The Burrowing Owl Does Broadway!

An Authentic Adventure with a Marco Island Burrowing Owl - Strand Books

Years ago, I set up a Google Alert that generates an email whenever the name "Melissa Waters" appears online. I thought the alert would be useful in case my name was ever to show up on the web. I was curious to see what unexpected news Google would find and report back to me.

Well...the main thing I've learned from this alert is how many Melissa Waterses there are in the world. Rarely does a week go by when I don't get an email about how some other Melissa Waters has publicly succeeded, failed, celebrated, won, lost...the list goes on and on. Which is perfectly fine with me. In a world where personal privacy is increasingly hard to come by, invisible has been my very best look.

Until now!!! At long last, I received a Google Alert about the only Melissa Waters I know...me! And better yet...the email alerted me that my favorite New York City bookstore, Strand Books, is promoting An Authentic Adventure with a Marco Island Burrowing Owl!!! Who'd ever have thunk that my cute little story about a Florida burrowing owl would have made its way to Broadway. Although burrowing owls don't migrate, my sweet little one managed to make it to the big time. Hooty-Hooooooo!!!

Strand Books is New York City's premier independent bookseller. Established in 1927, the Strand remains the sole survivor of New York's Book Row, frequented by famous authors, publishers and distinguished book lovers throughout the years. Click here to learn more about the Strand's rich history, The Strand now operates four bookstores in New York City, plus a beautiful website and online store. I have enjoyed many afternoons shopping the Strand's Broadway store, happily searching their shelves for the perfect read. It's an honor and a privilege to know that my first book is now a part of the Strand's collection. Many thanks to the silent angel who found it and added it to their list.

When I left New York City, I didn't expect that I'd miss the city as much as I did. My plans to move to sunny Marco Island had been many years in the making. I thought I was more than ready to escape the cold weather, noisy neighborhood and job that no longer fulfilled me. But shortly after I arrived in this tropical paradise, I was overcome with homesickness. As awesome as it is on this beautiful island, no longer would the excitement of Manhattan be a short ferry ride away. Iconic city institutions like the Strand are over a thousand miles from my new home. For a while, I missed the city so much that I wondered if my long-distance move was such a good idea after all.

Eventually, I settled into my new life and realized I'd made the right move. I've joined fun organizations and made lots of friends here in Marco Island's amazing, artsy community. I especially enjoy writing and helping other local writers succeed in their creative endeavors. Not to mention our much warmer winter weather, abundant sunshine and the spectacular crescent beach across the street. And although a trip to the city takes a bit more planning than it used to, a treasured visit to family, friends and familiar places up north is only a short flight away. I'm grateful to belong to the best of both worlds.

Speaking of which...it's been a long time! I'm way overdue for a trip to NYC, highlighted by a cozy afternoon at Strand Books. My travel plans are now in order.

Next time you visit NYC, be sure to stop by this wonderful bookstore as well. Or if you're shopping for books while away from both NYC and Marco Island, find An Authentic Adventure in the Strand's great online store.