I did it! Last night I officially launched my memoir Loveyoubye, at Laguna Beach Bookstore! The day began at 4:30 am, when I awoke with my heart pounding and my eyes stretched wide like they’d been pinned open, ala Alex of A Clockwork Orange. The day was here! Maybe the earth would open up and swallow me whole before 6 pm.  I could only hope. It didn’t.

6:10 pm: It’s happening. There I am behind The Author Table, all eyes on me. Full House. Wobbly opening. And then I’m reading the first excerpt. I can do this. Second excerpt; I remember how much I love to read aloud. Third excerpt. Maybe I could keep going? Of course I can’t. I stop where I’d planned to. Questions anyone?

There were questions. Great questions. Ones I could sink my teeth into, that excited me. I forgot everything but being in the moment and answered the questions from my heart, from where I live. I didn’t hedge, I didn’t waver. I’m not sure what came over me. Whatever it was prompted a local to remark on Facebook, “Turns out that nervous, scared oh-my-god-what-if-I’m-a-flop was all an act. You’re a natural, Rossandra, it was like sitting with you at a coffee shop, more a friendly conversation than a presentation. Such a wonderful hour!”

Wow! Who knew I had it in me?