I’m the first to admit that I’m a sucker for nostalgia. I have things tucked in corners, along cabinet tops, and in nooks and crannies that attest to my love of times gone by. And my novels are meant to take readers to that place in their hearts called “home.” So, it’s not by coincidence, I dare say, that the church we attended for a number of years has the slogan “A Place For Your Heart to Call Home.” We return every chance we get to be with the people we knew and loved there before our move to Tulsa nine years ago. And somehow, with open arms, they welcome us back. I’m humbled that, for the third year in a row, they also offered to host the launch of my latest book.
Display in His Corner Bookstore
And what a time we had last weekend! For me, it’s not just the release of a book. New ones come out every day. Friends and family are forever, so my goal is to make an event that brings us all together. Time to reminisce, share pictures of new grandbabies, catch up on what’s new in our lives, and linger for a moment celebrating friendship.
The Balko Bunch!
Stardust is set in 1952, so I grabbed selected a few things from around the house that were reminiscent of the period. A good friend fixed up a clothesline to hang vintage and made-to-look vintage aprons behind the display table. It was fun to see people group around the display and recall times gone by.
And we gave away stuff – a couple of aprons, baskets with goodies mentioned in Stardust, and a few random jars of Mayhaw jelly.
Pastor Mike and Betty sign up for door prizes
Elaine wins a door prize and chooses a vintage apron.
My sweet DIL Amy's dad, Jim Wilson, wins a door prize
And I signed books. . .
For teachers ready to catch up on summer reading . . .
Theresa (who was my roomie on a 4-H trip to DC years ago) and her mother-in-law who is an avid reader . . .
Another preacher and his lovely wife . . .
And none of it would be possible without the help of family and friends . . .
Thanks, Andy, Drake, Donna, and Nash!
Gayla B, who helped with the food, my sister Marsha, Gayla G, who runs the bookstore, and my sister Donna
And photo ops because this display was just too good not to have our pics taken alongside . . .
My dear heart who is insanely supportive and the best friend in all the world!
My dad and sisters
My heart is full with gratitude.
A book release party, as you might suspect, doesn’t happen without a little planning and a raft of helpers. I talked about that on Seekerville a couple of weeks ago. Here’s the post in case you missed it.
Coming home. It’s always a pleasure. Thanks to all the “elves” who made the day one to remember.