Book-Launch-o-Topia (or Aunt Agatha's Rocks)

I had the BEST SATURDAY EVER. It was my birthday, for starters, and birthdays are always fun, but it was combined with my first-ever book launch. I think I've shared my nervousness at approaching people... you know... other than online... and I have HORRIBLY delayed making contact. But a local bookstore owner—a MYSTERY-SPECIFIC bookstore had the kindness and initiative to contact ME and schedule a Book-Launch.

Aunt Agatha's is unique—they sell both new and used books which is perhaps why they've survived while a few of the local Indie bookstores have gone under. And Robin is FABULOUS. She is so inclusive—she has me signed up for bookfests and book events... She totally looped me in (where I SHOULD be looped, mind you... I just never KNEW!)

 The party itself had... maybe 20-25 people... I think I knew half, but felt reassured by the news SOME new authors have... you know... 3 or 4... in fact I need to make sure and go to these. I think it helps that by a half hour in all the chairs were filled.

So today I thought I'd share a few pictures from the launch party. (all pics taken by hubby with our cheap camera, as our daughter the photographer and her GOOD camera were both out of town)

While technically this pic may come later chronologically, it seemed the primary one in importance. These are my fabulous hosts, Jamie and Robin Agnew, owners of Aunt Agatha's Mystery Bookshop. The flowers are from my friend Carmen (mom of one of Thing 2s close friends who came with her daughter) and that stack of books was one higher and three wider when we started!

Is this a fabulous logo, or what?  I guess Robin designed it.  Love the little old lady with the murder weapon *snort*

And you've all heard about my Couch to Keg team, yeah?  This is us.. Jackie and Jean flank me. (and a view of the cupcakes!) Jackie started a new job yesterday, so good stuff happening for her, too!!!

And here is a close-up of those cupcakes... I ate that one with the piece of peanut butter cup on top(the yellowish frosting)--it was DELICIOUS!

See how I brandish that quill!  That is a HOGWART'S quill! Courtesy of Michael Di Gesu! I told the story of it, too!  You know me... naked all the way.

So that is what I have for today--the rest of the day was filled with a drink at The Raven Club (a 1920's Speakeasy, and then a barbeque with fabulous neighbors where they welcomed 6 adolescent Chickens to the Chick-Inn (ba domp ba) with a neighborhood party, complete with live music from Kevin and the Glen Levins (who are GREAT fun, and also neighbors)--this would be the SAME Kevin of farm duck fame, but never mind, they ROCK when they play Blister in the Sun (and many other numbers, but that was my favorite).  All in all, I think this is the best birthday I've had in a VERY long while (and last year was pretty darned good, as I had a spa day)