Georgetown book signing

As I write this, I’m settling into the comforts of home after the third day of promoting my book, but my first day doing it solo. Rick had a fire burning in the fireplace to welcome me home, and he’s making a veggie chili as I write this blog post which smells like heaven. How did I get this lucky

My day went better than I anticipated. But I have to admit, this selling yourself is not all that comfortable, at least not for me. I had two events planned for the day, selling my book at the Christmas Fair put on by the Georgetown Library from 11:00-2:00, followed by a book signing afternoon at the Georgetown Main Street Mercantile beginning at 3:00. Today was Georgetown’s tree lighting/parade, which we have yet to attend. 

As I readied this morning, Rick tended to me like I was his child going off on her first day at school, ensuring I had everything I needed. Not that I can be a bit scattered… but I can be a bit scattered, like when I arrived at the airport with my kids on our way to Cozumel without any passports. The passports were at home. No passports, no travel, but not the end of the story.

We had a few angels on our side. The airport staff exchanged my tickets at no charge for the next day. The limo driver that had taken us to the airport and witnessed the debacle also drove us back home. He volunteered to come early the next day to transport us back to the airport. He felt like an old friend the following morning when he arrived on time. The three of us crawled into his car, so happy to finally be heading out only a day behind our friends. 

As we exited his limo at the airport, he refused any payment. What??? The curbside check-in employees remembered us and began cheering as we walked up to the counter. I learned that day that the kindness of others can turn something negative into an experience I wouldn’t trade, even if I could.

Today, I only forgot one thing, a coat. Rick, of course, remedied that later in the day by bringing me a coat and scarf as it was getting a bit brisk outside. But other than that, I had everything I needed.

As I drove the ten-minute drive through the beautiful trees toward Georgetown this morning, listening to my iTunes, I felt my tears near. If you’ve read my blog or book, you understand that I’m a champion crier. I had to ask myself, were these tears of happiness or fear? I wasn’t quite sure what the answer was, likely a mix. 

I set up at the library in a section with the other writers, four in total. And the next three hours flew by. It was wonderful to spend a few hours sharing experiences with them. And I was invited to join their writer’s group, which I will do in early January. Today felt like the beginning of something special.

I also thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people from our little town of Cool and many of the residents of Georgetown.

As I headed over to the Mercantile after the library, I once again felt the tears rising, but I had no doubt they were tears of joy this time. I had spent a wonderful morning, and as I came around the corner, I saw the workers getting ready to raise the holiday tree. Christmas music echoed from somewhere nearby. The street was blocked, and there were people everywhere working on the project, tree companies, firemen, etc. This is a significant effort every year in Georgetown.

Apparently, the tree is cut down up the road from Georgetown. Looking at the 50+foot tree lying in the middle of Main Street, I was instantly mesmerized by the whole process. I watched as long as I could and then followed along throughout the day. The workers have to decorate the tree while still lying on the ground. And then they raise it, putting the trunk into a manhole in the street. It’s quite the process. Once they have it standing, the lighting crew comes in with the boom truck. At dusk, they light the tree, and a parade follows. 

Sitting out in front of the Mercantile selling my books was equally as enjoyable as the morning had been. Georgetown is one of those towns where everyone knows one another. I felt a tinge of envy, wishing I was one of them. I wrote a chapter in my book about belonging, and today I took from that page. Every journey begins with those first steps, and today I set my baby footprint down in the town. The next time I return, I at least won’t be a stranger.

As the sun was setting, the temperature dropping, and the town getting ready for the parade, I closed up shop. I was tempted to stay and watch the parade, and I actually felt a little bit bad about leaving just before it was going to start. But truth be known, I didn’t want to watch the parade without Rick. And after a long day, I just wanted to go home.

As I drove down 193, the crimson sunset on the horizon was beckoning me home. A star/likely a planet, was shining brightly on my left. For the third time today, my tears arrived, but this time I welcomed them. It had been a lovely day, the kind of day I dreamed it might feel like being an author, definitely worth a few tears of joy.

So grateful to the people of Georgetown for their hospitality. I look forward to attending next year’s tree lighting/parade with Rick, where I hope to recognize a few of the people I met today. Many thanks to Sharia from Georgetown Library and Judy from Main Street Mercantile for including me on this special day.

6 Comments

  1. It sounds like these experiences were a great success on many levels.

    • Yes, it was really great, and you are correct, on many levels!

  2. This sounds like so much fun, to get to meet new people and chat about your book. And with a holiday atmosphere thrown in to make it even more festive. What a great time to be doing your book promotions.

    • It was truly a fun day. And you are correct, the holiday atmosphere added a great deal to the mood of the day!

  3. Let those tears of excitement flow today as you promote your book in Cool. Looking forward to sharing the experience with you♥️

    • Thank you my friend! Glad you were here with me!!!


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