AN AUTHORS SUCCESS IS IN FRIENDSHIPS

As I hurried toward Cache Valley, Utah for a cozy book signing at the home of friend Darla Moore by 7:00 p.m. October 3rd, I made some exhilarating stops along the way:
Jen, at the WiseBird Bookery enthusiastically kept three copies of my book, SATIN MURDER on consignment when I stopped by.
Clarence Socwell had the used books ready for me that I so desperately need for signing presentations, along with a hug, when I dropped by his Bookateria.
Jeff Hunter of the Herald Journal took a few minutes to visit about my upcoming book signing in Logan at the Hastings on October 18th. Wish I had remembered to tell him my grandma Jensen wrote in the ABOUT TOWN section years ago.
Met with Stefnie in Hastings to give her more books for my signing.
Grabbed a 10 piece nugget meal at McDs to nibble on.
Made a quick meeting outside the O Aggie ice cream with Vannessa Howes and cuddled precious little London. A breath of loveliness from both in a hurried day.
I was on a super high while driving to Darla's from a stop I made to see a South Cache High School teacher, Miss Hall (Wilma). I wanted to gift her my book for all of her years of friendship and encouragement with my writing. What a thrill. (I didn't get a picture and already regret that).
But nothing prepared me for the HIGH I would find at Darla's. The smell of fresh baked banana bread greeted me at the door, and the spread of delicious food for us guests was superb. I have to get the recipe for the flan cake (lower left corner).

We busied ourselves deciding how best to set up my displays and etc. so her sister, my bestest friend ever, Sheila, could see us when she Skyped in from Missouri. Their mom bought my book, she is such a sweetheart.

Neighbors, relatives, friends gathered around as Darla began to Skype for Sheila.

Darla left the room to get help with Skyping in Sheila, and when she returned, standing behind her WAS SHEILA, for real, here with us, FOR REAL. What an unforgettable moment!

Thanks everyone so much for a night to remember and remember and remember.
I laughed, cried, and smiled all the way to daughter Bobbi's house for a sleepover and a game of monopoly with grandson Jaden while papa Lowell took Ashlin to ride her motocross bike and Bobbi prattled off to work.

Even Uncle YaYa dropped by to pick up his iPad I had borrowed.

Saturday, October 4th found me surrounded by 39 local Utah Authors at a signing presented by Hastings in Ogden, 340 E. 525 N. from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. They treated us authors like royalty, pizza and all. Thanks Stacy Ward for such a rewarding afternoon. Copies of my book are there for sale.

Home, 'be wild' woobies and General Conference.

Book Signing and Reading with Salt Lake County Library Services

This 'new-b author' keeps putting herself out there and learning so much. The Salt Lake County Library Services held their first ever LOCAL AUTHOR & YOU conference this past Saturday, September 27th., from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. I applied and was accepted to be signing with many Utah authors. As I walked into the author-hall, I just stood in awe to be there. My Joe helped me carry in my books thorough the torrent rain and enjoyed the entire experience with me. I was scheduled to do a presentation/reading at 4:30 p.m. (as this point I wondered WHY I had volunteered to do this) when it hit me that by then things would be winding down; who would attend my presentation? Sure enough, no one was in the storytelling room except me, my Joe, and my  mentor from the Library System, Dan. I gave them my presentation anyway, just to get in some practice for future such opportunities.  What a wonderful day to be called Local Utah AUTHOR.

BABY SHOWER

On September 20th, a beautiful pre-fall day, I joined my sister-in-law Jean to help host a baby shower for her grand-daughter Meg (wife to her grandson, Tanner). Though few in the Thomas family (Jerry, Ida, Malorie,Scout) we had a grand time. Meg's mother Jackie was in town from Idaho and took time to attend too. Little Benedict is expected to arrive sometime around October 23rd.

Debut Book Signing

Oh what a joyful day with family and friends at The Bookateria in Ogden on Saturday, September 13th.
Store owner and dear author friend, Clarence Socwell, provided a cozy corner to visit in. Thanks to all who came and celebrated this DREAM COME TRUE with me, a published author.

I paid special tribute to Jacque, who was the first to purchase my book from Amazon.com and came in to have me sign it. What a sweetie!

Smith's community book signing

Thanks to my local Smith's for sponsoring a book signing today for my newly released novel, Satin Murder.  I'm giddy from the excitement and the realization that MY DREAM is REAL. I appreciate all who stopped by to say hi, express good wishes, and purchase my book.

Grandson Matt's wedding to Kacey

It turned out to be a beautiful day for an outdoor ceremony at the Logan River Golf Course site. The high clouds kept the guests pleasantly shaded while the bride and groom sweat bullets waiting for the best man to arrive. Let it all begin:

Family fun before the ceremony.

 Handsome grooms-men, Terryn, Kody and Jaden talking with Uncle Ya Ya

 Matt is all smiles as daughter Tesley introduces his bride-to-be.

IT was a wonderful day with family and friends.

Launch Day Memories

I was wide awake at 2:00 a.m. sending off emails to family, friends, working associates and fellow writers.
My Joe and I started the day by celebrating at our local Beans & Brew to do a little PR work. We were joined by dear friends Jeff and Sue Lorens.

I talked with several people and handed out book marks, kinda out of the box for me, but fun.

I was at the computer answering emails and face book messages from many well-wishers. Thanks to all for joining in the magic of my unlocked dream.

To top off my celebration we had reservations at the Cotton Bottom to share one of their famous garlic burgers.