It was a celebration. My first book signing at Nashville’s Parnassus Books was a success. No, people weren’t lined up around the block to meet me, but only three or four chairs were empty. People paid attention. Stayed to the end. I mostly kept it together.
To reward myself for walking 444 miles and getting through a big talk without collapsing, I asked MTM to take me to my favorite Nashville restaurant: City House. It’s fuss-free food and welcoming atmosphere were exactly what I needed after walking for five weeks straight. We settled in and waited for our server.
Paul.
Who had this tattoo that looked like a keelboat.
But it couldn’t possibly be THAT keelboat. Because that would be, you know, REALLY WEIRD.
“So, what’s the occasion?” Paul asked as he poured some bubbly.
“Well, I just had my first book signing. At Parnassus.” I handed him a card.
“OHMYGOD!!! I WANTED TO GO TO THIS, BUT I HAD TO WORK!!! SEE MY KEELBOAT?? I LOVE MERIWETHER LEWIS. WHEN I VISITED HIS GRAVE, I CRIED. YOU DIDN’T EVEN HAVE TO GIVE ME THIS CARD TO GET ME TO BUY THIS BOOK, BECAUSE I TOTALLY WAS GOING TO BUY IT ANYWAY!!”
So, of course, Paul and I bonded. Over the journal entries of Meriwether Lewis. Over venereal disease and the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Over nickels lost and found.
While Merry sat in the shadows.
And laughed.
Click here to see the best photos from my book signing at Parnassus Books: Andra Watkins Tumblr
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To Live Forever: An Afterlife Journey of Meriwether Lewis is available in paperback and e-book formats at these outlets: Click to Purchase To Live Forever.
As long as you submit reader questions, I’ll answer them. Make me do videos. Come on. Make me.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5Zplnb81bk&w=560&h=315]
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34 Comments
That;s so fun! The second waitperson who got a “tip” to buy your book. (We tipped well in addition to that). I wish I was there with all of you.
You have found another fan…among many. That was a perfect ending to your day – good food, good company (MTM) and a waiter with a tattoo and your book.
Okay…that is truly cool!
You have connected with so many amazing people on this trip of yours.
Wow. That Meriwether is really looking our for you. Do you think this was a coincidence?
I love it when a plan falls into place…….
omg it just never ends. amazing.
It seems even though the journey is over you’re still walking with your ghost. Hope he continues to bring you such delightful surprises.
There are way too many ‘coincidences’ happening in your life not to notice! It speaks to how special you are. Salud!
Chills, chills, chills!
Shared on FB….”What are the odds? The serendipity continues!” I got goosebumps!
Four words – buy a lottery ticket!!! The gods are on your side.
Whoa, what a nice surprise! Congrats on the great signing Andra.
What a fun surprise at dinner and what a beautiful bookstore!
that is amazing! it made me ‘almost’ cry! what a gift for both of you! congratulations! you’ve most likely inspired many couch potatoes, and i am so proud of you!
from way afar in ecuador,
z
Well done! I love it when things come together like that.
F-R-E-A-K-Y!!!
How fun! A keel-bottom kindred spirit. Love, love, love this chance e counters, and a chance to sell another book.
So I’ve been sick going on three weeks now and here I am jumping up and down screaming with glee and crying. Pure joy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrxVJdpDMP8
I’d gather Lewis isn’t a pesky spirit at all. But if he ever does get cranky, I’d say a sock in the snoot from some guy with a keelboat on his arm would lay low almost anything. I guess it’s cool that he’s haunting you in a few nice ways (meaning he’s read the book)
Who was the Babe doing your video???
p.s. I’m glad your book signing was a success… could it have been anything else? I think not.
So, now to repay Mr Meriwether Lewis, you need to get a tattoo! In fact maybe you should get a tattoo of each of you books as you publish them, since we all know this will be just the first.
Tip a ghost by writing more about him! Congrats on your fantastic trip!!!
I hope you never run out of questions. I love these little clips!!
Sweet serendipity…no one more deserving of knowing she is on the right trail ~
That’s perfect! I’m with Michael…maybe a tattoo of each book cover as you publish them. Or even just a keel boat.
What a wonderful and serendipitous encounter, Andra! I’d say it’s “unbelievable” but you provided photos as proof! I think that’s exciting, and I’m of course, utterly delighted to hear that Parnassus was a success. 🙂
How amazing!
Er, how were you able to stand for that talk?
Perfect. Just perfect.
Congratulations on the book signing! and you know…sometimes…there are no coincidences (though most people say that there *are* no coincidences..at all)
I TOLD you that you spirit walked. (Of course, you already knew that.) How completely amazing
This was all meant to be, Andra! So glad you know that.
well done
I’m reading your book this week while traveling to pennsylvania
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