The signing was uneventful; not bad but not really classifiable as good, either. There was going to be mead served by the store to celebrate, which was a lovely idea, but when the bottles were opened the contents unfortunately proved to be undrinkable. I appreciated the thought, though.
There were about a dozen people who stopped by so that I could finally sign their books, and/or to congratulate me. I’m told the books sold lots during the day, but by the time of the signing the crowds had vanished, leaving the store remarkably empty. Thanks go out to Sandman7 and Talyesin, who were waiting for me when I got there and whose moral support was invaluable, otherwise I probably just would have turned around and gone home. Which would have been a pity, really, because Jteethy and Pasley and t! and Jan and Mousme all showed up later too, and of course HRH and Liam made an appearance. As the only one I was expecting was HRH, the presence of friends made me feel nice and warm inside. The staff were wonderful and supportive, too.
There’s something about the month of September that I simply love. Maybe it’s that particular quality of golden light. Maybe it’s the crisper evenings, or the need for a light cardigan during the day. Whatever it is, I feel more relaxed and happy throughout this month than during any other month. We took the light coverlet off the bed yesterday and put on the fluffy, snuggly eiderdown quilt, buttoned into the denim duvet. And we did it just in time, too, because the temperature went down to a brisk eight degrees last night. We also took the air conditioner out of the kitchen window, so the kitchen has full light again, which really makes a difference in the morning.
Friday night Blade came downstairs, and spent more time unscrewing the dozen finicky little screws holding the two halves of the router together than unplugging the fan. We were so tired that the actual microsecond of unplugging it was remarkably funny in contrast to the lengthy lead-up, leading HRH to peek into the office because we were laughing so hard. It was a very small fan to be producing the huge threatening rattle that it had been. Now my router is silent and stealthy, because it has no moving parts. While Blade worked on that, I opened up the tower casing and turned it so I could see the motherboard. “See that?” said Blade, pointing to the RAM with the screwdriver. “Take it out.” I did. “Now plug the new one in.” I did. It was being a bit stubborn about snapping in, so Blade gave it a extra push, and there it was, installed. I closed up the case and started the computer, and I had a functional system that didn’t get nervous when I opened more than two programs simultaneously. I know more about the innards of computers than I give myself credit for knowing. “Next time you want a new computer,” said Blade, “I’m just going to throw a bunch of computer components and a screwdriver into a room with you, and close the door. When you come out with the computer, you’ll get a prize.” I just like having Blade around so that if I try to do the wrong thing, he’ll stop me.
Right. To work.
Was there an annoucement made somewhere about the signing? If I had known, I would have shown up!
Well, as everything was confirmed only a week and a half before the actual event, there wasn’t a lot of lead time. I mentioned it here, announcements went out on at least one of the local public pagan e-lists, and apparently press packets went out to the media about the anniversary weekend, but nothing was put up on the store website about the weekend events. So I’m not surprised you didn’t hear about it. But I appreciate the belated support. :)
I’m sorry I couldn’t make it. Events conspired to make this one of my busiest weekends in a while and I just didn’t have the time to squeeze everything in. I’m glad lots of friends turned out, though. I was there in spirit.
I was so there in spirit too. If only you could’ve seen the box of tissues I’ve gone through with my kids, you’d know why driving was just not in the agenda. Poor guys… and it was even Hallie’s birthday too. Still, for a first book signing, it sounds like it was fun at least.
You look great in that picture.
Sorry droves didn’t turn up, but every signing is different. Live and learn… :)
every signing is different… duh… why am I tell _you_ that.
I know. This is why I’m not howling that it was a failure. :) I’ve worked enough enough Famous Author Signings where there were worse tumbleweeds to know that some just work, some don’t. I’m lucky this was in town and I had friends who decided to show up.
I do look decent in the photo, don’t I. I am very pleased with it. Tal took it with his cell phone, of all things, so I am even more stunned by how good it is.
You’re stunned?! It’s MY phone! This… DEVICE is in my power!!!
I must use it for evil, not for g-
Wait, I think I mixed that up…
You do look lovely in that photo (not that you didn’t any other time we met!!). I feel so bad now that I didn’t make it in. I was soooo close to driving in and even had your books in the car with me!! Oh..the guilt..
D’oh! I was hoping to attend and bring two of your books for you to sign, but I’m on pregnancy bed-rest for a few days. Maybe next time!
Uh, in my sig above, that should have been Batya, not Batha. (Maybe I just need a good bubble bath?) :)
Pregnancy bed-rest! Congratulations, and at the same time, you so have my sympathy about the bed rest part. :)