I have many special skills in life. One such skill is seeing Mark Twain in many places and stages of his life. Yes, I know that this sounds absurd. I know that it does, but it is true. I have come to believe that I will encounter him in every stage of his life before I die. And since he's already dead, I guess I will encounter him once more. That is if we end up in the same place. It's hard to say where he went.

My first encounter with Mark Twain, or if you care to get more personal, Samuel Clemens, was actually here in New Orleans. It was Halloween night last year, and being a socially concientius person, he opted for the public transportation rather than drinking and driving to the downtown Halloween Festivities. He was a bit past his prime; he'd reached the age of white suits with the black tie that we all seem to connect with him. He spoke in his deep and charming southern accent, excused himself when he squeezed through the train, and said yes and thank you ma'am to women on the train. I was not fortunate enough to get to speak with him.

But did you know that Mark Twain is actually involved in present day adult education? When you think about, you probably say to yourself, "huh, that makes sense." Didn't you?! I'm sure I heard you.

Yes, I sat next to Mark Twain yesterday in a test-training professional development I had to go to. He's quite tall, silent, and a little intimidating. He was in a younger stage of life than last time I saw him. His hair was starting to change. It was white, shot through with some strawberry blond, but long and combed back. His beard was still red and his eyes were the kind of blue that terrifies me. I hoped that he would sit somewhere else, but no. Turns out, he's nice and asked me some uestions. His voice wasn't as gruff as I expected. It was very soothing, more like someone who should be reading stories to the blind.

These chance encounters only leave me wondering when will be meet again, Mr. Mark Twain? This time there were only words about TABE testing, but maybe next time a high 5?!