Pushing Leaves Towards the Sun

He-who-was-about-to-be conjured his first thought, “The longest journey begins with a single step—this one inside the Greenwich Library to pick up an application for my new library card—and exist, at least on paper. This is going to be like one stop shopping, I hope. I call this, ‘Abusing the library’s own resources.’” Dylan was talking to his real self.

“Did you know that an envelope can be made from a single sheet of paper? Easily. First, I photocopy the telephone company’s logo from a real long distance bill near the top left corner of a blank page. Thankfully, their logo is black and white. Color envelopes would seem like a wasteful extra expense for them, and me too, while trying to copy it. Of course those telephone bastards would just pass the extra cost on to their customers. Thankfully they don’t, unlike my electric company. I only need one utility bill for this project though, so I chose the one with the black and white logo.”

He grinned with a devilish satisfaction, then continued, “Next, with a few folds and cuts, the sheet becomes an envelope. A little twist-open paste tube joins it all together nicely. Also nice is that the library has electric typewriters available. I love the free resources of a wealthy town—so thoughtful. Time to address my masterpiece to my new self:

Dylan Donovan
53 Greenwich Av
Apartment 8
Greenwich, CT 06830

“Add a stamp and voila! Once it’s postmarked, I’ll be back with my handmade utility bill envelope and a completed application to request my very first ID card, all courtesy of the Greenwich Library. I might even check out a book. I’ve been wanting to read Catch Me if You Can.”