Publication Month!
As I think back on the last few weeks, there have been so many well wishes and a positive reception to the book’s publication, it has been wonderful, overwhelming, and beyond anything I could have imagined. Thank you first to the organizers and supporters who made the June events happen! Thank you to all of you who have reached out in person, in an email, or a card to share your thoughts and comments about the book. This has all been a very positive experience.
My first event on June 11th was at the Mooney Library within the Gundersen Hospital lobby. With two - thirty minute readings and time between for book signing, it was a fruitful time with excellent questions and lots of books sold and signed, in spite of an issue with the internet preventing us from taking credit cards. The first reading was recorded if you would like to see it.
The Book Release Party was a great success! Held on Saturday, June 14th at the Nature Place in La Crosse. Thanks to Kim and Theresa for their organizational skills, everything went off without a hitch. We had more than 50 people attend, and Pearl Street Books was busy selling books throughout the event. We had a table with information about local resources and one of the Dementia Specialists was on hand from the Aging and Disability Resource Center to answer questions. The line of friends and fans for signing books meant lots of opportunity for hugs while signing piles of books folks plan to share with others. I was exhausted by the end, but so very grateful for everyone who turned out.
The final event in June was an online class on June 18th sponsored by the NYC Shambhala Meditation Center. It was an hour and a half class based on the book with time for questions as we discussed bias and stigma, meditation and memory loss, and planning for the future. Here is a recording of the class courtesy of the New York City Shambhala Center’s YouTube channel.
Somehow I didn’t expect such a warm welcome for the book, and I am so happy that it is landing in the hands of so many who can benefit from it.
I have one more local event in Decorah, IA on July 1st and then I’ll be heading to the west coast on July 18th. I hope to see some of you along the way, and again, thank you for all of you who have already cheered the book on!
