybe a few million more new leaves have burst out in the past hour. And that sky! Carolina Blue.

So I pause, I give thanks, and I pray for peace in this good country – DEREK