River House Christmas Extravaganza December 4

 

Ready for the adventure!

 

 

Unfortunately, the Christmas Extravaganza at River House didn't draw as many people as we had hoped. There I was, pen in hand, with a table full of books I was hoping would sell. They didn't, but the folks who did buy were a joy to meet. Frankly, I had a great time just mingling with the shoppers and vendors.  

Doris Oxford was on hand as usual. You can't hold us old-timers down. We wiggled to some fantastic music and will keep doing these shows as long as we have the stamina. Why? Because just getting to know the vendors and hoping for sales, keeps us alive and happy. 

 

 

 

Doris

 

Jean Willis and I go way back to when we had stores on Aviles Street. Jean had an art gallery, and I pioneered art rubber stamping. Jean's artistry is well known. When she retired, she joined our writer's group and a  friendship was renewed. 

 

 

Jean

 

Howard and Peter were there displaying the Council On Aging's anthology of memoirs written by the members of the writer's group. Peter heads up the group and has taught us how to tighten our stories so they are fun to read. Howard worked above and beyond the call of duty in assembling the book.  

 

 

 

Howard (holding book) and Peter

 

To my amazement, my best friend Claire Bishop showed up to give us her support. Weary from a hard day's work, I couldn't get her to smile, but I loved the fact that she cared enough to come. She owns Claire'sCollectibles, the best rubber stamp store on the east coast. (Link to her shop and see what I'm talking about!)

 

 

Claire

 

Two more friends, Tony and Jean, showed up to add their support. What would we do without good friends who love us? 

 

 

 

Jean and Tony

 

Believe it or not, I got to hug Santa Clause!  

 

 

 

Tried to convince Santa I've been good all year.

 

I'm embarrassed to admit that the young woman who helped me the most, Teri Lee, I forgot to take  her picture. Without her lugging my books around, handing out business cards and even making some sales, I couldn't have made it through the day. I'm still gimping from a broken foot that hasn't healed completely. But my spirits are high. 

So another River House extravaganza has come and gone. I'm already thinking about the show to come  in July 2015. The eternal optimist, surely that show will be the best yet.

 

 

There's a lot of writing in all those books. You see what I've been up to.

 

"A Cup of Christmas" Kindle Anthology Launches Today

Available on Kindle

 

 

I was excited to be included in this Christmas anthology along with thirty other authors. My story Simon was reconstructed to have a Christmas theme. It is one of my favorite pieces and it was fun to have it included in this book. The premise of the anthology - Why send a card when you can send an e-book? The book launched for free, but then priced at $1.99 with all proceeds going to First Book, a national children's literacy charity. To date, First Book has distributed more than 120 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low-income families throughout the United States and Canada. First Book is transforming the lives of children in need and elevating the quality of education by making new, high-quality books available on an ongoing basis.

 

Check it out on Kindle. Get a copy for yourself and for a friend.  Thirty-one writers, some award winning authors, traditionally published, self-published, and first time writers sharing stories, memoirs, poems and a few tasty recipes.

 

Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas!

 

                                                                                                 Audrey

River House Christmas Extravanganza December 4th

Mark you calendar for December 4th if you are in St. Augustine or surrounding areas. Promises to be a wonderful event. Stop by and say hello!

Merry Christmas!

And smooth sailing in 2014!

Where did the year go? It's hard to believe that in just eleven days we will be entering a brand new year.

This hasn't been the greatest past five months for me. I'm still hobbling around using a walker. I haven't been able to get out of the house by myself.

Whoa! Why am I not considering the blessings these months have brought? Helpful friends have gathered around me. I managed to publish three books on Amazon and Kindle. When I couldn't do anything else, I could write.

So I'm entering the holiday season in good spirits. I'm going to try and write more on my blog in 2014. Have to keep you posted on my progress (grin).

In the meantime I want to wish you all a blessed Merry Christmas and a happy prosperous New Year


                                              Merry Christmas To One And All!

                                                                                      
                                                                      Audrey