Where everybody knows my name...

So I must admit, I’ve been something of a sad girl lately. Constantly thinking that I am without limits and biting off more than I can chew has backfired fiercely. Months and months of constant on the run equals one tired Shauna. Beyond tired… just fried, and with being tired, and fried, and overly busy comes sad girl.

But where is a sad girl to go when the pressures of the world get to me? Where everyone knows my name, of course!

You’ve all seen it—I frequently call out awesome specials at Joe Squared in my blog (mmmmm… brisket potato skins), but the other night I was over there and was so struck by how much I love that place. Seriously. I love it there—Joe’s is my happy place. I visited Tuesday night in the midst of major drama, turmoil, stress, and exhaustion. I went begrudgingly, but left in a happier mood, because it is that kind of place.

We all have a place like that, don’t we? I hope so… doesn’t have to be a bar or a restaurant, but that place that just makes you instantly happy?

Just for clarification sake (before you all start to worry), the bar aspect is actually inconsequential to my love of Joe’s Squared…really. Here is what is very consequential: when I walk in, people smile. Now I am sure they have a million regulars, but there is something about messy-haired Okan (Baltimore’s best bartender) saying “what’s up sweetie?” or the always nice and smiling David telling me I am a peach, or Jen saying “hey lady”.

Flash back. Ninth grade. First day of high school and there I was, the overweight girl with troubled skin, braces, flat hair, and an ALF tee-shirt. My brother (a Senior then) pulled my chair out from under me in the cafeteria and I fell on my butt in front of everyone. At the time, I stood up and took a bow despite being totally mortified. I’m not sure how (and if) I got over the embarrassment, but I think Joe’s has something to do with it.

Joe’s owner Joe Edwardsen is not only a brilliant cheff, but also one of the most truly decent, kind-hearted people I’ve ever known, and I say that despite him still not having read Max and Menna. Joe’s makes you feel welcome, and the laid back atmosphere makes you feel relaxed. There is this staff of people who know what wine to pour without being asked, who ask me how my day was and tell me about theirs. Of course I love it there!! And I could (and probably have) fallen on my butt there before, and people smirk, help me up, and we laugh together. Thank you Joe’s for helping me get over high school trauma and finally, finally feel like a cool kid… at least within your walls.

So people, if you don’t have a Joe’s, you should get one. If you’re in Baltimore, I’ll happily offer you use of my happy place!

Take off!

This has been an eventful couple of days, culminating with the event we've been planning since a few months after work on publishing Max and Menna began: the launch party.

For those of you who don't know, my big Irish family has instilled in me the firm belief that big events are not complete until there has been a big celebration... and we had quite a celebration. Friday evening 100 of my closest friends and family gathered in a great venue in Baltimore City for amazing food (courtesy of my very good friends at Joe Squared), drinks, music, company, and books.

Unfortunately, but in true Shauna Kelley style, I managed to sprain by knee on Thursday evening (literally by standing up from a seated position) and did the event on crutches. This might not have been SO bad, except for I most definitely did not have a dress cut for being hunched over, and I was in a lot of pain. It was a bit frustrating to spend so much time preparing for this, and then almost the entire event hobbling around and trying not to grimace.

But the people in your life make it all worth it, right? Despite hurting and being VERY loopy from the medication I was taking for the pain, my friends and family helped make this a banner evening. I signed over 80 books, which was phenomenal, and got to see people I hadn't seen in years. My core group of college friends all assembled-- 15 of us-- for the first time since probably 2002.

Importantly, the evening finally made this sink in: I have a book! Now that I see it in the hands of my friends and family, now that I know at this very moment someone might be reading it, I feel like a real author (I know, recurring theme).

Rather than continuing to blab on about the event and my feelings, I will add some photos and let pictures tell the story of one of the best nights of my life. And again, thanks to EVERYONE who came out, I love you all and I am sorry I was loopy and busy and didn't get to spend enough time with everyone.