Retro Release Was Radical!
Last Saturday we hosted a book launch at our home. We wanted to do something to celebrate the release of The Paper Boy (buy your copy here) and knew it needed to center on our friends who have supported us throughout the years.
With the novel being set in the 90s and our garage being itself kind or set in the 90s we decide to host the party there. I hanks my good buddy Paul, we have three Arcade 1Ups, Terminator 2, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Final Fight. The walls are full of art on the theme and l added a bit more and of course the toys and collectibles everywhere.
For lunch we had Pizza Hut and the snacks included Gushers and Fruit By the Foot (thanks Costco!). We also had Yoo-Hoo, a favorite of mine after my paper route. Even the coolers were labeled in a 90s way, with Captain Planet on the cooler for water (probably ironically). Zen: Intergalactic Ninja protected the trash, by the way I made feature length documentary about Zen.
The event was an all day celebration, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM with friends coming at their convenience. Frankly had everyone come at once, we could not have handled the rush of people and would not have been able to spend quality time with everyone, including friends we haven't seen in several years.
Activities included the afore mentioned games, Barbies (because of the Dream House was moved to a different place so it was now interesting), the Frozen Power Wheel, a small fan inflated fort, visiting neighbor dogs, and best of all a craft your own bookmark section. The kids made amazing stuff as did my friend and former roommate (twice over) Ian. Ian is a brilliant artist and created a super cool bookmark that is perfect for me and The Paper Boy.
Those are the details (well, the broad strokes) I'm humbled by my friends and neighbors, and the support they showed. It was beautiful. I'm grateful.
We were deeply hurt by someone we trusted, someone we love, with the purchase of this home. Strangely I held that against the house. Until the last few months. Saturday was a big part of why I love where we live. Why I know we were meant to be in this home, in this neighborhood at this time.
One final reminder, buy the book here. If you did, leave a review on Amazon. Also leave a review on Goodreads. Each of those help just as much, if not more than a purchase.
