CAFE: A gathering place. A place of refreshment.

Thirsty for the latest releases in Christian fiction? Ready for a peek into the world of publishing and writing conferences? Hungry for spiritual and real-life nourishment? Pull up a seat; you're in the right place, and I'm so glad you've stopped by.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

How did you come up with that?

This question and many others came from a dozen lovely ladies of the Welch Bookies Book Club a few days ago. For my first face-to-face book club, the initiation was pure bliss! We laughed, talked about our favorite characters, and had random discussions about pink sponge hair rollers, Ford Edsels, Gone With The Wind, and Happy, Texas. Sort of like stepping into a roomful of friends I didn't know I had and wishing I could unpack and stay awhile.

And that's not to mention the amazing hostess of the evening: Jeane Wynn. She selected my book for her "turn" and had the meeting at the Wynn-Wynn Media office. Tyson, the other half of Wynn-Wynn took off his work hat and donned his chef's apron to prepare a banquet of hors d'oeuvres. Yummmmm!

I have to tell you two of the "coincidences" of the evening. One was that Jeane borrowed a 1950s red and white enamel table for holding the beverages. What she didn't know was that I ate at a table exactly like that as a child (and have the table upstairs now - a remnant of my childhood). The other thing (and I think this might have been intentional on Jeane's part) was that one of the cakes was also exactly like the one I envisioned Irene Flanagan from Chasing Lilacs bringing to each and every occasion that required a cake. And it tasted as good as I envisioned, too!

Jeane presented me with Welch Community Cook Book
Thanks, Jeane and Tyson, for all the great food, decorations, and hospitality. Thank you, Welch Bookies, for one of the nicest evenings I've had all summer. You've set the bar high for my next book club appearance.
My new friend who won the gift basket! Congrats, Mary!
I'll be back with one of the recipes from the evening later in the week.

Q4U: Do you belong to a book club? I'd love for you to tell me about it!

7 comments:

Patti Lacy said...

Glad things are coming up "roses" for you!

I do belong to a book club but rarely have time to attend! Still read the books, tho!!

Blessings, dear one.
P

Myra Johnson said...

Fun, fun, fun! You are really making the rounds, girl!

Bonnie Way aka the Koala Mom said...

Carla - sounds like a ton of fun! I was part of a book club about three moves ago and would love to get into another one. Chasing Lilacs is definately a book I'd recommend for discussion!

Pencildancers said...

What a fun idea! I've never belonged to a club, but have always wanted to. I'm not sure how they work or I would start one.

Anne Payne said...

I belong to an online book club and have really discovered some great new authors and books! I highly recommend online if you don't have a local one.

carla stewart said...

Thanks, Anne, for mentioning online book clubs. What a great way to meet new people. I'm always looking for new ways to connect with readers.

carla stewart said...

Thanks, Anne, for mentioning online book clubs. What a great way to meet new people. I'm always looking for new ways to connect with readers.