gerisullivan | Another time and place...

"Daddy -- Remember the guy who played the guitar at my apt. last summer? This is his first book. I enjoyed reading it, even though I'm not an avid science fiction reader. Hope you enjoy it! Love, geri"

And the inscription:
"14-May-83
For Dan-Gerri's Father--
[Book title & author]
with regards
and all that stuf..."

Followed by the familiar, indecipherable signature of Steven K. Zoltan Brust.

Twenty-one years later on the very same date, I bought Toad Woods.

Tucked inside that paperback of Jhereg, is a postcard of the Henry VIII Inn and Lodge in Bridgeton, MO.

"Dear Daddy,

Hi! I'm in St. Louis for the week-end! I'm at Czarkon, a small convention - drove/rode down in Fred's van Thursday late night, along with Steve & Reen Brust. I've never been in Missouri before, or through Iowa for that matter - but know [sic] I have added 2 more states to my list of those visited/seen. The convention is quiet, but fun. Merry Christmas! Love, geri"

Czarkon quiet? That's not a term I've ever considered using to describe it since.