Launch Party!
The book launch party for The Clean Daughter was everything I dreamed it would be!
I’m really happy to show you some of the highlights of the party in today’s post.
Lots of photos in this one. Hope you enjoy the evening in review!
The day started off with doing my nails. I used Dashing Diva and they worked great!
(If you know me, is not an every day common occurrence!)
When I got to the venue, my fellow writing group members were there, already working. Mighty thanks to each of them!!
Sorry Stephanie that we grabbed these photos without you. :(
The group helped set up, host, run errands and generally keep everything flowing smoothly. I couldn’t have done it without them! It was the first time we’ve been together in-person for two years! What a treat just to be together, face to face and no more Zoom! That in itself was memorable. Also, my hubby picked up all the chairs! Kuddos to him, too!
This was the first event that The Mosaic District in Fargo has hosted.
The space was a lovely open area, part artist studio, part entryway, and kitchenette. I loved the art on the walls, the big white open spaces, the light from the large windows. Art hanging around the space I was in is by Laura Rettig and Kate Baldock.
When people walked in they could sign up for one of two door prizes!
Then head over to coffee and Dutch candy and cookies.
20 Below Coffee served Sumatra Decaf. The gorgeous yellow tulips and daffodils, and blue delphinium were nicely arranged by my daughter and came from Love Always Floral. Balloons came from Party City! They were helium filled, floaty, and a gorgeous shiny shade of blue. My husband hauled rented chairs. It took about two hours to set everything up.
Just when everything looked ready, a friend came in.
She gifted me with two of her thrift store finds!
Blue and white Delft Klompen shoe and a cute Delft vase. Of course, they had to be added to the décor! Just perfect!
There was Dutch ‘school chalk candy’ to eat.
It’s a white minty candy filled with black licorice!
Dutch stroopwafels were a hit, too!
Chewy waffle outside and filled with ‘stroop’ a type of syrup.
The kids who came colored pictures of tulips and one little girl gave me a beautiful page she’d colored. I put it up on my fridge!
Melanie, owner of Mosaic District, and fellow writing club member, gave me a sweet warm-hearted introduction.
I wore my cool blue and white shoes, and even found a matching water bottle at a thrift store!
I spoke for ten minutes. Then read for ten. I chose lighthearted readings about cultural misunderstandings and enjoyed listening to the laughter.
The room was packed with people and filled with laughter.
And just look at the art hanging in that room!!
One of my guests wore a dress in honor of the blue and white Delft book jacket design!
It’s not a great picture, but it is a great memory!!
A couple of guests drove down all the way from Minneapolis. I reconnected with an old friend I hadn’t seen for 40 years!
I gave away two door prizes! Very exciting!!
The first was a tiny Delft shoe and a package of stroopwafels. The second – the grand giveaway – was a Dutch inspired tin box with one copy of The Clean Daughter, a package of stroopwafels, and a Delft mug!
It was an evening to remember, celebrate, and enjoy. I couldn’t have been happier.
Standing room only!
Thanks to everyone who came and filled the room!
After talking and a Q&A, it was off to sign books!
Such a joy to be handing my story out into the world!
Near the end of the evening my hubby put on traditional Dutch farmer shoes - wooden Klompen - and paraded around a bit.
These used to belong to one of my sons. So hubby had to squish his toes up a little.
Thanks to all those who made the time to come! I sincerely appreciated it.
Thanks also to all those who couldn’t come but showed support in so many ways.
I’ve gotten so many emails, letters, postcards, texts, and all sorts of encouragement these past weeks. I can’t thank you enough!
And many thanks to also, to you, who read my blog, and have been following this book journey, and life journey, too.
The night of the party was such a ‘good’ day in so many ways.
For the first time in a long time, I almost ‘felt like myself’. I’d forgotten how much I enjoy speaking about books, writing, and being an author. It kind of felt like home to stand up and speak. I’m grateful for how well everything came together into such a perfect day!
So many wonderful memoires made. And these three thrift store finds, to keep in remembrance of a fine, fine evening.
The beautiful Delft plate was a thrifted gift from my daughter who attended the event and also gave me some potted grape hyacinths!
I fell asleep smiling and slept for a long, long time!
Hope you enjoyed seeing pictures of the party. It was a very special day.
Welcome to the world, Clean Daughter. Go out now, and do your work.
Love always,
Jill