Blessed: that's my word this week as I reflect on the amazing celebration of the launch of
The Fences Between Us. Not only did 3rd Place bookseller, Jessica Hurst, rock an amazing red hat, she made sure no detail went unattended, right down to the fishbowl for entries in the drawing for a free book.
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| Jessica Hurst and I channeling our inner Joan Crawfords |
It's my age, I suppose, but I can't look out on a SRO crowd of friends and loved ones without getting teary. But I kept it under decent control until I introduced two amazing people: Brooks Andrews, son of Pastor Emery "Andy" Andrews (who was the inspiration for Piper's father in Fences)
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| Brooks Andrews |
and Louise Kashino, who was sent to Minidoka at 16 and later married Shiro Kashino, one of the most highly decorated soldiers of the amazing 442nd Regimental Combat Unit (6 Purple Hearts!).
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| Me signing a book for Debbie Kashino, daughter of Louise and Shiro Kashino |
After my talk about the story behind the book and a brief reading, we adjourned to the Den for refreshments -- vintage soda, penny candy and homemade oatmeal-molasses cookies -- and a signing. The line was long but my friends were patient and kind. I love greeting old friends of course
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| Montana friend wearing a pin her mother earned as a "Rosie the Riveter" in the shipyards |
but I made new ones that evening, as well.
As I said, my word of the week is blessed.
Oh, don't you look darling? That looks like so much fun! I wish I could have been there!
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