D’oh!

I'm going to go out on a limb here and share one of my "D'OH!" stories with you, in hopes that you'll find it entertaining enough not to think I'm a complete idiot.

(Pregnant pause.)

Here's the story:

A couple of years ago, I was helping a school organize a big 10th anniversary celebration.  Some of its theme included generosity, growth, and trees.  Well, naturally I thought of that classic children's book THE GIVING TREE, by Shel Silverstein.

And while I was at it, the brilliant idea came to me that would be both meaningful, and make for a wonderful public relations event.  At the celebration, why not invite the author, Shel Silverstein, to come and give a keynote address, and even do a reading for the children at the school.  It would be a wonderful win-win, as we could invite the media, and give Mr. Silverstein a chance to meet the local community, and the school could also gain some inroads with the publicity of this event.

So, I went ahead and looked up Mr. Silverstein's website, which looked very active, up to date, and fun.  But I couldn't find a contact button.   No problem, a lot of authors like their privacy, and I was sure that someone as well-known as he would appreciate that.  So I searched and found the name of his agent.  I even got the agent's email address.

Immensely pleased with the results of my research, I felt that things were going my way, and this might actually happen!  So I sent off the email, and got ready to wait for a few days before worrying that it might not get answered.

Well, in just a few hours, I got a reply from the agent.

I was truly excited, but at the same time, I realized there was a big possibility that my request for Mr. Silverstein to come and be the keynote speaker at the event, and read to the children of the school would be declined.  Anyway, I clicked on the email, prepared for anything.

But never in a million years was I prepared for the actual answer.

Here is what Mr. Silverstein's agent said:

Shel Silverstein died in 1999.

Best,

 

Mr. Agent (name has been changed for this blog post.)

 

After I picked my jaw off the floor, and stopped slapping my forehead, I realized how grateful I was that Mr. Agent was kind enough to keep his reply brief and not further embarrass me.

I still laugh at myself when I think of this story, despite being sad that Shel Silverstein had passed away without my realizing.  But it reminds me not to take my mistakes, or those of others too seriously.

So, what's you're "D'OH!" story?  I'd love to hear about it in the comments section!