LEAVING GEE'S BEND BOOK LAUNCH PICS

Big thanks to my husband Paul for taking these pics AND video AND wrangling our sons while I spoke and signed and hugged... THE BEST, I tell you.

First up, the sign Lori and Katie from North Shelby Library got printed:



Next, here's me and the family before the event. The boys were funny, btw. And sweet. I wasn't sure how they'd hold up. But several people told me how polite they were and how proud they said they were of their mama. :)



Now me with my left-handedness making me look VERY serious about signing that book!




Me and Mary Ann and China Pettway, two of the quilters from Gee's Bend -- without whom there would be no LEAVING GEE'S BEND. They sang, they talked, they made people laugh... I was so so so happy to share this time with them! (Next stop, ladies: Flint!)



Speaking of folks without whom there would be no book... me and my mama. I was SO HAPPY she was in the audience! She fit right in with all the quilters.



Have I mentioned the most awesome bookseller in the world?? Yes. Linda Brown from Milestone Books. And gorgeous too!



And, finally, CAKE! I didn't get a chance to eat any, but the boys said it was rockin'.



Thanks to SO MANY for making it an incredible event. So many people came that I didn't even know! And it was great to see old friends. I really can't describe the feeling. I'm hoping for another great event this Saturday, 2 pm, to Hoover Library. See you there!