In Grand Style

I’ve always believed in celebrating milestones, no matter how simple or accomplished. Such recognition is significant for taking stock of an achievement, to give oneself a well-earned pat on the back (something most of us probably do far too seldom) and, especially, to say thank you to those who supplied support and encouragement along the way. Besides, it’s a helluva lot of fun, too.
Celebrating in grand style was the theme of the evening on Saturday November 3 for the official launch of Get the Picture, hosted by yours truly. The event was held at the Goose Island Brewpub in Chicago in a private party room with a library motif. (How fitting is that for a book release party? Talk about one’s manifestations mirroring one’s beliefs!) Thirty guests attended the reception, which featured ample food and libations, special presentations, and book signings. The event even captured the attention of Publishers Weekly magazine, which featured it in its “Picture of the Day,” November 20 online edition.

While marking this milestone certainly was personally enjoyable for me, it was even more important for me to recognize the many people who so generously supported me in this project. In particular, the event was an opportunity to honor those to whom the book is dedicated, my longtime friends Linnaea Burkett and Karen Sanders, both of whom were present to receive signed copies of Get the Picture. (Mike Dunghe, to whom the book is also dedicated, was unable to attend due to family obligations.) The party also allowed me to say thanks for the pivotal contributions of my longtime friends Mary Dillman, who “unwittingly” provided the catalyst that launched this undertaking, and Cathy Aldrich, who introduced me to the writings of Jane Roberts and thus sparked my study of conscious creation. There simply wouldn’t be a Get the Picture without the involvement of any of them.

Of course, there wouldn’t have been an event without the valuable assistance of those who aided in its planning and execution. To that end, I’d like to extend a hearty thank you to the staff of Goose Island, especially to Sandra Duncan, director of catering sales and special events, for putting on a great show. I’d also like to extend my gratitude to those who put their special talents to use and to those who made significant contributions, most notably to Jill Brazel of Jill Norton Photography, for her gorgeous pictures; to Cyndi Safstrom, for her inventive video presentation footage; and to Moment Point publisher Sue Ray and my longtime college friends Mark Sullivan and Kevin Haynes, for their beautiful floral arrangements. Great job, everybody!

Consciously creating Get the Picture was a tremendous thrill for me, and celebrating its arrival in physical reality made it all worthwhile. And what a bash it was! It was truly a night to remember, one of great fun – and grand style.

Thanks everybody and happy holidays!
Brent

Linnaea Burkett (center) and Karen Sanders (right) receive signed copies during a special dedication presentation.

Thanks to Mary Dillman for helping to get the ball rolling with Get the Picture (little did she know what she was doing – well, consciously, at least).

My gratitude goes out to Cathy Aldrich, who introduced me to the writings of Jane Roberts, sparking my interest in conscious creation.

We had cake, too, courtesy of Chicago bakery, Bake For Me!

(All photos copyright © 2007, by Jill Norton Photography)