This week’s ‪#‎DeForestKelley‬ Tuesday Teaser Question is…

 

“Why did DeForest Kelley  introduce the author of DeForest Kelley Up Close and Personal, A Harvest of Memories from the Fan Who Knew Him Best as Krazy Kris at so many conventions and in his foreword to her book Let No Day Dawn that the Animals Cannot Share?”

 

 

 

 

Excerpt from DeForest Kelley Up Close and Personal, A Harvest of Memories from the Fan Who Knew Him Best

 

De’s next convention would take place in Dearborn, Michigan. I made arrangements to stay with a pen pal, Jeannie Armstrong, and then I had a T- shirt especially made to wear for the occasion. After that, I informed my boss when I would be using my vacation time, and for what reason. Yikes!

 

Unfortunately, our store was having its annual Tent Sale—the biggest sales event of the year—and so he refused to let me get away. Heartbroken, I called Jeannie and told her that I wouldn’t be able to attend, but said I’d send the T-shirt, and she could wear it to the convention. The T-shirt read: “NO BONES ABOUT IT: I’m a DeForest Kelley Fan!” and had “DeForest” and “Carolyn” written down each sleeve, with hearts where the O’s belonged. It was one cool-looking shirt! I wrote to the Kelley to be looking for the lady with the most terrific Kelley shirt on the planet.

 

Amazingly enough, De did look for the T-shirt, had Jeannie model it, and then explained how he had met me twenty years earlier. At that point, he got nostalgic or tickled or something and said, “I get a lot of wonderful mail, and I read it all—I want you to know that—but it is impossible for me to become a pen pal.” Everyone laughed at that, of course understanding. Then he said, “If there’s anyone I should write to, it should be Kris… and I have, on occasion…” Then he half-laughed, “I’ve had to answer her a couple times. But it’s impossible, even with her, even those we have some kind of personal situation for…” and he trailed off without finishing the thought. Well, Jeannie sent me a videotape of that appearance, and when I watched it I was so touched. Then I suddenly felt guilty, thinking he really might be sitting up nights feeling badly that he wasn’t writing as often as I was (although Carolyn was certainly doing her best to keep up with me all along). So, I took out a pen and I wrote a heartfelt letter telling De that he didn’t owe me a thing–that it was me who owed him.

 

Well, enter “Krazy Kris”. For some reason, the day I knew the note had to have reached him, the mischievous side of me got inspired! (Thank You, God!) I started to giggle, and I started to type. (Or, rather, Krazy Kris did.) I pictured him at home, reading this heartfelt, “don’t feel guilty” letter, while Krazy Kris was writing:

 

 

Dear Penpal,

 

 

Why haven’t you written?! I’ve been sitting here looking forlorn for almost a year now. (Okay, so it’s only been seven months. Time FLIES when one is forlorn.) I’m not one to notice these things, and I know how busy you are, but WHERE’S MY AUTOGRAPHED PHOTO? [I had never even asked for an autographed photo!] I am incensed! I have an empty spot on my wall – there’s only one small empty spot left – that’s just the right size for a photo of—who? But, of course, I suppose I could put a photo of SPOCK there—but it wouldn’t go with the rest of my De-cor, if you get my drift.

 

So, if you want to stay in my good graces (and good gracious, of course you do!) SEND ME A PICTURE! And sign it something short and sweet like “To My Dear Penpal (who belongs in a pen!) with warmest regards and hugs and kisses and Saurian brandy, Bones.” (And don’t worry if you can’t see the picture afterwards. I have plenty of pictures, but no signed ones!)

 

Grin! It looks great on you!

 

XOX

Krazy Kris

 

P.S. I lock her up when I see you. Aren’t you glad???

 

Join the fun as we launch DeForest Kelley Up Close and Personal this coming Friday-through-Sunday, January 8 through 10th at Amazon! Here’s the  Link to DeForest Kelley Book Launch Event Jan 8 2016