Nell was stressed out. The situation with the Northwoodsman and eating everything in sight was driving her crazy. She knew she couldn’t continue her addictive behavior. She decided to take the bull by the horns on both fronts and put a challenge to Northwoodsman on her blog. She’d offer to meet him at a public place and see what he did. She’d also take control of her eating habits. Seriously.
Nell was sure her friends wouldn’t think meeting Northwoodsman was a wise idea, but she knew she had to do it. She would be in a public place with people around. What would he dare try?
Having a plan of action made her feel better immediately. She didn’t like being helpless and unsure of what to do. She was a strong woman, so now she’d act like one.
Nell brought out the leashes to the ecstatic joy of her boys. She hooked them up and out the door they went. She enjoyed the walk without worrying that someone was following her or watching her every move. Fall was in the air and soon the trees would start to turn color. Nell loved autumn in Wisconsin. The reds, oranges, and golden leaves always filled her with contentment. It also made her think of the wonderful fall harvest. She so loved the foods of the season—the hearty stews, acorn squash, and yes, of course, pumpkin pie.
Everything in moderation was going to be her new motto. Life would be thoroughly enjoyed and she would not be afraid.
She spent the remainder of the day thinking about where a safe place to meet Northwoodsman was and composing her challenge to him. She wanted it to be worded just right. She didn’t want to sound overly aggressive, but firm and unafraid. This invitation to meet would go out on her blog for all of her followers to see. Certainly a drawback was that some of them might decide to come to the designated place at the chosen time just to check out what happened. Some may want to look this guy over and some may feel the need to protect her. Nell definitely didn’t want to make a scene, or possibly put someone else in danger. She must make her followers understand her concern.
Another potential problem was where to meet. Nell would like Sam and Benita to be there in the background unseen, but could recognize Northwoodsman if it was anyone they knew. Nell would suggest Sam’s Slam, but then they’d know almost everyone who came in there. It had to be somewhere else. Maybe one of them or one of her other friends would have an idea. Of course, her friends would all probably try to talk her out of it.
After writing out several possibilities on her laptop of what to post, she resolved to send:
Nell
Northwoodsman, you say you would like to meet me. I am not sure why. Do you personally want to berate me for my reviews? Would you say something to me in person that you’d be afraid to write on my blog? Even though it is against my better judgment, I will meet with you. Friday at 2:00 at “yada, yada, yada.” Other followers, do not show up to join us. It’s not a public event. You will not be welcome.This is something that is between Northwoodsman and me. Please.
Friday was the day after tomorrow, which was very soon, but Nell just wanted to get it over and done. She’d come up with a place to meet and fill it in. She was going to sleep on it. Tomorrow she’d look it over again, decide on a meeting spot, and post it.
The relief Nell felt was almost life-altering. It had only been a little over two weeks since this whole debacle began. She felt as if she’d aged ten years. However, now she had a totally different attitude. Nell was ready to face down this danger.
She called George and Newmie and let them out for their last pee of the night. Then they snuggled up in bed next to her. It wasn’t until she turned the light off that she realized she had not eaten supper. She hadn’t even been hungry, but that had never stopped her before. She smiled a secret smile. This was her new beginning and Nell was anxious to take charge of it.