The last reading was such a smash that I was worried that I wouldn't do as well this round. It went very well. We packed the library. There were actually five people there that I didn't know, just poetry fans who came out for my event. That was pretty darn cool. Once again, all parts of my life were represented--my book group, jazzercise class, family, zumba teacher, dance buddies, playground buddies, high school friends. Several people came for the second time. We're thinking 63 people were there.

David and Ariana ran the cash register. Not literally a cash register, but I had managed to sign up for square, and they got to take cash or credit. They did a fine job asking people to buy the book and 22 people did.

The audience didn't gasp and applaud as much as round one, but they were obviously with me and asked good questions at the end. Actually, the Q & A portion is turning into one my favorite parts of the reading. I've been continuing to think about the questions--what is a poem? how do you balance your family's privacy with your need to write about your own life which includes them?

We came back to the house and broke open the excellent champagne Wendy and Ellen gave me to celebrate. We also had my homemade brownies, macaroons, and other random deliciousness. John put together a fantastic set list with swing, zydeco, and even some popular music, and we have a lovely time.