A Reasonably Fantastic Evening

There are few perfect nights. But last night was darn close.

I went with 3 other women to a book signing of my favorite author Diana Gabaldon. For the 2 of you out there who have not read her books, she is the author of the Outlander series. They are historical fiction novels with just enough history to learn something, and just enough smut to keep them interesting. Every woman I know (myself included) is in love with the main character, Jamie. He is the perfect combination of grit, tenderness, protector and scholar. But, I think what most women find the most attractive is his complete and utter love for Claire.

Yes, the story is fantastic. Each book is over 1,000 pages. (Yeah, I said a thousand.) But instead of having a feeling of accomplishment when you finish the book, you just simply feel like your family is going away for awhile.

I have read the entire series 2 times.

The book signing was at the Biltmore. We had fancy martinis, wine on the patio and a lot of laughs. It was just like Sex in the City without the $700 shoes.

After drinks we all filed into the ballroom. There was a piper. In a kilt. And the author was just as articulate as you would expect an author to be. But she was funny, and smart. And as down to earth as you could be, when your books routinely open number 1 on the NYT Best Seller List. The funniest part of the whole night was that there were people reading their new books while they sat- in the ballroom. Can you imagine having that type of effect on people?

After the festivities, we went to a Thai restaurant in town. It was very yummy. And very welcomed to a woman whose only access to ethnic food is Taco Bell.

Good food, good drink (expresso martini- need I say more?), good company, and being surrounded by people who "get it". All in all, a pretty great night out.