I was thrilled to get to spend a little time in Plaster Rock, New Brunswick, Canada recently. I had been invited by the Public Library to visit and speak about my work. To say that I was nervous was an understatement. Both of my books were set in Plaster Rock. Most citizens were well acquainted with many of the characters, and none knew the real story. I tried to fictionalize the best I could, but truth is truth and Run, River Currents was more faction, than fiction.
I was worried about people judging my family, worried that they might be coming for gossip, as this was the birthplace of my colorful mother. My sister Sue, accompanied me, rekindling a relationship we both had longed for. We stayed in the home of my favorite aunt who had recently passed. My cousin, Paul and his darling wife, Sissy made us feel like the happy-go-lucky kids again. It is a feeling I will not soon forget.
The day of the program, Sue and I locked arms and walked the streets of this precious village, waving at strangers and searching for memories from our childhood. When the rain arrived, we still walked, ducking in and out of the few retail stores in town. Everyone had heard we were coming and anticipation for the evening program began to fill the air.
The warm welcome we received by the library staff signaled the joy that would fill the night. Greeting the arriving attendees, Sue and I were overwhelmed with the graciousness of everyone. Those special people in that special place calmed me and covered the room with a gentleness that arrived unexpectedly.
I told my story. The once anxious faces relaxed and smiles beamed back at me, as the audience came to see my love for their home. When the evening was over, I was overcome by the new friendships and old memories that filled the room. I signed and sold every book I had!
Many thanks to the people of Plaster Rock and to the Public Library for the tender welcome. You made me feel like a queen!
I was home and safe in the arms of these welcoming people. Plaster Rock can be sure that it will show up in another book in the future, as there is no place like home!!!
I was worried about people judging my family, worried that they might be coming for gossip, as this was the birthplace of my colorful mother. My sister Sue, accompanied me, rekindling a relationship we both had longed for. We stayed in the home of my favorite aunt who had recently passed. My cousin, Paul and his darling wife, Sissy made us feel like the happy-go-lucky kids again. It is a feeling I will not soon forget.
The day of the program, Sue and I locked arms and walked the streets of this precious village, waving at strangers and searching for memories from our childhood. When the rain arrived, we still walked, ducking in and out of the few retail stores in town. Everyone had heard we were coming and anticipation for the evening program began to fill the air.
The warm welcome we received by the library staff signaled the joy that would fill the night. Greeting the arriving attendees, Sue and I were overwhelmed with the graciousness of everyone. Those special people in that special place calmed me and covered the room with a gentleness that arrived unexpectedly.
I told my story. The once anxious faces relaxed and smiles beamed back at me, as the audience came to see my love for their home. When the evening was over, I was overcome by the new friendships and old memories that filled the room. I signed and sold every book I had!
Many thanks to the people of Plaster Rock and to the Public Library for the tender welcome. You made me feel like a queen!
I was home and safe in the arms of these welcoming people. Plaster Rock can be sure that it will show up in another book in the future, as there is no place like home!!!
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