“Some luck lies in not getting what you thought you wanted, but getting what you have, which once you have got it you may be smart enough to see is what you would have wanted had you known.”
– Garrison Keillor (1942 – )
A Prairie Home Companion came to Los Angeles this past weekend. Lake Wobegon was a long way from home when Garrison Keillor brought his well known NPR show to the famed Hollywood Bowl. Regrettably, I let the opportunity slip by to get my tickets to see the rare recording of an actual radio show – a true dwindling art in the world of entertainment.
However, I did have the good fortune to be able to meet Mr. Keillor when he did a book signing the next day at the wonderful Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena. Vroman’s has been a Pasadena staple for over 100 years. It is a beautiful locally owned two-story book store that really understands its community far better than Amazon ever will. They host countless author chats and signings, and champion local community events and causes.
Garrison Keillor, in his white summer suit and trademark red sneakers, was so charming and affable to each and every customer who came out to buy his new Guy Noir and the Straight Skinny book. He exhibited every bit the gentle, down-home persona that you hear on the radio. I was so intrigued by his unique face, that when I came home from the signing, I felt the urge to draw him.
So, enjoy the drawing, and if you aren’t familiar with Garrison Keillor’s work, take a listen any weekend on NPR to his tales of Lake Wobegon “where all the women are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above average.”