One chilly 2006 November night, we gathered to celebrate the release of my first book baby, Hip Tranquil Chick. It was birthed two years post-conception through nine months of intense writing and six years of dreaming.
The newly-opened Hotel Palomar down the block from Tranquil Space’s P Street location offered a swanky spot for an evening infused with pink and leopard-print. Even lavender-infused “TranquilTinis.”
Louis—who suffered from separation anxiety—began screeching when I started speaking at the podium and had to be removed for those few minutes. That’s why Tim and I are laughing as we’re reunited after the reading in the above photo.
I wore a custom TranquiliT dress and pink leopard-print heels. Louis wore a custom Hip Tranquil Pug sparkle tee—a surprise gift from my pug-loving seamstress at that time. Guests were gifted a leopard-print scarf in a leopard-print bag with pink tissue paper. The room was decorated with pink gerber daisies and stargazer lilies, along with images of Paris in sparkly frames and silent auction items to raise money for Tranquil Space Foundation. Jazz played in the background and veg hors d’oeuvres were passed around the room.
I felt like a princess. Similar to how little girls must feel at their princess parties. Does one ever outgrow this appreciation of girly delights? I sure haven’t.
Looking through the photo gallery from this event was an immersion into the past. So many faces of beloved souls who have moved away from DC, married, had babies, or moved on over the past decade. A reminder of life’s impermanence and deep gratitude for those I’ve met along this journey.
I also found Tranquility du Jour podcast #58: Hip Tranquil Chick Book Launch where I recount the event in detail. Ah, the beauty of social media.
It’s hard to believe an entire decade has passed. In preparation for a 10-year online celebration event in November, I’d LOVE to hear your Hip Tranquil Chick stories and what would be most beneficial for you as we honor the book’s birthday and our online community. I’ve created a quick 5-question survey to gather your stories and wishes.
As a token of gratitude for your time, I’ll be offering complimentary spots in the online event to five souls chosen at random. Please complete the survey by August 5 noon ET to qualify. Winners will be announced in the comments below on the evening of August 5. Thank you for your feedback and support. Bisous. x
