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!

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.

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.

Blue and white Delft Klompen shoe and a cute Delft vase. Of course, they had to be added to the décor! Just perfect!

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!

I spoke for ten minutes. Then read for ten. I chose lighthearted readings about cultural misunderstandings and enjoyed listening to the laughter.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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