Oh What a Night

All I can say is...

Oh What a Night.

Four simple words. But they are full of glee and joy. They leave me breathless.

Oh what a night!

This was the first time that I can remember not being nervous when giving a talk in front of  a bunch of people. And it was a packed house, standing room only.

I have always done great with the scientific talks. But I have never given a reading before.

But it went well. We signed a load of books beforehand. And they sold out. How cool is that?

And I don't even know what to say about the GREAT Tayari Jones.

How awesome is she? She is awesome to the nth degree. She never ceases to amaze me.

And I don't say that because she gave a great reading. She always does that.

But I say that because she beckoned me over to her parents house in SWATS on Sunday and we practiced for a couple of hours. She taught me in that time how to properly read a piece of fiction. And how it is much different from reading something technical, much of which I've been always accustomed to. I will never forget her taking time to help me get my diction and pitch just right. Her Mom and Dad even took time to listen to me read, and they gave me great pointers. I incorporated ALL of that advice, and I did a pretty good job.

I can look over the past decade of our acquaintance, and she is one of those people over that period of time that's made a lasting and positive impact on my life and well being. I can't say that about many people. And I can only hope that someday, someone in the world  will be able to say the same about me that I say about her. 

I am simply shocked at doing something new and so different at this time in my life.

I will never forget it.

Oh what a night.

I have 2 more readings this month.

But I know they will never be good as the first time. :)