Website and Book Launch Party

March 2023

It’s just a normal weekend for me other than my sister and her hubby are in town just because. They said they wanted to get out of the snow and come visit. Why not? It’s Saturday and my boyfriend is taking me to a special dinner that my sister and hubby are now invited to. I didn’t know where we were going, or what we were doing, but he asked me months ago to keep this particular night open as he made plans.  

We are driving. I notice we are heading to our favorite winery, 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards. I am excited as they have great food and good wine. We are members so I just assumed it was a member dinner. 

Surprise

We got out of the truck and my granddaughter came out and gave me a big hug. Then I saw her daddy, and I assumed that maybe my boyfriend must have invited my family along which is great as my sister is here and we can all visit. Ok, Cool. 

Wrong

We get inside and no one is in there. Odd, but ok. Then the owner says we are all set up downstairs. I say, “what is going on downstairs.” Everyone just smiles. We go down the stairs to the barrel tasting room. The room is full of family and friends. I am still confused as it’s not my birthday or anything. Almost everyone I hold near and dear to my heart, is in this room. There are over 20 people there. There is a large table with appetizers and wine. I am still confused. 

Then I see it. There is a huge banner that reads Hopes Highways, draped across the wine barrels. That is the new company I am starting. Then I saw two large pictures of me up on easels. I had the pictures taken for my website I am about to launch. I started to tear up.

Then my girlfriends presented me with a picture of us from the first book reading circle when I finally had a decent book draft for them to read. They wrote on the picture canvas how I make them feel when they are around me: Inspired, lovely, honored, beautiful, exhilarated, powerful, friendship, spoiled, cherished, pampered, determination, love, and worthy. Again, I cry. I also notice on all the barrels the number 13 and 2013 is on them. That apparently was not planned by them, just the universe letting me know I am where I am supposed to be. I was truly touched that all these people were there on a Saturday night to support me and my dreams. 

If that was not enough, they announced its time to go upstairs. We get upstairs and all the tables were set up so beautifully for the rest of the four-course dinner, complete with wine parings, in my honor. Even the menus had my name and company printed on them. It was amazing.

The winery went over and above expectations, and I was so humbled by the experience. The new company is going to be quite a ride, and having everyone there supporting me gave me the push I needed to move forward and get everything launched. It made me proud to be starting a company, launching a website, and getting my book published.

What an amazing surprise!

https://www.balboapress.com/en/bookstore