Looking for Sheriff Longmire: E-Mail from a Concerned (Former) Colleague

About this Trip

I started listening to the audio version Craig Johnson's Sheriff Walt Longmire novels and discovered a fascinating character. I think he might be the perfect man. He's been the sheriff of Absaroka County, Wyoming for over two decades. He's a widower (four years now). He was an English major in college--I'm an English professor--we would have much to talk about. I want to meet him (Sheriff Longmire--Walt--but I'd like to meet Craig Johnson as well). I have one slight problem. I don't know what he looks like. I do have this description, however, as Walter looks in his side-view mirror:

It was a handsome right eye, roguish yet debonaire. The right ear was also evident, a handsome ear as ears go, well formed with a disattached lobe. A sideburn had a little gray, just enough for seasoning, and it blended well with the silver-belly hat.

I loaded up my truck (I think he would like that I have a truck) and recently took off for the magic of Wyoming. I'll be listening to his books during my travels. I have to be back for the beginning of the fall semester, unless . . .

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

E-Mail from a Concerned (Former) Colleague

I received an e-mail from a colleague I worked with at another university.

Susan: I've been following you on Facebook for awhile now, and I have to say I'm concerned. Tell me you haven't really bought a tiny trailer and are driving to Wyoming to meet this . . . this . . . Sheriff Walt Longmire. WHAT ARE YOU THINKING????? He isn't real. Did you do your research? Absaroca County in Wyoming DOESN'T EXIST! Neither does "Walt." Craig Johnson has made it all up. Remember? That's an author's job.

Please let me hear from you soon. Tell me you're just creating some crazy narrative, though I've never known you to be that imaginative. I'm worried about you.

I sent the following response:

---(I won't mention her name)

I'm not sure I understand what you're trying to say. Just because Walt exists in a novel doesn't mean he's not real. I'm fine. Truly. And I so appreciate your concern. But please don't shout. You know how I dislike loud noises.

Hugs,

Susan

P.S.: I just bought some cowboy boots because it seems appropriate for Wyoming. They're Givenchy boots. I think Walt will like them.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...: "...though I've never known you to be that imaginative."
This gets better all the time...; July 27, 2010 at 11:59 PM