Janet was moving to New Mexico and starting work on a new project at Netflix. We had a quick close and she was scheduled to take possession on Tuesday. I was sweeping out the garage when she pulled into the driveway.
“Hi. You must be Rivers. I’m Janet Stahl, the new owner. I know I’m a little early, but I couldn’t wait to get here. I love what you’ve done with the house.”
“Well, hello, . . . Janet . . . and thank you. It’s a pleasure to meet you in person after all the paperwork . . . I’m just finishing up here, but you’re welcome to come in if you’d like. Tomorrow I guess this little jewel is all yours. Welcome to the Land of Enchantment.”
“Oh boy, I have to say it’s a different world after New York. Let me ask you something: I saw the instruments when I first looked at the property. Who’s the musician?”
“That’s me. I just finished recording a collection of instrumentals featuring resophonic guitars, if you know what that is.”
“Are you kidding? That’s like a ‘dobro’ isn’t it?”
“Exactly.”
“Talk about a small world; we’re hoping to get Jerry Douglas as music producer for this project. He’s married to my cousin Janine.”
“No kidding? I heard about your movie from our real estate agent. She said it’s a western?”
“With Robert Duval co-producing. He plays an aging rancher who is losing touch with reality and about to move into an assisted living facility. We start shooting in August.”
“Wow, talk about art imitating life. What’s the film called?”
“The working title is ‘Dogie,’ you know, like an orphaned calf? Listen, I’d really like to talk to you sometime about who the hot local players are out here. There are a few scenes in the movie that will need live music playing, if you know anybody I should contact.”
“Well, sure. I could give you some names. How about lunch tomorrow. There’s a café about a mile from here.”
“I saw it when I drove over. The R n’R, isn’t it?”
“That’s the place. How’s noon.”
“Earlier would be better. Maybe breakfast?”
“9 A.M. okay?”
“Perfect. See you then.”
I don’t know why I’m surprised. Miracles were a big part of the stories I heard as a child: fat man down the chimney, rabbit with candy, storks and siblings, and ‘it’s all going to work out just fine.’
Harpeth Rivers is a true believer based in New Mexico
