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First Freedom

The first is always the best
by Slik-Bic
August 30, 2007
The hunt was on. Not to find a book already wild but to send a tame one out into the great unknown. The decision to attempt this foolhardy release was fraught with questions: would someone find it, what if it rained, what if I hid it too well, don't want it found too easily either though, would someone read it, would anyone journal an entry? Where shall I put it? Should it be somewhere related to the book itself or its story?

OK, calm down, I had to tell myself. Online, I purchased all I would need. Plastic, resealable bags proved the answer to the rain. All prepared to release a beast but which one? A number of books would be considered worthy but I wanted one particular one so I would recall it always. Two books were chosen because I (a) enjoyed them and (b) one was hard cover; the other paperback. I loaded them online, parceled them up, grabbed the dogs and my man and off we went to find suitable temporary lodgings. It was with mixed feelings that this journey took me. I felt a little strange lurking around with a book under my arm feeling part of a clandestine operation, and surprisingly a little sad to let go of such interesting reads. However, the adrenalin had already started pumping by the time we got into our car.

We'd already selected the venue (a large and frequented park, the scene of many sports yet also visited by many dog owners). Now to find the right place. A large split-trunked tree was the first spot - perfect for a story about tornadoes and murder. Second was the park bench - psychological thrillers need a place to lie down. Back to the computer to tell the world, well hint really, that there were two books needing capture.

Then wait... wait... wait...

Not surprisingly the bench took first find. I was pleased. Every visit to the park we noted the tree hadn't given up its treasure until one day it was gone.

We waited... waited... waited...

Success! Both were journaled and one was flying to Australia! I was so excited. Not only had I become a Hunter but now I was a Freedom-Giver. I can't believe the joy and stimulation that giving away books gave me. I've about 100 more books in one case and more to go. Now which shall I choose next...?

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