The Big Apple

* Photos taken by Jill Williams

My trip to New York was really fabulous.  I had a chance to catch up with old friends (including a former student who is now a dynamo teacher in the south Bronx), meet new ones, and make contacts for Circle de Luz, Hijas Americanas, and my freelancing.  I also ate great food and saw lots of the city (well, at least, lots of Manhattan and the Bronx).  But here’s the serendipitous moment I promised:  

As I am signing the last book for someone after the Barnes and Noble reading and Q&A, I see a young woman come around the corner with Hijas Americanas in her hands.  When she sees me, she covers her eyes for a moment and then moves her hands to her mouth as if in shock.  Of course, I think, does she think I am somebody else?  Anyway, I look at her and say, “Would you like me to sign that for you?”  She walks up to me and says, “Yes,” but then says, “I have to tell you what just happened.  A few days ago, I asked a friend to recommend a book to me and she said, “Oh, I am in the middle of reading this book that you just have to read.  I am not going to loan you mine because I won’t get it back and this one is one you have to keep.  It’s called Hijas Americanas.”  So I decided to stop by the bookstore when I was driving by tonight and when I was buying the book at the counter, they said, “you know she is over there right?” 

How is that for some serendipity?  It was a great story that made me smile and I just had to get a picture of her.  Thanks, Noemi!