In case you’re wondering why I haven’t posted, I’ve been making love to Yankees.
Nine times in four days, the people of the great state of Massachusetts welcomed me into their homes. Their communities. Their groups. And their shops. I wore myself out spewing my Southern drawl, but they never told me to shut up or asked me to talk normal. 🙂
Thanks to Lisa Kramer for hosting me for three nights, and to Nathan and Sarah for being patient while she rode all over the state with me.
Tatnuck Bookseller and New England Mobile Book Fair, you were brave to have me in your establishments.
Cam Garriepy, thanks for dinner.
To the ladies of The Book Club!, thanks for letting me crash your discussion of my book. I loved meeting all of you.
Framingham, Concord, Bedford and Boston welcomed this fellow Rotarian with the common language of Rotary. I’m looking forward to seeing many of you again.
Marj Burgard and The Village at Duxbury, not only did you turn out en force, but you bought books, fed me dinner AND fascinated me with your stories.
Deb Kramer, thank you for putting me up on my last night.
Ye Olde Foole, I loved meeting you and Becca.
Mr Brickhouse, you dragged me all over Amherst and didn’t laugh when I prostrated myself at Emily Dickinson’s grave.
Brickhouse Chick, thank you for inviting a dozen of your friends over and stuffing them with dessert. Sugar always makes people say yes to a good story. I loved meeting you and spending a night in your guest room.
I returned to Charleston awash in Yankee hospitality. Humbled. Exhausted but full. Ready to return in March. With at least three events already booked for Not Without My Father, I’m sure I can cram in at least twenty more in a week-long visit.
Please forgive me for not being here. When it came time to decide to pay attention to the people in front of me or spend time online, I chose the people in front of me. I reveled in stories ranging from Texas to China. Of miracle adoptions. Of impossible feats of strength. For a few days, I experienced the brogue of Boston. The beginnings of Fall color. A chill that heralds Winter.
I loved every minute.
To see pictures from my book tour of Massachusetts, please follow the links below:
44 Comments
So glad you enjoyed my home state. Though NYC was home for 20 years, I grew up in MA. And I still miss the fall colors, and the smell of wood smoke and the crunch of leaves underfoot. Now I’m jealous. See, we Yankee folk aren’t so bad when you get to know us (just don’t ever confuse a Yankee with a Yankee Fan, especially in Boston–you may not escape with your life!)
LOL, I was just going to say, it’s a good thing she never said this while she was here.
Luckily for me, I’ve always gravitated toward people who have different life experiences. I’ve never found the typical stereotypes we pin on people to be true. Or fair.
It’s always better to pay attention to the people in front of you..wise choice Andra!
Part of that was sheer exhaustion, Mary. On Tuesday, I gave three talks, was awake for eighteen hours, and drove five hours. AND went on a very high-energy walking tour to boot.
At every one of my nine appearances, I gave some sort of talk. That kind of performance takes a lot of out me, but I love it. I got invited to several other places on the strength of my speaking skills, and I’m looking forward to returning next year. I’m grateful for all the opportunity to practice, because my presentation improved dramatically. On my last day, people came up to me at one event and said they wouldn’t be able to stay for my talk and were still glued to their seats at the end. 🙂
That’s wonderful, Andra. You are a “blue babe” (which means you are strong) in every sense of the word. I am always glued to your posts because I am amazed at everything you have accomplished and the ways in which you promote yourself and your writing. Keep on going, keep swimming, you are awesome!
I love how you didn’t link to the post where I tell the world how wonderful you are! 😉
I need to post that link, because it contains a VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT.
http://www.lisaakramer.com/2014/09/13/friends-books-words-and-announcements-a-week-of-unexpected-surprises/
Good to know you’ve been so busy with Meriwether Lewis and all that entails, and were well cared for in the process, Andra. Did you visit The Manse when at the North Bridge? Looks like you might have been to Walden Pond from the photos. One of the most glorious days Tom and I ever spent was community with Thoreau there.
At any rate, dear one, I’ll be here to read you whenever you post. 🙂
I didn’t walk up to The Manse, Penny. I only had thirty minutes there. But I saw it across the field from the North Bridge. I didn’t make it to Walden Pond, either. The water shot is from North Bridge. That’s the downside of going to all these new places on a book-and-speaking tour. I had little time to explore. Maria was kind enough to force me to take a walking tour of Amherst, for which I’m very grateful, and I got to spend some time in the Sargent room at the Boston Public Library. Those two plus North Bridge were the extent of my tourist activities. 🙂
I’d love to hear about your time at Walden Pond.
When we pulled into Minuteman Park, a bus pulled in right behind us. They headed to the park, so, we decided to start with the Manse instead. No one but Tom and I, so, we got our own private tour. There was the window pane where Sofia etched her sentiments with the diamond of her ring. It was fabulous. If you ever have a chance, do go back. We then headed toward the bridge. The senior citizens were gone, but, we tagged along with a group of high school students. That brought some interesting perspectives. 🙂
We had a picnic lunch, purchased in Concord, the day we did Walden. A pristine October day and one we talk about often – yesterday, in fact – as one of our most favorite days ever in fall.
I’d love to visit Amherst, Andra. We did spend some tine in the library in Concord., soaking up the spirit of transcend souls. Now look at what I’ve done; taken up all your commenting space. I need a “comment” leash.
SO glad you had such an incredible visit (and got to meet and hug Cam! You’re so lucky)
Now when you’re in NYC, I hope to hug you too!
I’m looking forward to meeting you next month in one of my favorite cities on earth.
Me too Andra, I’m so excited about your visit.
I’m amazed that you had any energy left this past weekend after such a whirlwind, Andra.
Love that you also chose a cemetery tour in MA. Makes me feel less macabre for requesting one yesterday in Charleston!
I was pretty amazed, too. 🙂
But when a person goes after something like this, they have to realize that people want their attention. I try to give that to people when I’m with them, regardless of what else I have been doing. I hope you got the same energy level I gave to people on my first day in MA. That’s my goal, because people appreciate it.
Yep, I try to live my life the same way. Little changes, like not constantly updating social media, or posting pics the second I take them, is helping me both stay in the moment AND give the people I’m with my full attention.
You have that effect on people, Andra. Once you start talking your audience is mesmerized by your piercing gorgeous eyes, welcoming smile, southern drawl and charm, intelligence and captivating stories. My friends were thrilled to meet you and were eager to purchase and read your book. I am so looking forward to your visit in March! 🙂
Mr. B enjoyed giving two perfect strangers, albeit charming, a walking tour of Amherst. 🙂 Now get yourself a little rest!
I’ve got several follow-ups to do with Amherst folks, thanks to you. 🙂 You and Mr B live in such a beautiful part of the world.
Mass. is a good place. I lived in Topsfield and went to Masconomet High School. It was a great place to be a kid. I’m glad your adventure was memorably pleasant.
I’ve always loved Boston. It was great to spend time all over the state.
When did you leave MA?
My mom, my sister, and I left Topsfield in elderly June of 1966. We got to Dana Point, California on the 5th of July. Fireworks in Vegas were pretty cool, where I had a decent steak and eggs breakfast for 99 cents.
That’s so lovely. I’m glad you focus on those in front of you…we all should. 🙂
I fell off the internet, I fear.
how wonderful, the south is rising up once more!
The Southern girl is pretty tired today, though. Tired and happy.
Fantastic opportunities, Andra. I am certain that each host thoroughly enjoyed your company and you are richer for the experience as well. Good to have an update from you. I can just imagine the colorful and entertaining conversation. 🙂
I was lucky to meet so many smart, funny people along the way. I wish I could’ve spent more time everywhere I went.
It sounds like you had a wonderful time, Andra! If your travels bring you out to my corner of the country my hostess/tour guide hat is ready. 🙂
Be careful what you wish for. 🙂 Your part of the world is a big piece of my memoir launch. You’re definitely going to hear from me.
Wonderful!
I think we’ve got you covered.
Wow! what a trip.
My GRL needs a trip, John. 🙂 I’d come out to meet you.
I wish I had a publicist. I would love to meet you as well. BTW I am writing a review of TLFAAJOML. I so loved the book.
You’d be amazed how much you can do yourself, John, especially when you work your own connections.
You are a master. I think you are right. I am starting an outreach program since all other marketing elements have pretty much played out. (donating to libraries, contact book clubs, come stay with Andra and talk to the Rotary. You know all that stuff.)
Makes the average triathlon seem like a cakewalk:)
Sounds like a good time was had by all!!
You’re coming back in March! Perfect! Maybe by then our guest room will be done. 🙂 So, so glad we were all good to you. It was a treat to have you here.
I love Massachusetts. My dream is to live in the Berkshires. Isn’t Amherst wonderful? And you should always choose the people.
Loved your title…pretty funny. Heard so many good things from Brickhouse that I had to stop by and check you out. I always like to hear author tales and find out how their publishing journey went, in fact both ladies said how awesome you were I was wondering where you had your golden lasso and invisible jet. I heard you were such a great presenter/speaker and thought that was a great thing to remember. It hadn’t occurred to me that aside from writing great stories we also have to “bring it” when we’re presenting. When I finally publish my book and get to book appearances I’ll remember that. Thanks!
Supper with Cam and Felix! Now I’m really envious 😀 Great to see things taking off, Andra.
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