It's all relative

Today I had the privilege of interviewing Brooke McEldowney, author of 9 Chickweed Lane and Pibgorn at ComicCon 2009 in New York. It was a wonderful experience. In the course of the interview, a very brazen thief managed to walk off with my computer bag, which was sitting right next to us. Fortunately, the computer itself, and all my other camera equipment, were not in the bag.

Yes, I felt violated. Yes, it's inconvenient. Yes, it will cost me a bit to replace the material items, and the sketches that were in the book are, for the most part, irreplaceable. And, it didn't take me long to put things into perspective.

So let's take stock:

1 Computer bag. Value: $99.00
3 Books. Value: about $60.00
1 HP Laptop Charger. Value: About $80.00
1 Treo connection cord. Value: About $50.00
1 Sketchbook. Value: $7.95
A few other odds and ends. Value: $10.00
Having a home to return to, where all my life resides: Priceless.



When I think of the torment being endured by so many in Australia whose lives have been destroyed or shattered by the terrible wildfires going on there right now, my pitiful loss pales in comparison.

The folks who saw my bag as an opportunity will feel smart and clever for a few minutes, hock my stuff for probably $10.00 at the max, and carry a burden of guilt around with them for a lifetime. Poor trade, if you ask me.

Now, off to visit a cousin and then look forward to a wonderful dinner with friends. I'm blessed beyond measure, and far beyond my deserts.

[EDIT: For the happy ending to this story, see here