farmdoc's blog post number 577

In medical emergencies, I was taught, the inclination’s to rush in with quick action. But the more effective approach is to step back, sum it up, and then act. The same applies to fighting bushfires. And to book launches. It’s nearly a week since the launch of Sweetheart Vivienne’s book Alzheimer’s: a Love Story. In that time enough dust’s settled for me to write my impressions of The Launch:

(1) It was one of the most wonderful – and unforgettable – events in my life. (2) I was surprised that so many people (i.e. well-wishers) attended. (3) That so many did is a tribute to the high regard they hold Sweetheart Vivienne in. (4) She deserves it. (5) Each of the three speeches was spot on. (6) I regret I didn’t think to record them. (7) It doesn’t matter which of the three was the best. (8) Sweetheart Vivienne’s was. (9) I was so proud of her. (10) And so happy for her. (11) I still am. (12) The refreshments were spot on, too. (13) Especially the biscuits hand-made by Sweetheart Vivienne and darling Kate. (14) Readings deserves criticism for not having enough copies of the book to sell at the launch. (15) And for not prominently displaying the book in the street-front window, and in-store. (16) If it was good enough for Sweetheart Vivienne and Scribe to select Readings for the launch – and it was – then it was incumbent on Readings to reciprocate – as per items 14 and 15 above. (17) They should have too, because the review in their newsletter was very favourable [1]. (18) But they didn’t. (19) Their failure to do so was inexplicable. (20) Items 1-19 above are just my opinion. I could be wrong [2]. (21) But I’m not. (22) It was one of the most wonderful – and unforgettable – events in my life.