At the start of this week I was certain I would write about a new challenge in my life: calcium confusion! But you know what? Summer is fading and I just don’t feel like fading along with it. I had fun at the book signing last weekend, and I will extend that fun by sharing the highlights today. Enter: Bookstore Goddess for a Day!

 

I enjoyed that day, too.

 

Me three!

 

But remember how it started, Lily and 9?

 

For those new to this blog, I am assisted by my inner 14-year-old, Lily, and my inner 9-year-old, 9. Lily made me aware of her presence July 1, 2019. 9 joined us May 5, 2020.

 

But you digress.

 

They keep me on track.

 

Now, back to last Saturday morning. It is essential that a Bookstore Goddess is well-supplied with book stock, display items, and possibly some extras.

 

Like cookies!

And giveaway promotional items.

 

She must also have the physical strength to load these items into her Subaru chariot.

 

 

 

Before she leaves her temple, she must also take great care with her appearance. Because goddesses do not show up in sweatpants, unless they are traveling incognito. Her rarely worn toga is resurrected from the closet. Sufficient time must be reserved for remembering how all the pieces go on. A clever goddess rehearses this a day in advance, but for most of us it’s a same-day scramble:

 

 

 

Once she has made needed repairs to the garment and wrestled it into place, it is then necessary to review posture and facial attitude.

 

 

 

Makeup is next. A moment is reserved for documentation and to speak the incantation “Ta-Da!”

 

 

All that stuff took a couple of hours!

 

Early morning hours, because a success-seeking goddess needs to arrive early to her book signing. We arrived at Book & Game shortly after 10 AM, signing to begin at 11. The extra time came in handy for checking in with the wonderful staff and setting up the display table:

 

 

 

 

There were a few extras to get in place, things I did especially for Small-g City’s 10^th birthday. Hence the “10” cookies and the cover art book totes. I was ready several minutes early. The first copy of Small-g City sold before the official starting time!

 

That’s when the real fun of being a Bookstore Goddess begins! It’s joyfully energizing to talk to people about books, in some cases the ones they’re writing. I talked to probably half-a-dozen aspiring authors, all of them adults, writing in all kinds of genres. Many questions were asked about how I got my books published, how to connect with writing organizations and/or find a critique group, how to approach an agent.

 

Writers are one tribe a Bookstore Goddess is likely to encounter. I also saw friends and colleagues from the performing arts- -dancers, musicians, directors, storytellers- -and was warmed by the realization that I am part of a diverse local arts community.

 

 

 

Friends from volunteer work stopped in as well, also the collections manager from the Walla Walla Rural Library System, and folks I know from the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival and Walla Walla Symphony.

 

And dedicated readers. Lots of dedicated readers! Eleven copies of Small-g City went out the door. As it was a tenth birthday celebration, one of the book totes went to the person who bought the tenth copy.

 

 

 

The other tote went in a drawing that anyone could enter, no purchase necessary. Vivian, the winner (her name drawn by Book & Game employee Chandler), had purchased a copy and was highly pleased to hear the results.

 

What about the cookies?

 

My favorite cookie moment was a young boy eyeing the plate as he passed by with his family. I asked if he’d like a cookie. He said he would, seeing as it had a 10 on the top and he was 10 years old. I looked at his mom to verify it was okay, then asked him to promise to share if anyone else in his party wanted a bite. He solemnly pledged to do so.

 

Surprisingly, about half of the 3 dozen I’d ordered were left over. Lots of people visiting the bookstore had just finished brunch at one of the many excellent local restaurants, carrying “To Go” boxes with arms braced over their full tummies! The staff, primarily people half my age with hearty appetites, happily accepted some of the leftovers. I brought a half-dozen home.

 

You finally let us eat one the next night.

 

Yeah, I know. Saturday was such a sweet day that a cookie at the end of it felt like overkill. There are five more in the freezer.

 

Not tempting! I do not care for sweets.

 

Not even the family fudge you make at Christmas?

 

Alas! A fatal flaw in my dietary armor.

 

All too soon my day as Bookstore Goddess came to an end. Before resuming to my mortal personae, I persuaded Saturday’s manager, Julie (who has helped me with many signings over the decade), to pose with me and the birthday child:

 

 

My book box was lighter by eleven copies of Small-g City, which, I hope, enjoyed its 10^th birthday party!