Ah, the day after. That blissful feeling of joy, of complete and utter contentment, where nothing else matters because everything has gone so well and so right. There are always the pre- and post-event duties, the planning, the organization, the last-minute tweaks and late-night trips to art supply stores, but it's all worth it.
I'm talking, of course, about great parties and get-togethers. Author talks. Opening receptions.
In the past month, we—between my daughter and me—have had two author talks and an art exhibit, in three different cities. Each event had its own demands, challenges, and requirements, its own audience, its own joys and successes.
Why do authors, artists (and just about any creative) put on these events, at such great expense of their time, energy, and resources? Because WE LOVE PARTIES. At least that's why I do it.
For me, an event, be it an author talk, concert, or art exhibit, is a party. A celebration. A gift. It's sharing with the world the thing that fuels you deep inside, that gives you life.
There really isn't much difference between planning an event and planning a party. You have to decide on a date, time, and place. Ideally, you decide on a theme—in the case of a party, you're answering the question "what's the occasion?" and in the case of an author talk, the question is, "what's the talk about?" You then put together a guest list, create invitations, send them out, receive confirmations, plan on refreshments.
For a dinner party, you cook (or have it catered). For an art exhibit, you print greeting cards and posters (or have that done). For an author talk, you need books. (And in my case, chocolate.)
I could go on... but instead I'll share some pictures from my daughter's art exhibit. Here they are, along with the rest of this month's
Musing.
And because this is the last issue of
The Muse in the year 2017, have a beautiful, wondrous holiday, spent in the warm glow of family, friends, loved ones. 'Tis the season to enjoy, and to keep those doors wide open.
~ Birgitte
