Our neighborhood and surrounding areas slowly awakened from their winter slumber, showing signs of renewal and new beginnings. Brown, orange, and yellow ground covers were put aside, removed, and made way for new life to sprout from the fertile ground. Although florists and meteorologists warned eager gardeners to hold off before planting, the yards were treated to combinations of purple petunias, red geraniums, and pink begonias. The more cautious gardeners stuck to colorful pansies, which are more resilient to our Northeast climate. Evidence of anticipation for longer days and colorful landscapes sprouted.
The gardeners were not the only ones looking ahead into spring, followed by summer. I had been cultivating my planting of book signing events. I am grateful for the invitations and subsequent warm welcome and support everyone has showered on me.
The book signing events gave me the opportunity to engage with readers. It gave the attendees the opportunity to ask questions about the writing of the book, the stories in the book, and to get to know me, the person behind the words. Their enthusiasm and interest in my story, in my overcoming challenges, and their passion about my journey touched my heart.
The radio interview was a novel experience. Following the release of my memoir, reporters have interviewed me in person, on Zoom, and on the telephone. Even though initially I was nervous speaking with them, I eased into the interviews knowing they could be corrected if I totally blundered, but on the radio, live? My nerves sent signals, causing my heart to pound. After a few deep breaths, and just as the red light went on signaling the countdown, I felt calm, and looked at my host Meleti. “In case I lose this, you got me covered, right?” His reassuring voice and warm smile, “Stella, you will be fine” was enough. I will have the link below. Let me know what you think.
A big shout-out to The Sawyer Free Library, Gloucester, MA, The Peabody Institute Library, Danvers, MA, Zumi’s Coffeehouse, Topsfield, MA, and to Meletios Pouliopoulos on Grecian Echoes WNTN1550AM, Needham MA.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8NGS2MD81s