Ahoy, shipmates 

I'm sitting here, trying to collect my thoughts, after returning from the Texas Renaissance Festival's "Pirate Adventure" Weekend.  It was an excellent weekend!  We set sail anticipating nothing more than another event spent hawking the book and making a few sales and I returned home after experiencing so very much more!

First, I cannot express my gratitude enough to our host, Mr. James Huckabay of Creatyve Lyfe Books, his lovely wife, and his helpful and friendly staff, especially Lisa.  Great directions, going out of their way to make sure we got where we needed to go, providing ice and water to make sure we didn't go overboard in the heat of the day, setting up the table the second day even before I could get into the faire, the list goes on and on.  One of the best "blessings" of this weekend was the gift of new friendship and I look forward to them lasting for a long time!  That includes you, sweet "Molly"!

Second, we were overwhelmed with the wonderful reception by the cast and crew of the Texas Renaissance Faire.  So many people stopped by the table to talk about the book, to listen to some of the poems, and to spend some of their own hard-earned money to take home a copy!  I know we were only guests but before we left we felt like family!  Thank you, TRF!

Third, I got to meet, hug, and share some time with Flora Alomari, AKA Captain Taffy Saltwater.  One of my dearest dreams is to someday have a meeting of all of the poets and artists involved in Raising Black Flags.  I don't know if it will ever happen but it I took a very pleasant step in that direction Saturday when Captain Saltwater joined us at table!

Finally, we made some excellent friends, handed out many cards, sold quite a few books and CDs, and made at least one connection that will get Raising Black Flags in front of a whole new audience.  Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of our friends who came by the table and said, "hello" and to all of the new friends we made!  HUZZAH, Texas Renaissance Faire; HUZZAH, Ravic!!