I could taste it.

[hiomelissa]

I sat there staring at myself in the mirror. My sister says with a look on her face..."you're not going to wear that skirt are you?" She waited for my answer as I was applying my eyeliner. "How long has it been that you've even seen me in a skirt?" I answer back with a look. "Well....that's true but I have one that would be better..." She goes into her room and gets a black and white checkered design. I sighed with disgust. "Ulgh....I hate that skirt." I said. "I'm just saying to try it." I had never gone to a book launch party before this would be my first time. I didn't think you had to get dressed up but I wanted to look nice...it's rare as a single parent I get to get all dolled up to go out anymore. I took a few minutes to finish up my make up and put on the checkered mess of a skirt my sister let me borrow. I was going to Ellen Miester's book launch for her second book, The Smart One. I, unfortunately, haven't read her first book and I hadn't read her second book either. I did, however, pick up the copy before the party and signing. I got in the car with my boyfriend, Kevin, and off we went. I couldn't believe how nervous I was. I used to sing....sometimes in front of 1,000 people and I wasn't nervous, but to meet someone who I idolized put me over to the point where I was nervous. I have always wanted to be a writer since I was small. In fact- around seven years old I wrote my first short story- The Swamp Monster. My mom saved it for me and looking back at it today the story was ridiculous but the plot was great. I remember my fifth grade paper had to be a story about anything we wanted- my teacher was shocked when I handed in a 60 page short story. She told me I'd be a writer someday and I believed her. As we sat in the car Kevin rubbed the side of my leg....He could tell I was nervous. We walked into the Borders, and I felt like I was home. The bookstore is one of my favorite places. We walked in and I was panicked. We went to the back where the signing was and there was Ellen. I recognized her from her pictures on cafemom. She came up to me as she was saying hello to all of her guest and I introduced myself. I was so nervous. She IS what I want to be. As she spoke about her new novel I sat there the whole time just taking in the moment. Thinking about my moment when I'd be standing in front of a room full of family, and friends talking about my first book, a compilation I'd been working on for years, and I really could taste the moment...like it was right there. Not only is Ellen an amazing author- but she is witty and all around a lovely person. She is real, down to earth, and just so great to be around. I started her second novel....I can't put it down. Last night was an amazing experience for me.
I could see myself behind the podium talking about how my venture has both changed me and others- I could see myself talking about my hopes and dreams for this book and what my book will do for others....and I couldn't help but smile. Thank you, Ellen, for inviting me to share your day with you. If your interested in a great read check out, The Smart One.

[Gram12of15]

Aug. 9, 2008 at 9:39 PM

It sounds like she is quite inspirational to you!  I think there was an important message for you in that experience....it's time to follow your dreams.  Hugs!

[tsjpop]

Aug. 10, 2008 at 2:13 AM

So whats holding you back sweety? Is it a time factor, that you dont have enough time to write, or you just lack motivation? What? You make a very clear , valid, sensational point in this journal entry, and judging from that alone I believe in you! Hugz and luv, sharey

[annebeckett]

Aug. 10, 2008 at 9:37 PM

Sweeetie-  I am SURE that one day it will be you-  you WILL have your moment--- or two or three..