Reflected light

The book signing did not disappoint. Quite the reverse, in fact. It uplifted. It enchanted. It endrunkened. I don't think anyone was prepared for the breadth of the turnout; I know the publisher wasn't, because the books sold out in the first hour. Lines of "bloupies" (you can see my picture if you scroll down) stretched out the door; most were there to see the First Couple, but a good number saw me off to the side and said very nice things about my writing and my boys. So I left the event very happy, and with a new appreciation for the life of a Pip.

It is also important not to underestimate the power of the Dooce, who got up at way-butt-early o'clock on Utah time, withstood six minutes of willful ignorance, and then chatted with, posed with, hugged, and/or knitted sweaters for everyone who came out and waited so patiently, until the lot of us had to clear out of the bar. She was resplendent and indefatigable from start to finish, and I'm not just saying that because without her I would have spent the night getting grass stains out of Robert's baseball uniform.

As special and strange as the night was, the most surreal moment came just as were leaving for Cringe. I had ducked out of the klieg lights and into the bathroom. It was my first respite from the mayhem, so I did what any normal person would do -- I started twittering. (It was an excellent display of multi-tasking, if I say so myself.) And right after I had finished twittering in the bathroom, Bill brandished his cell phone and said, "Dude, did you just twitter in the bathroom?"

Sometimes the immediacy of social networking can take the wind right out of you.

Comments

[Backpacking Dad]

And just a year ago that may have been a euphemism for something else.

"Dude, did you just twitter in the bathroom."

"Uh, um, no man, I don't twitter in public. I'm married and I have a great sex life at home."

[Becky]

Thank you to Backpacking Dad for the clarification. I was worried there for half a second. Ha!

[jaime]

I'm happy it went so well! I was so sad not to be able to make it.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Hilarious. And so happy to finally see some pictures from this meeting of minds!

[Susie]

Oh, man. I desperately wanted to go to that (I live in the area), but it wasn't to be. :-( And for the record, I would have been just as excited to meet you as I would have been to meet the First Couple. Damn.

[braine]

For the record, I did not brandish my cellphone IN the bathroom, but just outside of it. I always wait outside if I suspect someone's twittering in there.

To me the funny part was how perplexed you were, as though I had revealed my psychic ability.

[blakspring]

I had such a fun time on Wednesday and it was great meeting you. I'm glad that the night was such a success for all the bloggers.
And let it be noted that I was the #1 bloupie because I got there first. Woot!

[Flood]

I was a little tequiladumb by the time I met you on Wednesday, but it was still a pleasure. For me, I mean.

[Alli]

Yay, fun. Sorry I missed it and you would have been my "first man".

'

[May]

Doug French signed my book. Twice, not on purpose. Doug French's essay made me laugh numerous times, and it made me cry pretty hard once. I've only read it once, but I know now to prepare myself for future repeated readings.

Doug, it was great meeting you! It was early on in the evening before all the serious inebriation. Glad everything went well. I just commented on Sarah Brown's blog that it is a fun experience meeting the minds and personalities that contribute so generously to my internet addiction. Woo!

My first visit to thy blog. Won't be my last.

[Brenda]

So happy for you! Love your writing and your blog and glad you had a well-deserved evening of glory. (Even if you DID twitter in the bathroom.)

[Heather B.]

I'm jealous that everyone else has good stories and yet all I can think is, "Damn, that was fun". So good to see you again.

[LiteralDan]

Wish I could have been there-- it sounds/looks like it was a fun time

[jodi]

Twittering in the bathroom is ok...it is people who CONVERSE in the bathroom on the phone that drive me nuts. I can't tell you how many times I have said "HI" back to someone...only to realize they weren't talking to me at all.

[Ms. Single Mama]

A few things ...

1. I read the Amazon reviews on the book last night. Your essay is said to be a "reason to buy the book." Can't wait to get my hands on it.

2. Twittering in the bathroom! I'm holding myself back from connecting it with my phone - because I can't imagine being addicted to another form of social networking. I would be right there with you ... in the bathroom, in the car. Sigh.