I Threw Myself a Party

And it was low-key perfection

I’m that annoying mom who says, “Oh, I don’t want anything for my birthday or mother’s day except a homemade card.”

I forewent a wedding shower and didn’t plan on having a baby shower until my fourth grade students surprised me with one (and it was lovely).

Yet — for reasons I don’t fully understand — I really wanted to throw a book launch party for “Raising Awe-Seekers.” So I did on June 10. And on June 11, I celebrated my 48th birthday by taking a nap and ordering takeout (and enjoying the flowers my family got me — because my husband doesn’t believe my “cards only” line).

The book launch party was super low-key. And it was one of the most magical nights of my life.

Here are six reasons why:

The Venue

I choose to host the launch it at my kids’ Montessori school — Riverbend School — because the teachers here have brought so much wonder into my kids’ lives, and I wanted a chance to publicly thank them. Good teachers are our best partners in helping kids become awe-seekers.

The Outfit

The day before the party, I decided to splurge and go buy a new outfit. After all, I was hiring a photographer to capture memories (Note: I’ve never hired a photographer for anything except headshots — like, not even for my wedding!).

My teenage daughter was my advisor from afar. I took pictures from various dressing rooms and sent them to her. Which led to these priceless text exchanges

After five shops, she finally approved of this outfit (found at J.Jill). I love teenagers. Mine especially.

The Food

My wonderful friend Audra volunteered her wife to make her famous homemade pretzels. I love this family with my whole heart — and you have never tasted pretzels like these. They cooked them in the schools’s kitchen and every 30 minutes, a new batch of warm, butter-brushed pretzels found their way into the room. Heaven.

The Bookstore

I am beyond lucky to have two independent bookstores near me that have been such cheerleaders for me and other local authors: Aesop’s Fable and Wellesley Books. Wellesley Books was on hand as the night’s bookseller — and I’m so lucky to count the woman working the register as a dear friend.

The Kids

My kids have wonderful friends. And those friends have wonderful parents — who have become my close friends. So in addition to a bunch of adults milling around, there were a cadre of 10-14-year-olds. After the formal program, a good chunk of these kids escaped outside to play manhunt in the school’s fields. Is there any better way to spend a summer night?

The People, The People, The People

As folks walked in the door, I was overwhelmed by the swath of life they represented. If the number one source of awe is the goodness of other people, this night was full of wonder. I got to hug and thank:

• My kids’ teachers and school administrators

• Friends I’ve known for 1 year, five years, and over 20 years

• My husband and kids

• My sister and niece who flew in from Utah and help me set up and clean up

• Former students(!) — all now in college or recent college grads(!)

• Former teaching colleagues

• Neighbors and community members

• A couple of local authors who came to show support

• A half-dozen people that I had interviewed for the book

Maybe I shouldn’t wait another 48 years to have another party?

Gratefully,

Deborah

P.S. The amazing Melinda Wenner Moyer interviewed me for her newsletter this week. You can read it here!