I’m just back from literally laughing out loud with The Sandy Bottoms Book Club.
Apparently so is Francine. Our 95 year-old is thoroughly enjoying her personally signed copy of LOL.
A Welcome Offer
A few months ago my friend Liz asked me to be the July guest speaker at her book club. I accepted with all the enthusiasm of a true LOL contributor. Yes, please, just fire a date at me and I’ll be there. We’re always keen to share the joy of Laugh Out Loud.
When Liz, whom I’ve known since grade 10, admitted that she was the founding member of the Sandy Bottoms Book Club, I wasn’t surprised. Liz has always been a natural-born leader. And yes, the Sandy Bottoms Book Club. Isn’t that a great name for an island book club? They meet regularly during the summer months on their idyllically sunny and sandy island, tucked away in the Salish Sea on Canada’s scenic west coast.
Now, the journey to get to this island hideaway is a bit of a trek. Especially if you’re not boating in or flying up. The requisite two ferries, a water taxi and a land taxi will take you at least seven hours. Lately I’ve been sparing my two pets this endurance test. But as I explained in the last Just TypiKel, our 13 year-old rabbit toddled along on this recent adventure… Click here to see how she coped.
Anywho, as every islander will tell you, it’s worth all this effort. Once there, the vacationer can just cast off the lingering ropes of city life. And. Just. Be.
Note the bustling 20 km/12 mph speed limit that we had to endure as we commuted to Liz’s.
Laughing Out Loud With The Sandy Bottoms Book Club
I recognized about half of the 16 members gathered around in a circle on Liz’s front deck. After a round of drinks and platters of yummy snacks, Liz kindly introduced me. I briefly described my personal journey as a writer, then outlined the highlights of Allia Zobel Nolan’s and the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop’s generous creation of LOL, followed by a reading of four of its stories. The ensuing Q and A led to a rousing discussion of both the book and the sharing of personal memories.
Which stories did I read? Well, it had actually been rather difficult deciding. Every one is a gem in its own right. I was also handicapped by knowing very little about many of the members’ backgrounds or ages. In the end, I opted for opening with Allia’s ‘Erma Bombeck: Laughing Through The Pain’ which is a heartwarming tribute to the wonder that was Erma (that decision necessitated at least eight prior read-throughs to ensure I wouldn’t get emotional; tears not being an auspicious start to a humor book reading). After moving on to Tracy Roberts Buckner’s deliciously insightful ‘Clap Clap Clap’ (a perfect piece for the mothers), and then 82 year-old Fritzy Dean’s exquisitely hilarious ‘Breathless Encounter’ (guaranteed to engage everyone present), I closed with my own somewhat cringeworthy and citrusy ‘Lemon Aid.’
It was during the reading of ‘Breathless Encounter’ that true magic happened. Shortly after I arrived Patty shared that she had just retired after 30 years as a 911 operator. As I was reading ‘Breathless Encounter’ my mind leapt ahead. There was an imaginary dialogue between Dean and a 911 operator coming up. Would Patty take on the role of the 911 operator? I’d no idea. The two of us had just met. Then something, or someone, I’d like to think it was Erma, spurred me to go for it. I stopped mid-page and plunged.
“Sorry, Patty, but could you do me a favor? Could you read something for me?”
She broke out into the broadest of smiles.
“Of course, whatever you need.”
Patty’s commanding and experienced reading of the part of the 911 operator brought down the house.
The night then wrapped up with some pretty interesting and funny story telling amongst the various members. I couldn’t help but notice how the LOL premise of ‘celebrating the then and now before we forget’ became the resounding theme of the night.
Thank you to Liz for hosting and for insisting that I’ve written pieces that moved you to tears, to Ms. Patty for performing so brilliantly, to AMD for being such a patient photographer and to C, W and A for your endless support and the sparking of colorful and honest conversation. Thanks for your photos, too, C. Thank you to every other member of the SBBC for your enthusiasm, friendship and kindness. It was a night I won’t soon forget.
Want to know more? Well, through the magic of the online world now you can. Guess who’s now available on Kindle? LOL!
24 Responses
Love, love, loved this account. I felt like I was there. And I loved your choice of stories. Indeed, Fritzy’s account had me in stitches because, as I once mentioned, I had a similar experience with Spandex. Be careful of that stuff, ladies.
Oh, and Lemon Aid was my second favorite.
Anyway, I would have given a million to be there with you all; looks like such a special group. And a fabulous locale…what scenery! Even better, they all look like they’re having a great time. Thanks for sharing. xox
Thank you, Allia. Your presence would have been the icing on the cake. Or the spiral on the lemon. ‘Wuv you.’
What a wonderful night that must have been, and quite an honor to be asked to be a guest speaker ! Love the name of the book club !! As the fortunate recipient of a signed copy of LOL, I also loved your choice of stories, although I thoroughly enjoyed all of them !
Thank you so very much, Jane. And yes, that name! I’m 99% certain it was conjured up by my pal Liz.
Thanks for your kind words Kelly. It is not everyday that you get to practice dispatching the Technical Response Team for a Confined Space Rescue. The book was so much fun and has something in it for everyone. It was a pleasure meeting you and sharing a perfect evening with friends, old and new.
My pleasure, Patty. It was a real delight meeting you. It isn’t everyday that you get to witness the dispatching of the Technical Response Team for a Confined Space Rescue … Thank you for that.
Congratulations Kel!!! You deserve this recognition.
Aw, thanks, Meems. Means the world to me that you think so.
What a wonderful event! So glad you and the book club had a great time sharing your hard work and talent!?
Thank you so very much, Lynn. It was a real treat of an evening.
Such a fun evening and wow did Kelly’s readings ever spark some hilarious discussions. If you have a group of girlfriends who enjoy laughter and camaraderie I can highly recommend TypiKEL as a guest speaker/reader/comedian. She took drama at university don’t you know. 😉 Thanks Liz, Kelly and all the Sandy Bottoms ladies for the summer LOL.
Huge thanks, Wend. Your support, as always, is above and beyond and I truly appreciate it. I’m thinking we should all shop with a buddy whenever contemplating a new shaper or six.
How wonderful that you were the guest at a book club, Kelly! And what fun it sounds like you had. You are a great rep for the book. The pictures are great, and I love to see Francine laughing out loud!
Thanks, Molly. Francine will be tickled pink to hear that. I’m lunching with her today and will pass on your kind words. Hope you’re on the mend.
What an amazing experience! I would have loved to join you–even with the 7+ hour commute.
I’ve been reading my own copy of Laugh Out Loud and am thoroughly enjoying it. I may have guffawed on the plane ride from Maine back to Michigan just this weekend.
Your Lemon Aid chapter is a peach, Kelly! Loved it!
I am so delighted that you’ve not only picked up a LOL but that you’re enjoying it. Yay. And may I say, no one has honored me with such a splendidly original and clever comment. Loved that. It’s a peach.
I wish this were a guy thing too.
Well, there’s a goal for you. Create one!
A few things…first, I am envious of the name of their book club. Next, what a great experience for you and the island sounds amazing. Finally, I read the entire book LOL….absolutley loved it. I dream of being published someday, congrats again on the accomplishment …I can’t wait for the Asian Antique Matron and Maid to hit the shelves…just a book title suggestion, but do what you want, it’s your book.
Oh, you do have the best ideas! Love that title. And thank you for both reading LOL and for leaving an Amazon review. I cannot thank you enough. Truly.
How awesome to be the visiting author at a book club! Well deserved, Kelly. I saw pics on FB, but I’m glad to get the backstory. Now about that rabbit…off to read that post!
It was such a fun evening, Dana. The conversation afterwards covered a myriad of personal revelations that had everyone in stitches. We all left as friends. It was wonderful.
OH my goodness Kelly! What an incredible experience you had with these women! I just love that you were invited to share LOL and thrilled you had the response you did to the pieces you chose (Especially YOURS).
The island looks GORGEOUS and I’m so glad you had a good time and the travel was worth it.
Thank you so very much, Chris. It was a wonderful time and I feel truly blessed.