A Book Signing in a Special Place

Last Saturday, I participated in a three-author book signing with my good friends, Author Susan Keene and Author Jen Kenning at Tech N Tales in Ava, Missouri. The signing was a lot of fun. In addition to spending time with my friends, I sold several books, including two to Tech N Tales' owner who will sell them in her shop. If they sell quickly, she'll contact me for more. How cool is that?

Tech N Tales is an adorable shop that not only sells books, games, and handmade jewelry, but also offers electronics repair. They are celebrating their first anniversary, and I was honored to be a part of the festivities.

The decor is gorgeous with scarves, ivy, and fairy lights artistically draped across the ceiling and beautiful area rugs lending to the store's coziness. When I walked in the door, I was greeted warmly and treated as a valued guest the entire time I was there. I quite enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere and visiting with Sherry, the owner. She is very cool, and I hope to see her again someday.

Tech N Tales has a great selection and new and used books. They even offer the ever-popular blind date with a book. Of course, I had to grab one of those in addition to some cute bracelets and a healthy selection of paperbacks. Once I saw the wax seal featuring the tree of life holding the wrapping paper and goodies in place, I was hooked. My blind date is with a manga, which looks like a fun light read.

The location is what made the signing extra special. I have family in the area and was able to see two aunts and two cousins during my time there. Mom went with me, so she could visit with loved ones while I worked. We arrived a bit early and drove around for a little while to enjoy the town and see how it's grown since we were frequent visitors.

We won't talk about me turning the wrong way onto the city square during the farmers' market. We won't mention how many of the farmers looked at me like it was my first day behind the wheel. No one was coming and no police saw my error, so it was fine. No blood, no foul, right?

Ava has always held a special place in my heart. When I was a little girl, my grandparents lived on a farm outside of town. I spent every holiday and a fair amount of summer breaks there. From quick weekend trips to extended stays that lasted weeks, Grandma and Grandpa's house was our vacation spot.

We called it "going to the hills" when we made the long drive to see my grandparents. They were cattle farmers who had both a milk herd and a beef herd. Chickens, turkeys, guineas, dogs, and cats were also plentiful. Nestled in a holler with a crystal-clear creek running through the middle of the property, the farm was a little slice of happiness for young me. Even the fact we had to use an outhouse without a door didn't dampen my joy at being there.

Grandma and Grandpa weren't the only ones in the area, though. My great-grandparents, several aunts, uncles, and cousins also lived in the vicinity. My great-grandparents operated the most magical old country store. They sold gas, groceries, and general supplies. The store sported a wooden screen door, wood floors, an ancient red Coca Cola chest cooler, and an antique cash register.

Their house, located next to the store and connected by a foot path, was our main gathering place where family filled the house and spilled out into the expansive yard, overloaded paper plates in hand. I can still remember trying to climb the big tree in their front yard only to have Mom catch me and put a stop to that adventure to make me wash up for lunch. With so many kids around my age running around, it was easy for us to forget to eat.

Most of those folks are gone now, either no longer with us or moved away for greener pastures. I do still have a few cherished family members and some friends who live within driving distance of Ava, and I'm thrilled they came to see me.

Ava didn't disappoint. The bookstore was amazing, and my friends were fantastic as usual. The townspeople were as friendly and humble as I remember, and the traffic wasn't bad at all.

If you ever find yourself in Ava, Missouri, I highly recommend you stop by Tech N Tales and check out their wares.

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