I was excited to be invited to participate in the Author Event in Murfreesboro last Friday night. It was described as a book signing and reception. It was exactly that BUT it wasn't how I imagined. Now don't ask me to describe what I imagined because I tried to articulate it but couldn't. It was just different.

Fourteen authors of a wide variety of books were lined up in a row. Three to a table with one notable exception, one gentleman who made a loud fuss that he was a more accomplished and recognized author said he should be at his own separate table. His name Gerry Lundy. His book is entitled "Disavowed." He said that he just returned from Chicago. He had been on Oprah and his book was the next one that was going to be spotlighted by her book club. Several of the other authors thought he may have been delusional however I thought it was exciting that we were all at the same event with someone who might have received the ultimate endorsement. Afterall, once the next title is announced we will all know if what he was saying was fact or fiction.

I was at a table that provided a little dejavue to the evening. One of Hope's teachers had written a book on how to raise test scores and she was seated at my table. She thought that Hope was there to see her but Hope introduced us and said she was actually there because of my book. Later in the evening when I needed to go to the Ladies Room, I asked Jim to take my place at the table. Poor lady, first she thinks Hope was there to see her and then she thought Jim was actually Tom, Hope's Dad. It was fun that Tom and Jim still get confused as being each other.

Directly next to me was a gentleman who wrote a financial planning book. I confess that I was feeling a little intimidated as he was signing lots of books and had his wife photographing each person with him. Everyone obviously knew him. His wife later explained that most of the people were financial planners that had contributed ideas to the book. She and her husband were very appreciative that everyone had come there to get their copies of the book so they didn't have to drive around town to drop them off. A reminder that I shouldn't "assume."

To my right at the table immediately next to me was a gentleman who had written books about Robert E. Lee's life after the war. He obviously had researched his subject extensively and was eager to share stores, facts and "did you knows" with everyone. It was an unexpected bonus to receive history lessons at my first Author Event.

In addition, there were authors who had books about Murfreesboro. There was a romance novelist, a lovely lady who had written an inspirational book, and a couple of writers of children's books and fiction. The assortment of writing styles was truly varied and happily the attendance by consumers was excellent.

Three hours is a long time for me to remain in one place. I can hear people who know me laughing knowing how true that is.

I was blessed because this event was a family affair for me. Jake and Noah were fantastic agents. They went throughout the store giving out my little magnifying glasses and candy. They no doubt stimulated sales and Hope introduced me to people she knew and that in turn resulted in her teacher introducing me to the people who came to get her book. Tom and Shelia advertised my presence to their friends and consequently not only did I sell their friends books but may have an opportunity to speak at a convention and help with marketing strategies. Jim was also awesome not only working my table, reminding me to breathe and measuring my stress level with some toy he found but later that night helping with my site. It was a family affair and they made the experience awesome.

Thankfully David Logan drove me to Tennessee from Florida. The snow and ice along the way in each direction would have been super treacherous if I had been at the wheel. He gave me a great compliment, saying he enjoyed watching me work the room as he sat in the Cafe observing. I kept hallucinating that he and David Hallal were sitting there together rooting me on.

As I sat at the table waiting for the next person to stop by, I reflected on the people who had supported and encouraged me over the years. I thought of the people I love who were unable to be at the event in person but who were in my thoughts and heart. I am definitely a blessed lady pursuing a dream. I am not sure where this adventure will ultimately take me but I am sure of one thing, I will always be grateful to those who believe in me when so often I don't find it easy to believe in myself and feel worthy of so many blessings.

I sold 12 books that night, excellent. I inscribed in each book, "Believe in possibilities" and then signed my name. My life adventure has taught me to believe in possibilities. It seems the natural thing to pass it along.

Even more importantly than the sales I made that night, I received leads for several job opportunities. The author of the Robert E. Lee books said he observed that I was different than the other authors there. He said from the way I interacted with the people it was clear my book was just a tool to get an opportunity to work with entrepreneurs. He said he enjoyed watching me use my book to, "Sell More." I loved it. My goal has always been to have my little book entice people to use Ideas Unlimited to create strategies that will increase their company's visibility, sales and profitability. I guess it is working. Hurray!