This Is It

So. Today's the day my wonderful local bookstore, Page by Page Books, is hosting a book signing for me and Biting Back.  This is the picture that Marilyn, the store's owner, took of the display that's sitting there as we speak.

The place is gorgeous.

The food is going to be lovely.

There's even going to be champagne.

I've got a new dress and scarf.

Earrings.  Bracelet.

Lipstick.

Mascara.

I'm having trouble breathing, though, as I am not what you'd call "a relaxed public speaker."

In fact, I made it through high school speech class (twice) without ever giving a speech: that's the kind of scared I get.

I'm going to try it anyway: after all, I actually finished writing a book and it got published, which, next to getting sober, married, and having Madeline is the coolest thing that's ever happened to me. Also, my friends want to come and celebrate. And one last thing: I'm fifty-two years old now and sick and tired of being pushed around by my fears. If I start reading and have to exit and run screaming down the street, so be it. At least I'm going to try. Otherwise I'll someday have to say that I didn't even do that much.

Thanks everyone.

Now here goes.