I am feeling a little displaced today. We are physically displaced – we voluntarily evacuated our place of residence because of the flood watch in our county. We live on the Sacramento River in the California Delta. Local dams that affect our water level are releasing water at a high rate. So, we are being pro-active and moved temporarily. The book signing event was extremely successful despite the weather. Experts are calling it “atmospheric river”. It is a mere coincidence that we live on the river! People traveled from long distances in torrential rain to support me.
The day leading up to the event went more smoothly than I had imagined. Especially when it began with a dead hair dryer. No straightening brush plus rain equals OH NO! As Monica Geller on the sitcom Friends said, “IT’S THE HUMIDITY” when her hair took on a life of its own in the Bahamas. Fortunately, that was the only faux pas. I resigned myself to accept it. If that was all that went wrong, I considered myself fortunate.
The librarian held a question-and-answer period before the signing. He obviously read My Prosthetic Life and asked some very detailed questions. My cousin said, “He wasn’t necessarily throwing you softballs, but you did very ok.” I’m glad it looked that way, but I was shaking in my shoes. I am a writer – not a speaker. I did express how uncomfortable it was and took some of the power out of the fear, however.
The adrenaline racing through my body that day was unnerving yet exhilarating. So much so that I felt a tremendous crash the following day. All I did was eat and nap. I somehow managed to sleep that night – amazing since I never sleep well normally. Now I’m feeling a little mentally displaced as well. I am asking myself ridiculous questions: What do I do now? Should I have another one? If so, when? Does anyone really care? Does anyone read this newsletter?
My thoughts are: I am definitely having another signing for people who weren’t able to come this time. It will be easier because now I know what to expect and it won’t cause a heart attack! I was shown so much love and support that I feel like my show of gratitude hasn’t been enough to express my sincere thanks. How can I make it up to you?
A woman named Darcie came to the event. She saw the article in the Daily Republic newspaper. She said she had to meet me. She came up to the table, introduced herself, and told me her story. I don’t remember her exact words because I was so emotional and moved by what she shared. My take, however, was that she was inspired and could relate to my story. I hoped it was helpful to her.
I intend to continue giving back by sharing my story, but also contributing to an important cause, the US Thalidomide Survivors – a nonprofit organization bringing awareness to those affected by this drug. It’s time a light be shown on this dark and forgotten tragedy and I am honored to be a part of it.
Stay tuned next week when I share more about upcoming events, updates on My Prosthetic Life, the next book in the works and more! I’m still putting together a show on last week’s event and can’t wait to share it with you all!
If you feel so inclined, would you mind giving a shout out, a quick “Hi” or like so I know you’re out there? I’d really appreciate it!
Thank you!
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