Library Happenings and Secrets of Public Speaking

Most people, at most times, go to a library to see books. But on October 5-6, 2018 some folks had a rare opportunity to go to the Puyallup Library to see book authors! I happened to be one of about 30 local authors who were honored to present our work during this event. 

The Puyallup Library is gorgeous inside and out, and has a long history. The very first library in the area was created in 1877 by Eliza Jane Meeker, wife of Puyallup founder Ezra Meeker, before the town even existed officially. In 1880, the Puyallup Library Association was created, and they were able to hire the first librarian. In 1913, with a grant from Andrew Carnegie, a new library building was opened. Thanks to the donation from the famous Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist, in total 2,509 libraries were opened between 1883 and 1929 all over the world, including the US, the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Serbia, Belgium, France and other countries (read more HERE). The Carnegie Library in Puyallup was replaced 50 years later due to the bowing of the second floor (books are heavy!). The rest as they say is history. I thought it was quite an extraordinary story, and it seems the library continues doing extraordinary things, such as the Local Author Festival, part of the Festival of Books where nationally recognized authors are invited - this year, Jeremy McCarter, a co-author of Hamilton: The Revolution; and Craig Johnson (you might be familiar with the TV series Longmire based on his books, now available on Netflix). You can read more about the library HERE and see a photo album from the festival HERE.

I had an opportunity to present a 10 minute talk about my work from an improvised cozy little stage. To be honest with you, I used to think that I wasn't a good public speaker - it used to make me very anxious to present in front of people. But I don't feel this anymore. I realized that I actually have a gift of engaging people, and even though I feel nervous, I don't get paralyzed by fear - rather, this nervousness fuels me. Quite possibly, it works for me because it usually isn't a huge audience - rather a small group of people. But the most important I think is the fact that I feel passionate about the subject and I know what I'm talking about. I think that when I was young, I thought that it was important to have a precisely prepared speech and memorize all the words and phrases. Now I realize that while it is important to think over what you want to say and maybe write down a few important points of your talk, the speech itself is an improvisation because it just has to be in the moment, so it is fresh and genuine! The outcome will depend on the particular audience, atmosphere, or mood so to speak. I am definitely not an example of a smooth talker, but I have so much fire in me, so much love for my subject, that it guides me. I just have to relax and trust it - just go with it, really. I had a couple of occasions lately when I spoke publicly, and I now feel that I've passed one of the biggest fears I used to have. (Wait till I have hundreds of people in my audience and a mic...oy!)

It was a wonderful day! I really enjoyed meeting other authors, readers and library staff. I learned some things, and both Justin and I felt it was a great experience. Other than compliments on my talk, I also received many compliments on my dress! I bought it a while ago, and it waited for a perfect occasion. What can be cozier than cute little sheep grazing in colorful hills? And what better occasion than the Festival of Books? I couldn't find my tights, but fortunately it was a gorgeous sunny day, plus we spent a bigger chunk of it in a warm library. But I did have my boiled wool jacket with me for a chilly morning and evening. The enamel butterfly brooch that landed on the collar earlier this year, was patiently waiting for a new outing - and it complimented the dress colors beautifully.

Sorry for the radio silence lately. I have some photos to share, but don't have extra energy for blogging at the moment, and Instagram as well as Facebook have to wait. I am learning so much these days. I have the whole new career to explore! You'd think it should make me anxious, but it doesn't. I feel excited, a bit wobbly and uncertain, but also fired up - I feel very much like a child again, like the whole big wide world lays in front of me. Not in the sense of being on the top of the world or anything like it - I feel like a wanderer entering a huge forest, with the unfamiliar things and unknown creatures inhabiting it, some seem friendly and some intimidating, and I don't always know what path to take because I don't know where the paths lead, but I am open and curious, and wild horses won't drag me away from this forest because my gut feeling tells me that I'll find my destiny in there. Wish me good luck!

Is there anything that you have been overcoming lately? 

Please share, I'd love to hear your stories!

Dress - Eloquii 

Boots - Ecco (last year)

Boiled wool jacket - secondhand (by Lands' End, purchased years ago)

Linking with Visible Monday

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