...felt like a bride

It’s Sunday morning and I’m reflecting on a day in my life that gave me great joy.

18 August.

It felt like my wedding day. My sisters and brother-in-law had flown in from Sydney. My writerly friend and her husband flew in from South Australia. My treasured friend made the trip up from Hobart. And I was looking forward to meeting my publisher, Jane Curry from Ventura Press. I had a new outfit … some very retro wide-leg pants and a lovely linen blazer. I stopped short of getting my hair and nails done with a gaggle of champagne-giggly friends. That said, I did spend a quiet hour in the afternoon, painting my nails and making myself sit still long enough not to make annoying smudges in a desperate need to take the washing off the line.

The last five months had been challenging for my family through ill-health and the end of a precious relationship. Our girls treated my launch as a reason for celebrating joy. Through the magic of face book (an entity I am yet to fully embrace), Amanda and Brooke spruked my book CROW to fill the venue with 80 people who felt like family (and in fact some of them were). I wrote in my acknowledgements in the back of CROW … ‘to my kids, Brooke and Amanda - who love me because that’s their job, but who always believed I could do it. Their delight for me, delights me’.

All that anticipation did not disappoint. On the stage, Petrarchs Bookshop and the St Lukes Hub had projected a giant, back-lit image of the cover of my book. That alone, rendered my knees weak. Andy from the bookshop was ‘in conversation’ with me, asking me questions that I HAD NOT SEEN!

Those who know me, know I love a platform and can string stories together. And talking about the book that I had put so much of myself into, was just delightful.

After the generous applause, Andy spirited me away to a table to sign books. That too, was a wonderful, joyful experience because I got the chance to say hello to people. To my ‘bright and shining star’ admin person from several years ago, to Keith’s oncologist, to friends and family, and friends of my wonderful daughters. What surprised me was that several men lined up patiently to have books signed. Some of them had read the book, others were intending to. I thought I was just writing for women my age who like to be part of book groups!

Best of all, was Jane’s belief in me, her generous praise of my launch, and taking time to meet and have dinner with my family. At one stage, Brooke and Amanda invited Jane to be part of our rowdy, different bunch and to come for Christmas. I think they were joking.

Such a wonderful day, and evening. This 72 year old woman felt acknowledged and seen!

If you haven’t read CROW yet, why not? 😊