As I stood in the bookstore, looking for anything that caught my eye; unexpectedly it was something just outside the windows that grabbed hold of me. It was a couple who must have been swept away in enormous passion. They were locked in a kiss which made them look as though they were melting into each other; two becoming one. Unashamed, I stared full-force right at them. It was as though I was reliving my youth and young love all over again. I was mesmerized with their oblivious, blind love. They leaned against the glass to support themselves; otherwise I think they might have dropped into a heap of love onto the sidewalk.
In retrospect, I see that I should not have gawked at them so shamelessly, yet I feel no shame. In a world that is heavy with an atmosphere of hate, it was quite refreshing.
As the kiss ended, they continued down the sidewalk, holding hands and staring into each other’s eyes instead of the path in front of them. I wanted to say “Thank You” to them. I had to talk myself out of running outside and catching them to shake their hands, however, I am well aware that would have made me appear psychotic.
Now I turned my thoughts to the show that would begin in a few minutes. It was a wonderful event made possible by many people who volunteered and the mastermind who set it all up, Shari Smith. A book would be released. This book, The Cordoba Connection, was written by a prolific author named C. Terry Cline, Jr. and published by River’s Edge Media. It was most unusual for me, as I wanted to meet him but I already knew he passed away three years ago. His final book was finished shortly before he became very ill from a stroke. He clung to life as his wonderful wife Judith Richards (also a fabulous author), took care of him. He slowly slipped away from her, from us and from life itself. A “Master of Suspense”, he was called by those who read his books. In all he wrote ten novels, each riveting, each grabbing your attention, each holding you so tightly, you must remind yourself to inhale.
At this event excerpts from this book, and others he had written, were read and music was played to support his words and thoughts. To be there was quite an honor. It was uplifting, it was chilling, it was comical and it was refreshing to be in the midst of book lovers, in the midst of loving hearts and people of great cheer. When the performance came to an end, no one wanted to leave. Instead most preferred to stay; discuss the show and discuss the book. They wanted to buy this book and others written by Terry. I felt so at home in this crowd.
When this gathering of people thinned out and breakdown of the sound equipment and instruments had been completed, we too found ourselves unable to just go home. It was still early and the publisher decided to treat us to a nice dinner. We ate at Gambino’s Italian Restaurant. It was not just dinner, no way. We talked, some told jokes, some told of experiences in their lives. The stories were ones of shared happy times, of wacky people we meet along the way, of joy and expectations.
We finally had to call it a night and say our goodbyes in the parking lot nearby. There were hugs all around and well wishes flowed freely; then into our cars we jumped and off we went into the night. Until next time we can relive that show. Until next time we will read the books we bought and reflect on the impact of the words of C. Terry Cline, Jr.
If you are a reader, you should go to Page & Pallette in Fairhope, Alabama. It is a simple, comfortable, cozy bookstore operated by wonderful people. They have a nice coffee shop and even a bar in the back. So there is something for everyone. Discover Page & Pallette and you will discover a whole new world.
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