A complimentary glass of wine started the proceedings. Then we were royally entertained by a duo, one on guitar and vocal, the other on flute and sax. They were quite superb and I was happy to be promised some more after the readings. Sadly I can't remember their name but I'm sure Denyse will advise me. I also did a bit of 'mingling', something I wouldn't have had a hope of doing a few years ago. I met other bloggers and we chatted and laughed and drank!
the musicians
Then it was time for an introduction from Denyse followed by the readings. Denyse is a striking lady with inner strength and beauty, a gorgeous face and very clear voice. Important to me as I am deaf. I wear an aid in my right (best) ear but if people mutter or cover their mouths, I'm lost. Denyse explained some of the problems she has, being an 'Aspie'. How she suffers from sensory overload and has learnt the skills of communication including making eye-contact, 'because that's what people like'. I was fascinated by this and also that she has consciously learnt to modulate her voice to make her public speaking more acceptable.
DJKirby with Christopher I King behind. That light was such a nuisance! I have no idea what setting I had the camera on but the photos were very grainy and dark. I must read the instruction book one day...
The 2 books we had come to see 'launched' are 'From Zaftig to Aspie' by DJ Kirby and 'Motorbikes, ducks and crispy sweet apples' by Christopher I King. I had heard much about DJK's book through her blog and reviews but little about the other book. I knew that the author was very shy and might or might not read at the event. Well, he did and introduced his reading with a quick burst of stand up comedy! He read the Prologue and it was utterly intriguing. Having no idea what the book was about it certainly whetted my appetite and now I am the proud owner of a signed, personalised copy.
DJK followed up by reading an excerpt from 'From Zaftig to Aspie' which I had to have too. Another personalised, signed copy. Gosh, I hope they both become very famous!
I was somewhat worried about the other item on the programme, a rap! Well, as a general rule I hate rap. Casdok had written the words about her son and how he is often treated by the world. We had a copy of them on our table and they were very thought provoking. Then Daren Callow performed it. Wow! It was probably one of the best live performances I have seen in a very long time. He had a little piece of wizardry which he operated with his foot. This thing recorded each little section of music and put it on a 'loop'. Gradually, all the recorded pieces built up into what sounded like an amazing full sized band! All the time Daren was performing the words in between. It was a bit like patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time, only ten times more difficult as far as I could see. The thunderous applause went on for quite some while and Casdok had recorded it and had a good cry too! Afterwards, Daren was selling copies of the CD of the Shrek Rap, signed by Casdok and himself, all funds going to Aspberger related charities. They should make quite a bit. Phew! Of course I had to have one...
'Shrek Rap'. Words by Casdok, performed by Daren Callow
I sat beside Helen 'Fiction is Stranger than Fact' Hunt, a lovely lady and then discovered that two of the other bloggers at the table had met my daughter DK and LeatherdykeUK at some book club in Manchester! More chatting ensued. The duo played again. Troy of the 'Wordless Wednesday' captions on DJK's blog was also there, Leigh and Carol 'not only in Thailand' Burns. I should have moved around more but the conversation was too much fun to move. Also there was spare red wine to be had...
I was aware that my last train was at 10.40ish so had to drag myself away. I was very lucky to catch a taxi cab just a few yards up the road or I would never have made it. It turns out the driver was born in Ireland, though you wouldn't have known from his accent. I did catch the train thanks to his speedy driving and had the carriage to myself. I read a good part of Denyse's book on the way back to West Worthing, smiling to myself while reflecting on a most fulfilling and entertaining evening.
Some other photos:
Having a good laugh! I am so worried I will get the names wrong...
DJ Kirby
I rather liked the clock - The blackboard note says 'Welcome to Roses Vineyard for this Double Book Launch'
Denyse in conversation with Troy (see below) Look at that lovely hair
Troy and Denyse
As I had the carriage to myself...
A couple of young girls did run through the carriage. One of them turned to me and said, 'Wow, I love your hair'. I thanked her of course.
As I hadn't eaten I was pretty hungry and just caught the Turkish restaurant before they closed. Small chicken kebab was a perfect end to a perfect evening.
20 comments:
What a wonderful post. A lovely way of bringing back the memories of a great evening. It was so brilliant to meet you.
Thanks for the impressions of the evening :)
Glad you liked it Helen and Rach. Good to meet you too Helen.
xx
Sounds like a marvelous time Gina. I saw postings for it everywhere and thought it would have been lovely to attend.
It was a really interesting, fun night aims. Wish you could have been there.
xx
Thank you for this post. I am glad you enjoyed yourself. Your hair is simply gorgeous, mine looks similar when it is long. I will post about the launch on Sunday. xo
I loved your hair to - lovely meeting you. It was a wonderful night, and yes i did cry i was quite over whelmed by Darren's fantastic performance.
I also hope DJ becomes famous, she is such a great advocate for autism.
It was a great night and I'm very glad you made the effort to come along as it was fab to meet you!!
I loved your hair too...wild and wonderful :-)
C x
Ps. I've added you to my blog roll
Wow, thank you for your kind words. Now it's my turn to feel a little choked. It will certainly be on the short list for the event of the year I think.
Daren
xx
I shall look forward to that Denyse. If you could see my hair now!!
Casdok, thanks for calling in. I shall be a regular at your blog from now on.
Carol and Chris, hi again. Wasn't it all such fun? Thanks for adding me to your blog roll.
Oh good, Daren. Great to get a man choked! You deserve all the praise.
x
That sounds a lovely evening to remember.
I keep meaning to mention our deafness and the post jogged my memory.
I too have hearing loss in both ears but just wear a digital aid in my good ear - find it very frustrating if I sit anywhere near a ticking,striking clock - or someone with a cough!
Enjoyed you write up no end.
Thank for dropping by and staying a while...and leaving a comment or two...much appreciated..how did you find me!
come back soo...crafty woman you!
Great write up. Most entertaining.
Sounded a really interesting an fun evening. Great to see you sharing yourself and mixing with the world.
x
seems to me that a wonderful timewas had by all, and most importantly, you met new friends and made new memories.
Hi Weaver, so glad you enjoyed the write up. Hearing aids are great but they do emphasise the wrong things sometimes, like boiling kettles!
Do you have otosclerosis?
Hi FFF! Now, how did I find you... from Ces's blog? Not sure now, I have lots of blogs I read so you must have commented on one of them! Do come again.
Hi son 1. It was indeed. I did enjoy being me at the launch! Don't seem to have done that for a long time...
soulbrush, it was a truly entertaining and thought provoking evening and I haven't laughed as much for ages.
wonderful write up mum! :-) lovely to see, and especially that you met a few of our 'Novel Racer' friends! ~grin~ really wish I'd been there now lol x
Thanks DK, glad you liked it.
xxx
This sounded like so much fun. Sometimes it's difficult to make yourself leave the comfort of home for any type of event...but when you do, it's so often worth the effort!!
Thanks Pamela. It was a great night and I'm so glad, as I said, that I did make the effort!
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