WOW, another speaking engagement. Truro Library, May 14, 2019 at 6:30.  I'm excited, a little nervous, but mostly I'm looking forward to the event. Someone asked me how I can get up in front of a room full of people and talk. Well I just remember the very first time that I had to speak in front of a group. That was a long time ago and probably the worst experience of my life. I was the school nurse in Truro at the time and had to talk to a group of sixth grade boys about reproduction. I was so nervous. I blushed, my hands were wet, and I stuttered. They asked me the most intimate questions about sex. I'm sure they had talked it over before the class and decided what they would ask. I got through it. The following years were much easier and I was more prepared for what twelve year old boys could throw at you. Since then talking to adults has been a piece of cake. They don't ask questions that make me blush. Not that it's easy, its not. Just as with the health classes there is preparation, thinking, planning. But at my age and with the number of times I have had to speak in public it has become more fun.
I don't want to read from my book. I think most adults can read it for themselves so I will tell a couple of stories that hopefully will be entertaining, enlightening, and enjoyable. My granddaughter will join me at the front table to assist with any book sales and I hope there are a few. I think she's more nervous than I am.
I continue to write. I'm working on two books. Depending on my mood, how much time I have, and what new ideas have occurred, determines what book I work on. The Arethusa is a memoir.  I love writing about the days of youthful enthusiasm. David at the helm of the forty-five foot yawl as we flew across the water on a wing and a prayer. The memories bring him back to me. I can see him and sometimes feel his presence when I write about him. Until recently I had a difficult time with that, I'd just cry, but now it's a pleasure to be able to reach into the past and bring him back. The stories are mostly fun. We were so innocent and unprepared for the real challenges that sailing brings. But it was such an adventure.  My life has been full of adventure. I wouldn't trade any of it, even the most frightening, life changing experiences. I'm going to tell a story at the library tomorrow about an adventure I had with Dave. The day we caught the thousand pound tuna fish. What a day, what an adventure that was.