It's only your first time once. Yes, dreams come true.

I had a moment today. 

Over the last month I've been whirling through the fevered world of book promotion, spurred on by my sister authors at She Writes Press, buoyed up by an avid team of friends and supporters before they've even read The Field House. I've dealt with writer's cramp after 1000 postcards and monkey brain keeping me awake at night - a merry-go-round of things I might have forgotten, places I ought to contact, connections not yet made, posts I must write. I've hardly had time to take in what is happening right now - the fulfillment of a dream I've carried in my heart since I was about 8 years old.  But today something cool happened. 

I have been in love with Left Bank Books almost since they first opened in an old bank in Searsport, Maine in 2004. Left Bank Books has all the qualities to love about an independent bookseller - cozy atmosphere, personal touches abounding, bright colors, varied textures, handwritten recommendation cards and reviews on the staff's favorite books. It's a curiosity shop of delights - feast for the eyes, the mind, and the soul.  They have moved to a larger space in nearby Belfast, but lost none of the charm and homey, welcoming ambiance.  Our trips to Belfast from the Bangor area always include a long browse in Left Bank Books and anticipation of new adventures in the books we carried home. 

I might have fantasized about "one day" having my own book on the shelves of a shop like Left Bank Books, but not with any conviction. I don't think I truly imagined it as a realizable goal. And yet, there I was today, welcomed at the door, invited to sit down with a stack of 22 of my own books to sign for readers, awaiting tomorrow's official release.

After the first few books I stopped to look around. Oh my god. I'm sitting here in my favorite bookstore, signing my own book. This is it, the real thing. Holy $#&%!  I looked over at Lindsay, one of the founders of LBB, sitting nearby. "I can't believe I'm sitting here in this store signing books," I said. I know, not very professional of me, but I am a first-timer here. I don't think she minded. You only get one first time. Stop, Robin. Bask. Be here now. 

Okay, can I say this out loud without sounding stupid?  Dreams come true. Yes.

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check out counter display at Left Bank Books today - The Field House surrounded by books from Rachel Field, and someone's personal Hitty doll from long ago.