My book launch was held on Saturday, November 14 at the Island Room restaurant on the island.  It couldn't have been more perfect and I couldn't have been happier.  For me, it was the culmination of a dream come true......having my book published by a large, New York publisher and having family and close friends here with me to celebrate.  I don't think I stopped smiling the entire time. And the gorgeous pink (to match the book cover, of course) roses corsage I'm wearing was a surprise for me from Ray.

My publicist, webmaster and girlfriends set up the tables beautifully. (With me standing back giggling because nobody could seem to agree on which way to do it)

It was so great to see everybody . . . some of whom I hadn't seen in a couple of years, but they all came to celebrate the launch of SPINNING FORWARD.  Below I'm with my good friend, Ruth (on the right) who came with her friend, Sue, from Port Richey.

And here I am with Mandy . . . Mandy use to do my pedicures at the salon downtown.  But she moved to Vero Beach, due to her husband's studies.  Some of you might remember I attended her baby shower for Issac two years ago.  I was thrilled to learn they had moved back to Cedar Key about a month before my book launch and she was able to attend.

This is my best friend, Alice (on the left).......who deserves a huge thank you.  For everything.....for coercing me back into knitting four years ago (giving me a theme for my story) for all the help she gave me in the week she was here during the book launch......and mostly, for just being the great friend she is.  And on the right is my very dear friend, Ingaborg.........I met her about a year after moving to the island and we clicked immediately.  Ingaborg is one of those people that just makes me smile when I see her.  Full of joy and life, she's a very special person to me.

And here I am with two more very good friends........Joyce on the right.  Joyce and I met quite a few years ago when we were both just visiting the island and staying at the Faraway Inn.  We became fast friends and stayed in touch.  About a year or so after I moved here, Joyce bought the house next to me and comes to Cedar Key from the east coast of Florida as often as she can.  On the left is Marge......Marge found me by googling Cedar Key a few years ago.  Well, she actually found my blog.  She left comments, I emailed her, she was coming to rent a place here for a week, we met for wine and dinner and the rest is history.  She's been a good friend, staying in touch via comments on my blog or emails.  And....Marge ended up moving from Maine to the east coast of Florida.....very close to Joyce and so I hooked them up together.  I was thrilled that Marge also came to my book launch.

I had such a great time talking, laughing and catching up with everybody.  The food was truly amazing due to the talents of Peter, chef and owner of the Island Room.  And with the water right behind us, the setting couldn't have been more ideal.  I signed a lot of books, I did a reading from SPINNING FORWARD and I gathered up enough memories for a lifetime.

I was very pleased that we had Kayla as our waitress and server......she's usually our waitress when we dine at the Island Room for dinner and during four years, I've attended her Cedar Key high school graduation and watched her mature, so I was happy she could share in my special day.

For me, it certainly was an event to remember and I feel very grateful for all the people that came and surrounded me with their love and support.

Join me here tomorrow and I'll share with you some of the great gifts I received to commemorate the launch of SPINNING FORWARD...............