Susan Branch Book Signing

I set my alarm for 5:45 a.m. Saturday morning, September 7th.  I picked my friend up at 7:45 a.m. to travel 161 miles to Walker, Michigan [near Grand Rapids, on the western side of the state]. Susan Branch was coming to town for a book signing of her newest book, A Fine Romance. 

The book signing began at 11:00 a.m. at Schuler's Book Store on Alpine Avenue.  

We pulled into the parking lot at 10:00 a.m., and went into the store to get our signing ticket number, before going next door to a women's fashion store while waiting for the book signing to begin.   I was #33 and my friend was #34.

Bookstore display.

As we walked to my car to deposit my friend's purchases, I visually scanned the parking lot in search of Susan's 'Fine Romance' van, and found it.  There was time for a picture, so we walked over never dreaming Susan and Joe would be sitting inside.  They were just getting ready to exit to go inside the store, so we got to be their 'unofficial' greeters! [Actually I think they had already been in the store earlier and left to get a bite to eat, so we really weren't the first ones to greet them.] Susan said it was her first time to visit Michigan, and Grand Rapids was the only Michigan stop on her cross-country book tour.

Below is Joe re-parking the 'Fine Romance' van in a front-row parking space.

What a cool van!  You could never forget where you parked!

Everything was set-up for the book signing in a conference area of the book store.

 Petey came to the book signing too! 

Before Susan started signing books there was a question and answer time.

Not everyone could fit inside the area, but it was an open-concept design, so those outside could still see and hear Susan.

Joe graciously allowed me to take his picture during the question and answer period.

I don't know how many books Susan signed, but it was enough to give her writer's cramp!

My turn to get my book signed.

Many attendees wanted their picture taken with Susan, including me!  Susan and I are the same age. She just lost 20 lbs., and makes me want to do likewise.  Discipline! Discipline! I need to make her Gazpacho recipe instead of my scone recipe!

Below is my tea-loving friend, Linda, who went to the book signing with me [we missed you, Lori!].

For all of you tea lovers, Susan is coming out with an adorable tea tin and her two favorite blends of tea soon.  Read about it on her blog here.  

When we left Grand Rapids we headed for East Lansing in hopes of going to Wanderer's Teahouse and Cafe on Grand River Avenue across from the Michigan State University campus. All the parking lots were full due to a Michigan State football game, so we had to park on a side street and walk to the teahouse. We were disappointed to discover it had closed because the owner took a job in Texas.  We ended up at a near-by Taco Bell instead. The fast-food establishment was a definite contrast to a tranquil tea establishment!

[Photo courtesy of Detroit Tea Examiner]

Once at home, I excitedly began reading my new book until my eyes got heavy. What a wonderful day meeting Susan Branch and Joe Hall [she goes by the professional name she began her career with] and acquiring her new book.   If you don't have it, go to her website and order one today.  You won't be disappointed.  It's perfect reading with a cup of tea!

Sunday Reflection...

Psalm 23

Vs. 1:  The Lord is my Shepherd - That's relationship

              I shall not want. - That's supply

Vs. 2:  He makes me lie down in green pastures - That's rest

              He leads me beside the quiet waters, - That's refreshment

Vs. 3:  He restores my soul.  - That's healing

              He guides me in paths of righteousness - That's guidance

              for His name's sake.  - That's purpose

Vs. 4:  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, - That's testing

              I will fear no evil, - That's protection

              for You are with me; - That's faithfulness

              Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  - That's discipline

Vs. 5:  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. - That's hope

              You anoint my head with oil; - That's consecration

              My cup overflows.  That's abundance

Vs. 6:  Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, - That's blessing

              And I will dwell in the house of the Lord - That's security

              Forever.  - That's eternity

May God bless your week!  

Afternoon Tea at the Tea Boutique

Today I drove to Lake Orion, MI [29 miles north of where I live] for noon reservations at the Tea Boutique, located in Canterbury Village.

As you can see it was a beautiful day for a tea outing.

The Tea Boutique is located in one of the houses at the back of Canterbury Village.  The main floor is a quaint boutique, and the tea room is upstairs.   You can't miss seeing this house with its bright, neon colors!

Brigitte, the owner and hostess.

There were nine of us who met at the Tea Boutique for Afternoon Tea.  Pictured L-R: Debbie, Joan, and Judy C.

Judy B. and Rachelle [a fascinator designer].

Janet 

L-R:  Me, Linda, and Suzanne

We were given a tea menu to select four teas for our table.

My place setting.

The tea began with a cheese course:  Assorted cheese and cracker tray.

And two trays of crackers with cheese spreads.

I have never seen a cheese and cracker course at an Afternoon Tea, and I enjoyed it.   The two teas I drank were Monk's Blend and Black Forest Chocolate Tea.  Both were good.

The main course was a half croissant of chicken salad, and the other half was ham and cheese. A cup of mixed fruit accompanied the croissant.

Dessert was a tier tray of chocolate dipped macaroons [top]; sugar cookies [middle], and caramel-toffee two-bite scones [bottom].

And a tray of chocolate fudge and red velvet mini-cupcakes.

PLUS individual plates of three mini cupcakes - Clockwise: Orange cycle [my favorite], yellow cake with caramel frosting; and yellow cake with buttercream frosting garnished with a strawberry.

My friend recently purchased a Vera Bradley Tote that she brought to show me.

The pattern is called "Tea Garden."

The owner of the Tea Boutique gave each of us a little gift bag.   Inside was a lavender sachet. Lovely!

A delightful afternoon with wonderful ladies, at a very pleasant tea room!

A Surprise Birthday Tea!

I left my house shortly after 8:00 a.m. this morning to drive 44 miles south of where I live to do a surprise tea party for my aunt's 86th birthday.  The guests were scheduled to arrive at 12:30 p.m. and my aunt at 12:45 p.m.

A traveling tea party!

Fall tablescapes.  I recently attended a tea where the centerpieces were floral arrangements made in tea tins, so I 'borrowed' the idea using Harney tea tins.  The pedestal it's sitting on is a candlestick and dessert plate glued together.  So easy, but impressive looking.  There were four tables set up in the dining area, and one in the kitchen.

The teapot cake was made by a friend of my cousin's.  I have never tried making one before, but I'd like to sometime.

The Birthday Girl!

The first course was cranberry/white chocolate chip scones with strawberry jam, and an apple taffy salad in a Phyllo cup.  I was at a tea recently where the chef demonstrated how to make the Phyllo cups, and I knew immediately I wanted to make them for my aunt's tea. The tea I served was Harney & Sons Cranberry Autumn.

The second course was pumpkin soup with a cinnamon teapot crouton and a chicken salad croissant.   

Dessert was mini angel food bundt cakes with lemon filling and lemon glaze garnished with blueberries and mint [that I grew for the first time this year].  My cousin had small cake boxes so the ladies could take a slice of the teapot cake home.  The cake was cherry nut and very good.

My aunt and me.   She's holding the teapot gift that I gave her.

Tea party guests.

It was a long day from start to finish, but everything turned out great, and it was such a special day for my aunt.   My car can wait until morning to be unpacked.  I'm off to bed now! Tomorrow I'm going to another tea party, but I'll be a guest at that one, and will blog about it when I get home.

An Engagement to Celebrate!

Last Friday [August 30th], my first-born granddaughter, Tiffany, became engaged to John De Pasquale.   John took Tiffany to Cliff Bell's Jazz Club in Detroit, and proposed on stage as the song he prearranged, A Thousand Years, was played. 

Gorgeous ring!

John and Tiffany 

Congratulations to the beautiful couple!

The end of a perfect night!

No wedding date has been set yet, but my mind is swirling with thoughts for a tea-themed bridal shower when the time comes.  Long before Tiffany became engaged she said she wanted a tea-themed bridal shower.  I'll be only too happy to help make it happen! 

I'm Back!

[Internet Photo]

After a month-long blogging break, I'm back at my computer.  A lot took place during the month of August, and I'll be sharing past activities with current ones.

Today, 55 people from our church participated in the Peach Festival Parade in Romeo, MI. It's an annual event that began back in 1913.  Our 24 acres of church property is situated among lots of apple and peach orchards.  While we haven't built our new facility yet [we are presently meeting in a school], our participation in the parade let the community know we exist, as well as extending a welcome for them to come worship with us.

Below was our wagon.  We were #48 in the parade [out of over 80 participants].  We're patiently waiting for the parade to start.  Mother Nature cooperated and gave us a beautiful day of sunshine and a temperature in the high 70's.

Most everyone wore matching T-shirts with the church logo.

The tractor that pulled our wagon.

Main parade route downtown Romeo.

The parade was very well attended, and it was a fun day.  Michigan peaches are delicious this year, and we distributed peaches and apples to the parade-goers, as well as a little baggie of candy and a church card.

The street light posts were adorned with Peach Festival banners.

And, of course, there was a float carrying the 2013 Peach Queen and her attendant.

How did you celebrate Labor Day?

Now I'm off to my kitchen to work on preparations for a surprise 86th birthday tea party for my aunt this Wednesday.  When my cousin asked if I'd do a intimate tea party for 8-10 ladies, I happily agreed.  The 'intimate' tea party grew to 19, so I'll be busy the next couple of days, but I'll share photos afterwards.