Duxbury Book Talk with Gatherite Patry Francis

Today I had a lovely afternoon with my Mom. My Mom turned 90 in January and since her retirement from the Old Colony Memorial Newspaper two years ago due to an injured knee, she doesn't get out much.  I had read earlier in the week that Patry Francis would be giving a book talk and reading on The Liar's Diary at the Duxbury Public Library today and thought this would be a perfect outing for her.  Mom loves reading, meeting new people and most of all seeing all the lovely homes in that town, which is only a hop and skip from our town.  When I went over to feed her breakfast and give her medicine, I checked to see her mood....and when I saw it was going to be a positive day for her, I showed her the Globe article and asked if that was something she would like to do with me?  She was quite excited so when I came back at 12:30 I was surprised that she had forgotten our proposed adventure.  Nevertheless, with a change of shirts, a comb through her hair and new lipstick applied, she was ready to go.  Both my sister Anne and I agreed that she should use her "walker" instead of the two canes she uses around the house...and she willingly agreed that I should pack the walker but she would just use the canes to get out to the car...didn't I get fooled with that one!  Once we arrived at the library, there was no way she was going to use that "walker", after all walkers are for "old people"!

We arrived early at the Reading Reception Room and I introduced myself and my Mom to Patry...after a warm Gather hug, we talked about Gather, her book, our mutual friend Laurun and a number of other things.  Then it was two o'clock and Patry was introduced to her audience.   She was extremely warm and articulate as she spoke about being a first time author.  She explained her writing process as well as the inspirations she received from both her grandfather and her fourth grade teacher.  She spoke of her role as a promoter of her book through book talks at libraries, bookstores and home tupperwear parties.  It was a very enjoyable talk and very informative.  Then she did a short reading followed by a question and answer period.  Mom was in her element and asked several questions.  She was obviously enjoying herself and both Patry and the audience appeared to be enjoying Mom!!!

After the Q & A period, Patry milled around with the audience and at that point both Patry and I became aware of another Gatherite, Clare Stella.  It was like Old Home Day with all of us talking at once...especially Mom. It seems as though Clare knew my Mom from all her columns when she was the Social Editor at the OCM...she especially loved Mom's column, "Then and Now", a memoir of growing up in Plymouth during the depression.  As they were talking, others joined in to say, "Yes, your Maggie Mills.  Yes, I read your Then and Now columns.  Looked forward to them everyweek.

As Mom and I were about to leave, Patry called us over to the "signing table" and gave me my own signed copy of her book.  Then Clare asked if we could all have our pictures taken together which I think Clare will be posting on her page.  All in all, it was a wonderful afternoon event...most especially for my Mom! As we left the library, Mom was quite happy and said, "Well this was a good day.  I think I will get out my typewriter when I get home and start writing again.  I might even get my licence back.  I just smiled as I steered her to the car...and thought to myself, "No way, girl!"