June 30, 2016

91 guests assembled for the launch of my debut YA novel, The Art of Rebellion, published this spring by Rebelight Publishing (Canada). Many of my friends contributed their creative talents to decorate and prepare for the event – flower bouquets made out of book pages? Miniature Eiffel Towers? No problem, thanks to Lanice Jones, Rona Fluney, Maureen Boudreault, Diane Standing, Carole Atkinson, Vicki Keller! Alix Ehrler, created the spectacular book launch cake.

 

Friend and satcheler, Jane Senda (see teagarden-satchels.com) created aprons featuring the book cover, unveiling them the night of the launch. We missed you, Jane. Thanks for modeling the aprons – daughter Maryse, son Luc and spa sister Sandy Kemmet!

 

 

Ninety plus hungry guests for the evening? No problem – our son Lucas Johnson agreed to cater the event. Far from daunted, he’s now considering offering a personal chef service (contact him through this website for now).

Just like a Parisian cafe, the chalkboard menu greeted guests at the door.

Luc’s food was fabulous, as anyone who attended could attest to. Arctic char bar – char flown in from Iqaluit personally by Lanice Jones, who also created the French pastry madeleines (when she’s not saving lives as a doctor). French macarons also came from our kitchen, in large part created by Maureen Boudreault. Here’s a sampling of the food we enjoyed:

 

 

A Parisian cafe-style awning highlighted the entry table (designed by Barb Lawrence) which displayed stacks of my books tied up with ribbon, as well as a draw basket filled with goodies. The awning, made by super-talented friends Maureen Boudreault and Dave Loader, is actually cardboard, covered by awning fabric, and really set the tone for all the decor for the night.

 

 

Inspirational speaker, wellness coach and uber-friend, Joyce Sunada, was the MC for the evening (see http://www.joyfulendeavours.com). She kept things moving along smoothly, solving minor emergencies and mishaps without my knowledge. About 2 hours into the night, champagne was served and guests asked to gather outside on the lawn. Along with the draw for the gift basket, I read three separate passages from the book, cut the cake and signed copies of my book.

 

 

Whew! The last guests left after 2 a.m., after helping with clean up (Thank you Inge Leahy, Joyce Sunada and Sandy Kemmet!!) It was a great night, thanks to the many family and friends who showed up in support. Now – a breather before organizing public readings and signings this fall.