A book launch at home

Some months back I planned to have our 'Australian' book launch at a venue where we could have up to 120 people with a cocktail evening with pictures and stories from the recent Beatrix Potter tour and book launch in the UK. But that did not eventuate and instead our wonderful friends Lessa and Roger opened their home today to lots of people......much more personal and fun! We have another launch on Tuesday that a local quilt group are hosting only this will be a fundraiser for Alzheimers's Australia. But today was a special celebration with family and friends and I thank each and every one of you who came (including Judy, Marie and Pat who drove over 3 hours to get there and then turned around and drove the 3 hours plus home......thankyou girls xxx). We sent invites to about 70 with an open invitation to join us and also share in an early 60th birthday drink as well - having my birthday a week before Christmas is not ideal for that sort of celebration! Roger decorated the front of the house most appropriately......and Lessa and Roger's niece made the most amazing gingerbread biscuits.....too nice to eat!........

 Lessa and Roger turned their home into a display of the book projects and even the neighbours were involved with Beatrix Potter memorabilia.....sadly I didn't get many photos.....

 And there is your quilt Helen.........

 I am not the only one who was born in 1956 and all the others have already had their day but I felt it only appropriate they share with me............

 Beau even came back for seconds.......it was a lovely moist lemon cake......

 Sophie lasted amazingly well (second from left) as she had only had her wisdom teeth out under anaesthetic less than 48 hours ago).....and standing next to her is a friend that I nursed with almost 40 years ago and she actually cared for Sophie at birth when Sophie had life saving heart surgery.........

 we did have savouries too I think!

 Sophie captured some of the speeches with Roger's back to us as he had to rescue some hot treats from the oven that was alarming!......

 It was such a busy afternoon and I completely forgot to give out thankyou's that I had stitched for everybody - a little Beatrix Potter mug coaster.......so I will pop them in the post or catch up with many of you soon!.....

Tuesday is our next launch and then the website will go live. For international friends waiting for the book you might like to wait a wee bit longer to save on the postage costs from Australia - C&T Publications in the US will be releasing a version in February next year (this will also allow shops to get copies wholesale as well)......more of that very soon. Thanks for dropping by xx