You’ve left town – ditching your old, miserable life – hoping to start a new life for yourself. You’ve given yourself a new name, fake background and style. Write about your first encounter in your new town. ~ Writer’s Digest
Writing Time: 15 minutes
Carmen Best. I’ve always liked this name, at least, Carmen. As for “Best,” it was more of a way of thinking as I strive for a better life with a new identity in Santa Fe. It’s much cooler here, especially with ears exposed from a quick chop at a salon. Think the girl may have been new — I let her dye it. Perhaps that was a mistake, not sure this auburn color is me. But maybe, it is Carmen.
Life in Santa Fe began when responding to an ad for help in a holistic gift shop (crystals and the like). It’s the on-season and there’s not much time for training as I try to organize the shelves and remember the names Selenite, Kyanite and Amethyst and the various healing properties from balancing to kidney restoration. While trying to appear busy while contemplating a garnet stone, someone taps me lightly on the shoulder. It’s a neighbor from my previous life but she doesn’t seem to recognize me. Auburn was an excellent choice and I’m glad I encouraged the salon girl to go for it.
After depositing my neighbor at the crystal singing bowls, I wonder if perhaps I should have considered some spelling variation of Gypsy into my new name. But this, it dawns on me, would have been hokey and I’m satisfied with the knowledge that at first-attempt, I am a successful gypsy woman.
Littlest Martha 