My Trip to Parma and Middlefield

What a great time I had speaking at the Parma-Snow Branch of the Cuyahoga Libraries and signing books at Sparrow Christian Bookstore in Middlefield!  It was an unbelievably busy two days for me, but here are some of the highlights:

1) I drove up to the Cleveland area by myself, in the drizzling rain. I'm not a fan of driving on the freeway~especially not for four hours. And especially not in the rain! It was a big personal accomplishment for me to make the trip. : )

2) After I checked in, I put on a dress and heels, practiced my speech, then rushed over to the library. Wendy and Paula, two ladies from the library, and Stephanie, the salesrep for Blackstone Audio (the company that produces my books on audio) took me out to dinner before Tuesday night's author talk. We all ended up eating very good lasagna and laughing about kids and pets.

3)I met some of the nicest people after my booktalk!  I signed books, took some pictures, and visited with a few people I'd met in Sugarcreek.  My mother-in-law was also in the audience. For her to sit through my speech just shows she's a very kind lady! 

4) On Wednesday morning, I did my best to write lots. Then, I checked out of the hotel and drove to Middlefield.

5) I met Stephanie again for another meal~this one at Mary Yoder's restaurant. I had the soup and salad bar, and then got down to business…eating pie. Let me just say their coconut cream pie was just as wonderful as I'd hoped.

6) Soon after that, I drove down the street and had my booksigning at Sparrow Christian Bookstore. That's Alan, the owner, me, and one of the gals who works there. (I don't want to post her name here). She's Mennonite, and a senior in high school. I met quite a few people, had a great time, then headed home-with a really awesome poster of The Caregiver to hang in my office!

I walked in the door last night at 9:45. Tired and happy and so ready to just sit on the couch. My daughter and I watched American Idol (she'd recorded it) and just enjoyed being together.

It's great to get away…and just as nice to be back home. 

Shelley