A lovely day in every way.

My morning view, simply beautiful, all bright in shimmering blues and greens. The event’s this afternoon, and for me comes in many parts. First up, get that workout done and clean myself up. Kayla comes by. Laura has assigned her social media for today, so she’s here for some quick behind-the-scene clips.

She’s very happy to have a job! And not only looks so pretty in her little black dress, but knows what she’s doing. When she’s done this part of the job, I finish making myself presentable, and Laura comes by to go over the basic outline of the day.

Off we go to sit in the bar for a bit. Simon, the bartender, makes us very nice Bellinis, and we learn he’s a Galway man. He points out where we’re sitting in the bar is in Galway.

Then we’re off to meet up with the Little Brown team, Ana Huang and Jessica (Ana’s Laura). Catherine’s arranged a quiet room for us to sit, for Ana and me to get acquainted. Somehow the conversation turns to ghosts, and between Laura, Kayla and me, we have many tales to tell. It turns out Jessica’s not only attended a signing at TTP (forgot to mention our resident upstairs ghost, George), but stayed at the inn.

Time to get on the shuttle for the short trip to The Lodge with its gorgeous (as Simon told me) view of the marina. It lives up to the hype with boats on the blue water and the roll and rise of green.

We have time for photos with that backdrop before Ana and I go in to get mic’d up, and get started.

It’s a lovely crowd of people happy to be there. Ana and I sit on the raised platform. After introductions, Ana starts the interview. My voice is mostly cooperating. They’ve selected some questions posted by readers on social media. Fun ones, interesting ones, and it all moves smooth to the questions from the attendees.

More fun ones, more interesting ones and a lot of laughs. Sometime during this portion, JR and Colt take Griffin off for something more entertaining when you’re six.

Last question, and it’s time to move onto the signing. Kayla’s doing those clips, Kat and Savanna are helping with Post-It’s to write the names for personalization on the books, Logan brings me a cushion as my chair puts me too low on the signing table. Jason’s beside me to take books, open them, chat. Laura’s there to take photos for anyone who wants one.

I meet so many lovely people. From Dublin, from Yorkshire, London, Spain. Kansas! Virginia! From all over. Sisters, friends who’ve traveled together. Three generations of readers, a couple who’ve made this event part of their anniversary trip. A young woman who tells me she learned English reading my books—which she speaks perfectly.

And so many more.

I’m so grateful to everyone who came, who stood in the long line so patiently. To Little Brown who made this happen, to the wonderful Ashford team who put in all the time and effort, to Ana and Jessica who made this stop on an international tour.  And to my guys who spent a day of their holiday pitching in.

I hope everyone was as entertained and happy as I was.

Time to say goodbye to Gina, Clara and Laura who’ll head back to England early in the morning. And to Ana and Jessica who’ll do the Hawk Walk in the morning before Ana gets some writing done—then takes off for (I believe) Helsinki.

Time for a short break before my guys gather for Fancy Dinner Night.

And George V means fancy.

We’re all pretty fancy, too—my handsome guys, my beautiful girls.

The service at George V is perfection, and yes, thank you, I will definitely have a glass of champagne. They have a vegetarian menu for Kayla, a kid’s menu for Griffin. My food memory is dim, but I know they served us several beautifully presented courses. With the most amazing bread yet. We all sit and enjoy at a big round table by the windows.

A little dessert, and cappuccino in The Drawing Room with live traditional Irish music.

This little band’s a delight. Perks me up as I’d been fading fast by the end of dinner. When they play a lively Whiskey In The Jar, Griffin has to dance! With feet stomping, hands clapping, the accordion pumping, he—to me—personifies pure joy. I think he entertained everyone, including the band, as much as he did us.

When he’s—well after bed time—taken off to bed—the band sounds a bit sorry when they ask if he’s leaving.

I wish I could’ve stayed longer, but after a few more songs, I’m fading again. So the last of us, Jason, Logan and I hug goodnight.

Yet another morning spreads beautifully outside my window. It’s our last day as we fly home tomorrow. I’m moving a little slow as yet, so have to get my butt up and moving. Sadly, packing will have to be done, but I need to get out there and soak up as much of this last day in Ireland as I can.

It’s been such a wonderful trip. We plan to end it with dinner in Cong, and more live music.

Sounds just right.

Nora

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Today’s #randomkatness