I graduated from high school 26 years ago, but yesterday I had my senior prom. In a very booky way.
My favorite (and my local, as soon as I move) independent bookstore, The River’s End in Oswego, NY, wanted to throw a big bash for my PROM signing. I started writing the book in the store’s comfy reading chair, and this was the last official stop on the book tour, so it all made sense. The owner, Bill Reilly, also wanted to bring one more round of publicity to Ashley and Bridgette, the masterminds behind The Prom Project, which has raised money and collected donations to ensure that all the students who wanted to attend the prom at Oswego High School could afford to do so.
So yesterday just proved my point that proms (and faux proms courtesy of nice booksellers) can be a lot of fun.
It started with the limo. (Note the muddy condition of our driveway. Central New York welcomed me home with torrential downpours. *huddles under umbrella*)
Jessica performed a miracle with my hair and let me borrow a tiara. Bill provided us with corsages and boutonnieres. We might look middle-aged, but you are looking at two kids whose hearts were thumping.
Hot booksellers! The entire staff dressed up. They decorated the store and Mindy, Bill’s wife, made a cool cake and other yummy munchies. Bookseller Alex made to-die-for peanut butter cups. The staff was busy all day. Despite the monsoon, more than 150 people came out.
That’s me (yes, I really did wear a dress. And stockings. And shoes, not sneakers. Hard to believe.), my Beloved Husband, Scot, and Bill The Magnificent Bookseller.
The New York branch of our family: Scot, Christian, Jessica, and her boyfriend, Nate, who was very patient with all our craziness. (Thank you, Nate.)
The entire staff kicking back at the end of the prom.
A million, bazillion prom queen air kisses to Bill and Mindy, the River’s End staff, Christian for taking the pictures, Mary Jean’s Alterations and Tailoring (tuxedos), Mr. John’s (flowers), and all the amazing people who braved the rain to rock the bookstore. It was the signing of a lifetime.
How do you top that? You don’t. We went home and put on normal clothes, then we ate wings, watched a little basketball, and hung out at the bowling alley with my sister and her family. (Michigan State lost. *hangs head in sorrow*) Today is full of more family events. Tomorrow and Tuesday are trying to catch up on life. I head for the Texas Library Association Conference on Wednesday.
PS – Happy Birthday, Greg!