Monday, March 26, 2012

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!


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   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:

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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.

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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.

34 comments:

  1. You are just too cute! Love your spirit. And how awesome for you!! You should be really proud. I find it interesting that a gas station drive thru would be on your bucket list...lol... but I love it! That is a reachable goal for sure. Enjoy your book signing and soak it in for all it's worth!! :)

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  2. That is awesome, congrats in every way, you surely deserve it. Never been through a drive thru at a gas station but you make that even sound fun..hahaha

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  3. Very happy for you Elisa and I hope you have a great time with it. Not exactly the same, but we love a drive through (literally can drive car into like a car wash) convenience store on the Outer Banks.

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  4. I have to tell you, skydivers get so used to hearing the "F" bomb they don't even notice. It's amazing to me that can happen, but I know it happened to me. I haven't been in that environment every weekend for awhile and now I notice again! Cool bucket list, Elisa!

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  5. Ahhhh! So excited for you! I have to say, a book signing at B&B is one of my dreams too. I so wish I lived in the area so I could stop by! That being said, I also wish I could go to a Jewish deli with Fishducky. Perhaps we can all coordinate a cross-state lunch in the future? ..lol Just give me enough time to find a babysitter.

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  6. I am so happy for you! And proud of you! I wish I lived closer or I'd come to B&N for the signing.

    Bucket List sounds like a cool idea. I don't have one myself. Maybe I should

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  7. Love you bucket list and the fact that you are accomplishing what you set out to do.

    I actually have list phobia so I appreciate anyone who makes one, uses it, and actually adds to it.

    You rock!

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  8. Much awesomeness to you, Elisa! It sounds like you have a couple of exciting weeks ahead of you. I sincerely hope you enjoy it.

    Personally I would love to come to the book signing and meet you in person (and get an autograph of course!). Alas it's about 2000+ miles out of my area. However, of you ever do one on the east coast, I'll be the first in line. Congrats!

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  9. What the effing hell??? How did I miss that you were in Utah? As I'm reading this and thinking how awesome you are and oh, too bad she probably lives so far away, then BAM. Layton, UT. I'm so there!!! Serious congratulations and I'll see you next month! Ehhhh sorry if that sounds creepy. O_o

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    1. This is going to be awesome! I realized you were in Utah when I read your post about skiing. I kept thinking how fun it would be to meet you.

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  10. That is so excited!!! Goodluck! I know people will come :) Gas station drive thrus are a little exciting, but oolong tea, I'm not a fan unless I pour in a pound of honey. hahaha

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  11. Good vibes sent your way for your book signing!

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  12. Dear Elisa, . . . Congratulations! Lots of work is involved in setting up signings and readings and school visits, but with your enthusiasm, all this is happening. And I bet even more is going to happen: more book signings at B&N and maybe radio and newspaper interviews. And of course, I know you really are a master at social media. So I'm so hoping your books will take flight! Peace.

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  13. congratulations! that is so awesome! i hope it all goes well!

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  14. Sounds awesome. Good luck with the rest of the list!
    And hey, I'm only twenty and I have a bucket list. It's a short one though.
    I want to go to Yakutia - the place the rest of Siberia considers a remote backwater - and particularly to see Lake Baikal. I want to put a tiny camera on my cat's collar and make a film of a cat's life from its point of view. And I want to write and publish my books, of course.
    I'm getting on with that last one, and the rest will have to wait until I have more funds and a cat that's not under parental jurisdiction.

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  15. I picture you as the queen of Barnes & Noble!!

    I've done a lot of things & gone a lot of places, so I only have one thing left on my bucket list--meeting you & your family! Are we still on for August?

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  16. wow, this is awesome Elisa :) I'm so happy for you.

    I should make my own bucket list, cause nothing I wish so far has came true!

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  17. I'm so excited for you! I wish it were the previous Friday though so I could hang out with you all day. :( Oh well. I get my dad to take me down for a visit. :)

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  18. Amazing! A big congrats to you and I hope Barnes and Noble will get many people coming in to get your book.

    Like the pictures and you have a way of turning what could have been a boring post into something enjoyable.

    Continued success.

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  19. It doesn't hurt that the guy in drive-thru was gorgeous! And sky diving, wow that takes guts. Good for you. I'm so happy for you that you have a book signing at Barnes and Noble. Congratulations!

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  20. Congratulations on the signing at Barnes and Noble. That's awesome! What a cool ice cream drive thru. And the beaming dude was cute, too! Sky diving is on my bucket list. One of these days...

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  21. The experience at the drive thru was so funny and I loved the pictures. Sky diving is one thing I don't believe I would put on my list. Hope you have a blast at the signing.

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  22. Funny! Love that the guy at the drive thru was so friendly....and that you got to cross that off your bucket list. Have so much fun at your book signing! The sky diving...uh, not so much on my list, although my husband did it several times in college. His mother just found out, she wasn't amused! :)

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  23. Check! Check! Check!
    Your bucket list is growing smaller and smaller. ;)
    Love that the guy came out for a pic with you too.

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  24. I have been many places, but I have never seen a gas station with a drive through. You made that employee's day. Congratulations on Barnes & Noble. If people don't show up, I'll kick their asses.

    Love,
    Janie

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  25. I have a Barnes & Noble rewards card. That about covers it for me...CONGRATS. You are young, ambitious, & definitely ready to make your mark. ~Mary

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  26. Wow!!...so cool!! If I lived nearby, I would be there! I hope you do a video or take lots of photos for a good blog post please;)

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  27. So excited to hear about your signing at Barnes and Noble!! I hope that goes well! I really appreciate all the encouragement and for reading my story. It really means a lot coming from someone who has been through so much as yourself.

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  28. Congrats so much on having your book featured at Barnes and Noble and of your signing! So awesome and so deserved! Cheers!

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  29. First of all, Congratulations on the signing!! That is incredibly wonderful. Second, I absolutely love your drive-thru bucket list. Sometimes the most inane things can be the best time ever. You just never know until you try!

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  30. That is great! Congratulations!!! Here's hoping your hand cramps from signing many, many books! :)

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  31. Look at you crossing things off your bucket list! Awesome! Congrats on your signing at Barnes and Noble. I wish I lived closer for that one!! :)

    ~Jess

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  32. Barnes and Noble!! That is fantastic!! Oh I wish I wasn't on the other side of the world :( I would so be there! You will just have to come to Oz (add that to the bucket list) :)

    Well done Elisa, you never fail to amaze me, it's such a joy to watch your journey grow xx

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