Trying again

Last night, I was sitting in a bookstore. Of course. And I was reading a book about learning theory. And I was getting bored at one point, and listening to a conversation behind me. It was these two middle-aged women talking about movies that they like to rent. You can tell I live in the burbs, can't you? They were talking about some movie - I didn't catch which one - and they were trying to figure out an actress's name. Frances McWilliams. Frances McCollins. Frances McDouglas. I knew the actress pretty well, having just watched North Country and having loved Fargo and the Coen brothers in general, so I was biting my tongue. I didn't want to turn around and say it, though I thought that might be funny. I got up and went to the bathroom, and when I came back I got some coffee. I was standing right in front of them thinking about how I might tell them who they had been talking about. "Frances McDormand. That's the actress you're searching for." How stupid would that sound? "Yes, I was bored with my book, and yes, I was listening to your conversation. Though I wasn't paying attention to the way that you were viciously mocking yourself for your video-rental habits. By the way, you can get these videos for free at the library. Did you know that? Save yourself some money. Oh, and be careful what you talk about at the bookstore. There are bibliomaniacal weirdos skulking about looking for opportunities to pelt you with movie trivia."

Alas, poor Frances. If only your name were Frances Mc. You might have a better fan base.