This afternoon I went to a book signing by a local author. As I approached the table the author looked up and said, ‘Well, there’s my favorite cousin’. Immediately, my mind started churning trying to come up with the connection. It wasn’t an unreasonable presumption that I was somehow related to this individual. I’ve often said that you can’t spit around here without hitting one of my cousins. My mom is one of 10 and my father is one of 5. Both of my parents are from very prolific families and have dozens of cousins of their own. So I’m often told by someone that they are my cousin and I have no earthly idea where they are connected.
As I stood there smiling like an idiot trying to ascertain the relationship the author wrote in my book: ‘To Cindy, my favorite cousin.’
I became embarrassed, but at a loss as to how to correct the mistaken identity without embarrassing this author. But I didn’t get an opportunity because he began introducing me to his co-author who signed my book and said, ‘You’re related to this guy?’ Before I could answer he said, ‘Yes, she’s my cousin.’ Oh dear. So I kept on smiling as they handed my book to a third person sitting there who had written a short story in the book.
And then to complete the awkwardness… the author decided to take a picture. So I stood there smiling and holding my book while he took my picture. Well, now there is evidence of the mistake. Crap. I can envision him showing the picture around to family and someone saying, ‘That’s not Cindy.’ The author will then wonder who came to his book signing with an uncanny resemblance to his cousin. He will also probably wonder why I didn’t correct the mistake. I’m wondering that myself.
But I was very amused. Normally, I would have hung around and visited with the group a bit. But I decided a quick escape would be the best way to avoid further embarrassment and awkwardness for both of us. So I quickly walked out of the bookstore and straight to my car grinning like an idiot. When I had closed the door, started the engine and cranked the stereo, I burst out laughing. Then I laughed all the way home.
iWof asked me what was so funny when I walked in the house chuckling. iWof is very literal. I recanted the story and he said, ‘But now you have a book that says: To Cindy.’ I explained, ‘But that’s the beauty of it. It’s a great story and so funny. I have this autographed book and a really funny story.’ He finally saw the humor. I asked him if he thought I should have corrected the guy. He said no it would have embarrassed him.
The whole incident explains a lot. Often, when I am out and about people come up to me and start talking like they know me. Most of the time I have no freaking idea what they are talking about but I go with it. I’m always afraid it is someone I’ve met and just don’t remember. I have that memory thing going on, you know. So I’ve gotten really good at smiling and nodding and going with the flow until the painful conversation ends. Maybe people think I am Cindy. Perhaps by the time they realize their error it is just too darned awkward to correct their mistake.
But WOW. I have a twin named Cindy. We look so much alike that even our relatives are fooled. Maybe there is something my mother isn’t telling me……….
Update: I told my friend That'sSoS about the incident. I told her when she published her book I wanted her to sign my copy to Cindy. She said no, she would sign Cindy's copy to Rene. TSS is all about the balance. I'm all about the comedy.
Update: I told my friend That'sSoS about the incident. I told her when she published her book I wanted her to sign my copy to Cindy. She said no, she would sign Cindy's copy to Rene. TSS is all about the balance. I'm all about the comedy.
