We had our first multi-author book and DVD event at the Borders bookstore in Goleta, California, on Saturday, Novembger 22, 2008. For those of you from out of town (and hopefully my geography is accurate) Goleta is a tad north of Santa Barbara which is almost 2 hours north of Los Angeles.
The seed for this event started with Angela Bell (from Santa Barbara) who wanted to help get John Morton’s You Are the Blessings book out to the world. She decided to start with her home turf and began many months ago
asking if Santa Barbara could have a book event. It took perservering for almost 6 months but finally the Borders bookstore in Goleta agreed to host the event. By this time the event was going to include John-Roger’s with Paul Kaye’s The Rest of Your Life book.
Angela, Kaye Turbak and their team of volunteers went to work to get flyers out, talk to the newspapers and their fellow MSIAers, and in general do everything they could think of to get out the word about the book event. Just a few short weeks before the event the store agreed to add Jsu Garcia presenting the Spiritual Warriors DVD. This was very exciting to us as now we would be able to get this DVD being sold through a bookstore. We were breaking new ground here.
Saturday morning the NOW crew with Roger Wakefield, Arissa, Keith, Doug Gibson, Tim, and Richard Price arrived at the Goleta Borders to begin their impressive sound and video set up for the event. The store personnel were gracious in getting whatever they could to meet our needs. Angela and Kay and Jodie arrived early on to make sure the books were in place and also to support NOW productions. By the time I got there the NOW crew were just doing finishing touches on the layout, and Angela, Jodie and Kay had laid out all the signing materials, had even put beautiful orchids out on one of the book tables and had water bottles ready for all the presenters. The place had been prepared and not a moment too soon.
A half-hour before starting time saw the chairs starting to fill up with participants who had bought books and had come early to make sure they’d have a good seat. As the group swelled with many friends and some new faces, in walked John Morton and Leigh Taylor-Young followed shortly after by Paul Kaye. Each reached out to many in the group with hugs and laughing camraderie. The store manager, Wayne Jessup, prepared to open the event. We had just received a quick message from Jsu that he would be with us shortly, so we slowed down for a few beats and then with the go-ahead sign, Wayne in a relaxed manner welcomed the group and the presenters and handed the mic to Leigh who became the MC for the afternoon.
Leigh introduced Paul and we were underway. Paul took us through some of the key techniques and resting points in the The Rest of Your Life book. With a light touch of humor and focus we found ourselves watching our breath and moving into a quiet restful place inside ourselves in the midst of this buzzy, busy store. Paul introduced John who used the peace present amongst us as a springboard for us to be aware of this blessing and those that were also present with us even amidst the many challenges, not the least of which has been economic, that have been presenting themselves to us in the last few months. John acknowledged the presence of John-Roger, D.S.S. who had come to be and hold with us. It was such a treat to have J-R physically in our midst and we were only too happy to have him sitting with us. After a short, gentle reflection John handed the mic to Leigh who warmly welcomed and introduced Jsu Garcia, the co-producer along with John-Roger, and actor, in the Spiritual Warriors movie. With candidness and humor, Jsu sparked the crowd back into our bodies as we laughed along with him. Jsu reminded us that he was indeed here to sell the DVD and for us to please “BUY” it.
Leigh invited Paul, Jsu, J-R, and John to take sharing. John, Paul and Jsu came to the front and answered questions posed from the group for a few minutes. Then John brought the Q&A to a close as he signalled it was time for some book and DVD signing. I always love this part of the event as each person who gets their book(s) signed, has the opportunity to visit with the author(s). Even if it’s only a minute that time is a gift just for them. While the signing was underway, I made my way to the cafe to get some drinks for the signers. As I stood in line a man who had watched some of the event shared his appreciation for the response that John had given to one of the questioners. The man indicated that he was just walking by the group when he stopped to listen to John speak. He said how wonderful to hear that response. I couldn’t help but think what a blessing it is for anyone to be touched by the Traveler, and just that one experience makes all the work and preparation for these events so worth it. While the signing continued, there was lots of fellowshipping taking place and an air of jovialty, loving and relaxation around me sprinkled with lots of appreciation for having J-R there with us.
By the end of the afternoon 70+ books and 19 DVD’s had been sold. This number had been warmed by a spontaneous sponsoring of a Buy 2, Get 1 free offer that had magically appeared the night before. These special sponsorings are like angel gifts and we are so very grateful to those who make this offers possible. Certainly the stores love the offers because they create a special buzz and of course, more sales. Thank you to our special sponsoring angel at today’s event.
Our gratitude to Angela Bell and Kay Turbak for holding the vision of this event and to all who came up from Los Angeles and the environs of Santa Barbara. Your caring and generosity continue to support the Traveler’s teachings expanding and touching to many.
And if you wish you could have been there on Saturday, take heart, there’s still time to be at the next Multi-author Book and DVD event which is taking place on Friday evening, December 12 at 7:00pm at the Fisherman’s Wharf Barnes and Noble at 2550 Taylor Street. There will be a special BUY 2, GET 1 FREE offer at this event. As long as you’re thinking of coming, make plans to also attend the Closed MSIA Seminar on Saturday afternoon, December 13 beginning at 4:30pm at the Hyatt Fisherman’s Wharf. We look forward to having you with us!
