I have had about 24 hours in the deep South after what seemed an endless path he...

I have had about 24 hours in the deep South after what seemed an endless path here. I must say that I was very taken with the town of Oxford, Mississippi, home of Faulkner, where I read at Square Books, an incredible store. Before the reading, I confessed that I don't much like Faulkner but worship another Mississippian, Eudora Welty (not to mention Kevin Sessums, godfather of Bettyville). Not everyone realizes that, in addition to being one of the greatest hearts and comic minds in American letters, Eudora took lovely photographs. Her career as a photographer began, I believe, with work for the WPA. I lost my book of her photos (the little black girls at church in their angels wings are favorites) some years back. But I was able to replace it at Square Books where there was a friendly crowd. Afterwards, the air was so fragrant and the sky was glorious. I look forward to coming to Memphis later to read and see my friends Bruce and Susie--and go on to visit the elephant sanctuary.