I know that just because you may like my writing doesn't necessarily mean you share my politics. And over the years I've had enough good Republican friends--people I know to be intelligent, compassionate and fair-minded--that I'm not about to write anyone off because they don't want to vote for the same candidate I support. I also believe it's important to keep the dialogue going, among people of differing views. Who would I be, if I asked you to listen to what I write and say, and never listened back, to you?
To me, there has never within memory been an election in which the fundamental philosophical lines were more clearly drawn, concerning what the function of government should be in our lives, and the meaning of citizenship. I won't make a speech here. We've all heard plenty of them, and no doubt more will come. But if, like me, you hold the belief that the best way to ensure the well being of all our citizens, rather than the privileged few, is to re-elect President Obama, then I'd like to invite you to my house.
On Sunday, September 30, I'll be throwing the doors openhere for a pie party. (Forty guests, maximum. Five spots left for bakers, and 11 spots left for pie-eaters.) I'll be hosting those who make a $100 contribution to the Obama campaign for a get-together of pie a-la-mode in my living room. Contribute $225 and come early, for a personally-supervised pie lesson. (And you'll bring home your pie.) Then stay for my pie. Everyone who attends will also receive an autographed copy of one of my books (At Home in the World, or Labor Day -- whichever you prefer). And one more thing. You'll have a wonderful time.
If you'd like to attend, I'm asking that you email my assistant, Melissa, at melissa@joycemaynard.com. She'll confirm there is still a place open for you, then send directions, parking instructions, and explain how you can make your contribution. (Just email in your electronic receipt, but keep the tax deduction, and if you are already maxed-out on contributing, make a deduction to the A.C.L.U. fund to protect the right of citizens to vote. )
I'd love to bake with you. And come up with some dough in support of values I believe the majority of Americans hold dear while we're doing it.
With friendship,
Joyce Maynard
P.S. While we're talking, I want to remind you there is ONE SPOT STILL OPEN for the St. Simons Island Intensive Memoir Workshop, Write By The Beach. If you're interested -- or if you'd like to joining me and my co-teachers, Adam Stumacher and Jennifer DeLeon at my Lake Atitlan Writing Workshop this coming February -- send Melissa an email.
