Launch Party: A Happy Hangover

The Goddesses: Janie Hardy, Robyn Hood Black and Donna Bowman. 

I'm still recovering from the launch party for Cleopatra's Moon this past Friday. And no, not because I partied too hard, but because it was so wonderful.

Apparently, you can have a happy hangover. Who knew?

The excitement came from seeing so many friends--many of whom drove a long way to celebrate with me (thanks, Kara and the Goddesses!).

My bud Ashley Parsons drove in from 'Bama, bringing Nubi with her for a tearful reunion between the handsome doggie deity and Drag-Queen Cleo. There wasn't a dry eye in the house--but not from tears, from laughter. All you have to do is hang out with Ash for a minute and you'll find yourself wiping your eyes from laughter at her quick wit and genius humor.

Then the Writing Goddesses came--Janice Hardy, Robyn Hood Black and Donna Bowman--who dazzled with their divine awesomeness. Martius (aka Martin Kealey), the Roman soldier on guard, valiantly kept order with his gladius.  Don't you just love a man in uniform?

It was wonderful being able to connect with folks who had critiqued Cleopatra's Moon in its early stages, as well as many friends from the Docent Guild of the Carlos Museum. And, of course, Diane Capriola and the staff at Little Shop of Stories were wonderful and supportive. Thanks you guys!

My friend Gail Handler made a special royal offering before the festivities began--a handmade scarab necklace for me and a lovely silver necklace for Drag-Queen Cleo! The queen loves her necklace so much she insisted I snap her picture while she modeled it. Nubi, for his part, felt compelled to stand guard over the scarab pendant because it was so lovely. Thank you, Gail!

So, yeah, there is such a thing as a "Happy Hangover." But instead of suffering with a booming headache, it leaves you floating around in a grinning, grateful daze.