Crowded Blueberry Shindig

My biggest regret about last night's Blueberry Shindig was that I didn't make it back home in time to see my daughter get inducted into the Beta Club. I've never missed any of her ceremonies and felt terrible that I missed this one. The rest of the family went to support her. She was understanding as to my previous commitment and truthfully I think I missed her presence more than she missed mine.

I was truly appreciative of the handful of friends who had no idea who Jim Minick was but showed up anyway. I was gladdened and surprised to see one member of the Roanoke Valley Pen Women, Ethel Born, author of "From Horse 'n Buggy to Hi-Tech" take the time to show up with her daughter and son-in-law. "I saw your e-mail and I'm here to support you." Thank you Ethel, I won't forget that.

I learned a couple of thing's from last night's events besides the obvious that River Laker is a great promoter -- even though the weather was lousy there was a nice sized crowd --...Roanoke has quite a diverse pool of talent...Author reading events can be fun...After the first laugh from the audience any stage fright one had will be gone...If I was younger and didn't have a book to finish I think I might have liked to become a stand-up comedian...Never, never, never enter a blueberry pie eating contest if they don't allow utensils.



A good time was had by all although Jim Minick might be thinking, "Well, River said it was going to be an over-the-top event..."