Several years after I started writing, one of my dearest friends said, “When this book gets published, I’m throwing a huge party.”

She thought she had a couple of years to prepare. Eight years later, on June 12, 2016, she, her husband, and another close friend created a book-launch celebration that left me almost speachless.

Danielle Foster, co-owner of Bookworks Book Store, Albuquerque, NM did the honors . . . .

When I worked for Houghton Mifflin Publishing, now HMH, I did many displays. I found this a useful transferable skill.

New Mexico deserts make people thirsty. Guests found a well-stocked bar out on the patio.

And what a lovely patio!

Guests inside enjoyed food, conversation, and a book presentation.

While everyone enjoyed the day conversing, drinking, and eating . . . this poor author couldn’t party. She had to sign all those books. Life is tough.

Photos: Courtesy of Professional Photographer, Eban Bell http://www.ebanbell.com and my brother, Bruce Bell