On Wednesday evening, I launched Rumi and the Red Handbag in my hometown (Edmonton) at our wonderful independent bookstore, Audreys. It's a short book, a slim volume, and I have to admit seeing a stack of them really was a thrill. There had been a little bit of a worry that the books wouldn't arrive on time, but they did. Then there were my usual pre-launch jitter worries: what if no one comes, what if I freeze up, what if no one buys the book....etc. But SO many people came, and apparently I did not freeze up. In fact, I've been told I was funny, which honestly sort of surprised me. Also, the room was packed, every seat taken, people standing, and people sitting on the stairs. I couldn't have asked for a better launching. I signed books for an hour. I got to see some of my nearest and dearest friends, and some I've not seen for ages. What a delight.
Another wonderful surprise: all the flowers I received. Roses, lilies and more roses.
I didn't take my camera, as I didn't want to have to keep track of it, but lots of people kindly took cell phone shots and posted all sorts of sweet stuff on Twitter.
My good friend Kimmy Beach, took this next one.
Afterwards, we went home and I drank a glass (or two) of wine, read all the lovely messages people were sending, and posting. I eventually went to bed and read someone else's book for a while and probably didn't fall asleep until 2am. Because that's what it's like after a public speaking moment when you're a classic introvert.