So Many Books, So Little Time

A good book should leave you…slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading it.”  William Styron, interview, Writers at Work, 1958

Book set-up

Whew! I think I have finally recovered from the jet lag, and time difference of living on an island. Now it’s time to continue with the stories of the events that enrich my life in many ways. I still have several “Maui” tales but I will take a step away from them for the moment.

I hear the call of Books

This past Saturday, I entered the world of Romance as the RT (Romantic Times) Booklovers Convention took place in Kansas City this past week. It was hosted at the Sheraton Crown Center that held about 2,000 people, 4-500 of them authors. Workshops, panel discussions, parties and a formal ball built the theme of the week-long event.

Joanne Fluke

A time change regarding a meeting  held at the hotel placed me at odds of taking the long drive back home or volunteering. I chose to stay and help with stuffing tote bags with books and swag, (little giveaways) increasing my curiosity of what the convention had to offer.The sold out event offered day passes,  giving others a chance to take part in classes and events up to six p.m..

The Printed Word

My Thursday pass started the morning with “How Sweet It Is,” a breakfast and tote bag giveaway of three books. The first 300 participants, charged with excitement, moved through the doors with cheers and laughter. I chatted with people at my table, as we planned our morning of events.

The Kensington’s Afternoon Books Spree, sparked a turnout that caused a mile long line to form from the event hall to the hotel lobby door. Once inside, women beeline to their favorite authors for free books and autographs. Within an hour, all the books disappeared. Champagne with sherbet, mini pizzas and popcorn were served during the frenzy.

If that weren’t enough, from 4-6 p.m., the E-book, Indie Publisher & Graphic Novel Expo kicked into high gear. With more than 300 authors with e-books, self-published and independent press books participated. The best part of it all were the giveaways; pens, buttons, trading cards, key chains, candy, wrist bracelets and trinkets. By the time I walked out the door, I took home four tote bags of goodies and books. A child never had it so good.

The Main Event

Once again I volunteered for the most intense event of the week, the Giant Book Fair. From 10:45 a.m. until 2 p.m.,  admittance to outsiders with a library card or five dollars, could attend and purchase their favorite books. If you had books that you wanted autographed, a limited amount were allowed.

At seven in the morning, we (volunteers) unloaded books, preparing the area for the authors before their arrival. In this world of electronic mediums, there is still something exciting about seeing a book and feeling it in your hands. The smell of fresh printed pages and the “crack” of the spine as you open it, cannot be beat. For those of us who gave at least two hours of their time, we could select our favorite books and have the author autograph them before the crowd descended upon them.

Brenda Jackson

At ten, I gathered my choices, running to get autographs. One of my all time favorites, A Knight In Shining Armor, by Jude Deveraux, produced unconstrained excitement. Another fan favorite, Joanne Fluke, allowed the chance to try something new. A very kind woman, she autographed her new book, Red Velvet Cupcake Murder. Before the doors opened, I had obtained books and autographs by Brenda Jackson, Beverly Jenkins, Cherry Adair and Mary Ellen Taylor.

The announcement over the intercom called all authors to their seat as the countdown before the doors opened to the masses gathered outside. The tables, full of books and swag were ready to go and all volunteers took their places. At 10:30 the doors flew open and the place went wild as people walked, ran, cheered and shouted to their destinations.

Myself and two other volunteers managed the area for Julie Garwood, who had a half-mile long line of people waiting for autographs and photos. To booklovers, these are their rock stars. My energy came from that of the fans that kindly waited their turns. As I kept the traffic moving, people commented on all the buttons and flashing necklaces that I wore. “We’re here to have fun,” I replied.

Before the event ended I once again walked away with a tote bag of books and bling. Authors offered more buttons for my collection while taking pictures or as one did, a mini movie of me. I wore all my goodies with pride as I made sure they (the authors) were not in need of water or snacks.

One day, that will be me on the other side of the table offering trinkets and autographs to my fans. Yes, one day.

Cherry Adair

Jude Deveraux

Beverly Jenkins

Alison Atlee

Marie Bostwick and me

Deeanne Gist

Peyton Elizabeth (on the left)

Buttons galore!

RT Book Review

Cookie Books

More cookie books

Services Rendered Shout-Out (chp.8)

“You’re far more likely to regret the things you don’t do than the things you do”-Mark Twain

The Soulful Owner

So you think you have soul but do you know what it is? One definition of soul (by Dictionary.com) is the emotional part of human nature. Simply Soul on 51 N. Market St., Wailuku, Maui, HI, is a step up by being soulful as well as a Rasta boutique. Everything in the store is locally made while clothing is sold on consignment. Every month she rotates her stock to keep things fresh and within view for the shopper.

Shantal Castillon uses twenty-nine local artists for the items displayed in the glass cases. Sunrise seashell jewelry is very popular and one of her top sellers while sea glass pieces run a close second. Simply Soul carries one of a kind copper and silver pieces. During my visit, I noticed some beautiful orchid pins and earrings made from real flowers giving each item a unique and outstanding beauty.

My interest in the boutique piqued when I noticed the funky and fun slap watches in their display cases. They rocked wild colors and styles while remaining simple in construction. Some pieces are interchangeable so you could have a red buckle band and add a lime green watch face. They also give you replacement batteries with your purchase. (Sweet!)

Colorful wrist art

Shantal says the boutique is her dream come to life. With the help of her fiancé, Simply Soul opened November 2, 2012. She had only three weeks to renovate the present site once the previous owners left the building. During first Fridays, Market Street caters to a lot of foot traffic which gives the store exposure through word of mouth. Her customer base is 60% local and 40% tourists.

So Shantal, here’s a Services Rendered Shout-Out to you for having the hippest, coolest boutique on the strip. Your smile, kindness and determination will keep Simply Soul growing in the right direction.

Tears of Love (part 2)

“A friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself”-Jim Morrison

The Naughty Group

Whatever happens in life, one should look back and count more happiness than tears. Those are my words, my thoughts, my feelings. It was also achieved through the help of so many people that I don’t know where to begin.

To my Maui family, I dedicate part two to you. When I transferred to your unit in the fall of 2012, it was with concern on my part if I would fit in. I had spent three months with my first family and became very attached to them. Now I would have to move to a larger unit and with it the unknown. With a deep breath in and a slow one out, I moved forward and dared them to bring it on.

“Friends and good manners will carry you where money won’t go”-Margaret Walker

First Hike

With professionalism and humor in hand, I stepped forward into the whirlwind of busy. Four pods, an increased patient load and more staff, I thought it was time to click my ruby-red slippers and tell Glenda the good witch to send me home. When I opened my eyes, I was still there so I decided to get down to business.

The magic started around Halloween when I try to encourage the gang to dress for the holiday. Not sure if it would fly, I took faith by the hand and found the best surprise when I walked through the door and noticed Sister Gloria decked out in her habit complete with bright yellow shoes! From there it was a done deal as different characters appeared throughout the unit and my camera flashed away. Laughter and smiles filled the air and my heart was happy.

Beauty queens

We’re born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we’re not alone”-Ritu Ghatourey quotes

From there a relationship grew. I joined a group that would hike once a month with “Papa Bear” Henry, in the lead. Five hikes and many stories later, I pulled up the rear (I really did, inhaler and all) and made it through. And the parties, my goodness the parties. Filipinos can lay out a food spread better than anyone I know. It’s a wonder I can still walk through a door. The dancing, the kindness and constant support of one another. Showing love became an event that I tried to outdo at each turn. With encouragement, I wore the hats that introduced each holiday as the staff, laughed, giggled and wondered, “What will she do next?”

You, all of you, made it possible for me to be who I am. You made me want to give love. All of you made me what I am today; a better person with a full heart. You gave me a better understanding of the cultures I came in contact with and a drive to want to do more, learn more, be more.

So it does not matter if you are a technician, a nurse, the manager or the floor sweeper, in my heart and in my life, you are important. Thank you for making my heart skip a beat, shout with joy, sing out loud and shake my fat butt. All of you helped me to Shine bright like a diamond. (go ahead, sing the song)

Mahalo and Aloha, from my heart to yours. Lila

P.S. The next holiday is Mothers Day, May 12!