I got a signing at Barnes and Noble!

For a fun fantasy quiz, please go here: Recap

Now, onto the post of the day.

    I'm Elisa.  Yes, I'm twenty-nine years old and I have a bucket list.  Don't worry, I don't have cancer OR the swine flu.  I just have a case of the sillies.  I've made a list--an incredibly long list--that I won't get through unless I become immortal like an angel or a vamp, but at least I have a list.


    One of my dreams was to visit the drive-thru at a gas station.  I didn't know when it would happen, but I knew it would be awesome!
    Anyway, my friend turned into the drive-thru one gorgeous day.  We waited in a huge line and then finally got to the window of perfection. 
    "This is her first time," my friend said because it was the greatest thing in the world just then.  "Would you mind if I took a picture of you, so we can always remember this moment?"
    The guy beamed--literally beamed.  He cocked his head and modeled in the window!  If you don't believe me, then look at this!

   Isn't that the best picture ever?  My friend is a professional photographer, and it shows!  This pic could be an ad for bucket listers everywhere!  Thanks NSteed for the amazing picture!
    "We'd like some ice cream," my friend said.  "Maybe ice cream sandwiches."
    He came back with an ARMLOAD of ice cream.  No wonder the place had made my bucket list!  It was fantastic.
    "Where are you from?  You've never visited a gas station drive-thru?" the guy asked in an accent.
    "I'm from here.  I grew up a few hours south of here," I said.
    Maybe our excitement was contagious because the guy suddenly asked if he could come outside and take a picture with me.  The line behind us had grown massive and the people looked like they were about to turn into the walking dead!
    The gas station employee did get someone to cover his spot, so he could take a break.  And the whole time we waited for him, I kept thinking about how the place was on my bucket list and that guy got to work there.  There's something magical about working at a place everyone goes.  You can see people at their best--their worst.  You can see who they really are and that's usually a beautiful thing.
    Anyway, the guy came out, and here's the picture NSteed took:

He did the bunny AND I'm holding an ice cream sandwich--talk about the best thing ever!

    So, I've had other things on my list, like going skydiving.

I'm by the same plane DJan once went in!  That makes it even more special to me.

    The manager paired Cade with Jim Croce--a man who died in a plane crash, and me with a guy who I thought looked like my version on Edward Cullen.  I’m not a huge Twilight fan--let me send that thought in the wind.  I thought Edward was obsessive, overbearing, controlling.  If I could pick one literary character to NOT go sky diving with, it would be him or Captain Ahab!  There’s something about jumping from a plane--with a vamp--it doesn’t bode well.  It’s like facing death TWICE!
    To top things off, my cameraman looked like a preacher I always knew growing up.  It wasn’t until the video guy started dropping the “F” bomb that I questioned his faith.
    “Are you related to any pastors?” I asked the “F Bomber” as we prepared to jump.
    “No.”
    “Well, you look like a very successful one I used to know . . .  You could probably make a good living, if you held services before people jump.”
    He laughed so hard.  “Even though I swear a lot.”
    “You could still do awesome.  Pass around an offering plate, tell people this might be their last moment and you’ll be golden!”
    He patted me on the back and chuckled.  "Ya know, you're all right."

    So those were great things to have on my list.  
    I've added new things.  Like how I want to meet the amazing Fishducky and go to a Jewish Deli with her--we might even go to a gas station drive thru--if I can find one.  I also want to meet Yoda--my writing mentor--and have oolong tea with her.  I know it will be amazing, like I grew up knowing her.


    Some other things have been on my list since I was a kid.  I wanted to have a book published.  I also wanted to have a signing at Barnes and Noble.  Well, my first book came out in November and now I'm going to do a signing at Barnes & Noble!  Can you believe it?!  I feel like this is a dream.  They're interested in "The Golden Sky" more than "The Sword of Senack."  The manager read the reviews online and said he was impressed.  
    So, on 4/13--Friday the 13th--from 6 pm -  9 pm, you can expect me to be at the B & N in Layton, UT.  I'll get a three hour break from my kids.  I'm going to order a HUGE coffee and have the time of my life.  I know it'll be epic--I just know it.  Maybe even better than the drive-thru gas station, if you want to know the truth.


    On a side note, today will be a busy day.  I'm talking at two different elementary schools this week.  I hope it will go well.  I also printed out 500 flyers to advertise the signing.  I sure hope people will come.  After all, it's not every day  I get to cross something off of my list.

P.S. If you're here for "The Sword of Senack" or more info about the kindle fire giveaway and writing/art contest, please go HERE.  If you'd like more info about "The Golden Sky," the book B & N is stocking, please go HERE.