An idea borne on the wind

My friend Cally, sat in the chair and spread her arms, “I’ve had this idea for many months, Luella but I’ve never been able to get anybody interested in buying my lovely greeting cards. They’re just there, day after day and nothing happens.”

“Just do it,” I said.

Cally frowned at me, “What do you mean, ‘just do it?’”

I repeated, “Just do it, Cally.”

Cally sent me another frown, “I know you Luella, and you expect everything to be peachy keen.”

I wanted to stir her up. My voice turned a little crisp. “I’ve never told you before Cally, but I don’t like your dog.”

“You don’t like my dog?”

“And Miss Cally, since you haven’t noticed, I’ll tell you. Arnie Backman wants to take you to the college concert next week.”

Cally’s face turned a delicate pink. “He wants to take me—?”

“Yes Cally, and even though I won’t like it, I will watch your dog at my house while you’re gone.”

“You’ll watch my dog? And — and—I never dreamed that Arnie would—?”

I could barely keep from laughing. “Cally, it’s the same idea you’ve been carrying around thinking nobody would ever enjoy those beautiful handmade birthday cards you make. Let’s go take a walk.”

The wind picked up. Cally grasped her bag of precious cards. I had an idea. “Hold my arm, Cally.”

Before she could say no we were at the door of her neighbor, Mrs. Franzen. Within three minutes Mrs. Franzen was holding a handful of Cally’s cards. She nodded her head as Cally showed her the beauty of her own creations.

Now Cally and I were almost home. Cally talked continually, “Mrs. Franzen wants four of these and she asked me to make a dozen for next week. Can you believe it, Luella?”

I was the one who nodded now, “Yes, I believe. This is just your beginning, Cally. And by the way, I really do like your dog.”

Luella Dow is a Cheney-area author. She can be reached with article suggestions at [email protected].