Book Launch Party News

The party on Saturday was wonderful! We had over 30 people attending (thank you to everyone who came all the way out to Round Lake to support me and the book!). As usual, I was not exactly ready with everything on time, so my parents, my brother, my sister and my friends Paula and Stacy arrived early to pitch in. We had way too much food, which is now residing in my refrigerator at home, but I think everyone had enough to eat. I was worried because we are sort of far away from everything -- not like someone could run to the store for more food if we needed it, at least now without being gone for 45 minutes, minimum. So I may have overcompensated a little. : )

The day was a little cold and rainy, but that worked out to our advantage. On Friday, I stopped by the clubhouse just to make sure we were all set with everything and I found out that there was a small problem with our set up. The clubhouse is in front of the pool. I was told originally that outside people seeking to use the pool during a private party would be allowed in through the side door, which would prevent them from walking through the middle of the party. Not the case, said the person I talked to on Friday. I needed special permission for that. Otherwise, outside people would be strolling through the middle of the party to use the bathroom, get to the pool, be nosey, etc. Now, I know it doesn't sound like a big deal. But I didn't want random people coming in and taking advantage of the free food and drink thing, especially if that ended up depriving any of the invited guests. Plus, I'd thought of this problem from the beginning and made a special point to check with someone before I signed up. Unfortunately, I was "misinformed." And by the time I discovered this, it was after 4:30 on a Friday afternoon. No one around to fix it.

Have you ever heard the term "bridezilla?" It's when a bride goes completely nutso because one of the details that she's slaved over for months has gone askew? I was on the verge of having a "bridezilla" moment. I'm not proud of it, but there you go. Fortunately, the receptionist at the association sensed my impending rampage (which I was holding in check...barely) and got the president of the association on the phone. He was extremely gracious and accommodating, for which I was very grateful. Disaster averted...bridezilla has been caged once more. And as I said, it turned out to be cool and rainy, so there weren't really many people looking to take a dip in the pool anyway.

We also made a good start on book sales -- 58 sold during the party alone! I could go on describing the whole day, but maybe it would be easiest and most fun to show you...




This is the Barnes side of the family with Greg and me. My parents, my "little" sister and my "little" brother. Note that my siblings both appear taller than I am -- this is an illusion. : )





My mother-in-law, helping with the food arrangement and preparations. Thanks, Sue! The yellow flowers in the middle of the table are from my parents -- thanks, Mom and Dad!





One of the things I liked best about this place was that it reminded me of a setting in the book, a hunting lodge in the North Woods (Wisconsin). The antler chandelier only furthered this impression. However, I think in Wisconsin, they are usually real antlers.






My dad, schmoozing (is that how you spell that?) with the guests, two (and a half!) friends from college. Jill on the left and Debbie (and her baby on the way) on the right.




My mom with my Uncle Richard, my Aunt Carol Ann (my mom's sister) and my Grandma. They all traveled a long way to be there on Saturday -- which I really appreciated!







Okay, so not the most flattering picture of us...but not too bad!



And finally...



Me, signing my very first book! Several people have said that I looked so calm while doing this. My response is that they weren't sitting close enough to hear me spelling everything out loud under my breath. I was terrified I'd mess up someone's name or my own! Also, note the beautiful flowers on the table, a gift from Ed and Deb -- thanks, guys!

More pictures to come, if you're interested. These happen to be from my brother (which is why there's a member of my family in every single one of them : ) ) who was acting as one of the official photographers that day -- thanks, Michael! By the way, I realize that I'm posting pictures of family and friends here as well -- if any of you are uncomfortable with your photos being on here, please let me know and I will take them down immediately : )

Talk to you tomorrow!