Pictures of the book launch for THE DAY I MET THE NUTS at ArtInsights Gallery

And so it began...

You walked into a scavenger hunt at the amazing ArtInsights Gallery, which led to me. (Wait. Who's that handsome kid in the blue vest or that charming man sitting down in the background with that cheeky grin? Oh that's right, they both belong to me.)

There's my other handsome, slightly mischievous, little man in the gray sweatshirt, helping friends with the scavenger hunt.

Getting my signing down at the book launch took full concentration ;).

Again, it required full concentration...and a most serious look.

Look at these two sweetie pies patiently waiting! Thankfully, the boys in the background were not starting a wrestling match, or were they?

I met new friends...

...and old friends (okay, Amy...you know I don't mean "old" but dear. If the camera had been facing her way, you would see how very young and beautiful she really is to all!). By the way, what were we talking about?



And I couldn't have done it without my husband or my beautiful mother. Since I'm not rich and famous, they get to be my handlers. And a BIG thank you to my Dad who kept a good eye on my boys (they were constantly on the move. So pictures of them here are few and rare.)

But the biggest thanks goes to my family, friends, and book lovers who came out in support. Thank you for your patience when the line got long...

...or when the author took a break.

Love to all,

~Mary

I've been blogged

JC, of Mama's Mouth blog, reviewed my book. Thank you for the great review and for the picture of me with my own mama! I met JC when I was signing books at Fresh, the movie screening. She's a smart, motivated mom, insuring a healthy life for her kids! What would we do without our mothers who help mother earth?

Check it out here: http://www.mamasmouth.com/2009/11/mom-pens-childrens-book-on-food.html.

The lowdown on events for THE DAY I MET THE NUTS

Saturday, November 7: Book launch at ArtInsights Gallery was a huge success, big turnout of friends, old and new. I love that gallery; it has so much charm and whimsy. Talk about a kid's dream come true...all the animation and illustration art you could ever dream of. Thank you to everyone who came out in support, and special thank you to Leslie and Mike, the owners of ArtInsights! Stop by and visit them at http://www.artinsights.com/.


Sunday, November 8: Movie screening of Fresh. It's an excellent movie to motivate those of us who need a little kick in the butt to eat healthier and to make the right selections...go fresh, not preserved! At intermission, they introduced my book, THE DAY I MET THE NUTS, and told folks to check out the author in the back. I waved sheepishly behind a table with my Mom (300 or more people were there, talk about intimidating). I met some great people who inspired me to take a look inside my pantry (or not) and grab for the fresher variety. The theory is...we wouldn't have so many allergies if we ate right and treated Mother Earth with a little more respect. I believe it! Healthy foods may cost a little more, but our bodies are worth the investment. I love to cook and bake...believe me, I do! I just need to make more time everyday for preparation.


Monday, November 9: Dropped off books at Chick's Picks for the show starting this Thursday. Yahoo! It's going to be great. Then headed over to Curiosity Zone! What a fun place; a kid's paradise of fun and exploration. I highly recommend the C -Zone for every child. All the senses are used to learn about science, math, etc. Every time I walk in there, I learn something new and fascinating, thanks to the brilliant mind of Mary ????, founder and owner (she's one fascinating gal). While there today, I was welcomed there by preschoolers and their moms for a little storytime and signing. I read The Day I Met The Nuts, of course, and then the kids analyzed...well, nuts (pictures of nuts, not real ones) under microscopes. Those kids had lots to say about nuts, their own allergies, squirrels, their own ages, and just about anything that was on their minds. It's hard to keep up with those young, brilliant scientists to be! Hey, and just so you know...my book (available in hardback and softcover) is now available, along with my allergy alert magnets, at Curiosity Zone. Go check them out in the flesh (or paper, rather) and say hello to the C-Zone staff for me.


Tuesday, November 10: Another fantastic movie screening of Fresh. Sue Ann Gleason of Conscious Bites was there to give helpful hints and suggestions for good nutrition, which leads to healthy living. She introduced me to those in attendance and I spoke with parents for a few minutes about food allergies and my book. After the screening, I did a book signing. Parents shared their allergies stories with me...makes you realize there are many of us in this boat weathering a rough storm.


Wednesday, November 11: I sped on over to Kilmer Middle School in Vienna, VA last night to listen to world-renowned food allergy specialist, Robert Wood, MD. I took lots of interesting notes for my upcoming article in TBA (I'll tell you when it comes out, for now I'll keep the publication a surprise). He shared his latest in food allergy research and how WE as parents, teachers, and caregivers can impact progress made toward finding a cure for food allergies. It was a powerful night...a gathering of concerned parents who desire nothing more than a cure. Thank you for your hard work, Dr. Wood.

Coming next week....I'll be conducting author's visits at Kiddie Country and Vienna Baptist Children's Center. I can't wait to read and talk to my young friends, many of whom I understand have food allergies.