I have to share with you, my readers about an awesome afternoon I had yesterday. Last November at my book signing event at the Coles Bookstore in Brantford for my book ‘A Hairdresser’s Diary’ I was approached by a customer who suggested she would be contacting a friend of hers who might be interested in me being a guest speaker at a local womans club. To say the least I was flattered. It was only a few days when I received an invitation from Lucinda asking me if I would like to do that very thing (be their guest speaker) the date chosen was May 8th, yesterday in fact. I am ashamed to say I knew nothing about this group that Lucinda talked about so I Googled it. The group is called Probus http://www.probus.org/worigins.htm.
I am a woman who loves to talk and am far from being shy. I love to share my stories and that is one reason I wrote my book but speaking in public to a group is something I have never done nor expected to do. I was not smart enough to ask Lucinda through our several e mails passed between us how many members I should expect to talk to. When I arrived I was directed to a room that was indeed a full house. Lucinda greeted me and I expressed my surprise at the crowd. I said, “how many ladies are there?” Lucinda without missing a beat said,”oh about four hundred.” Seeing the shock on my face she laughed. “I think about a hundred or so today.” I was still in shock. I thought I would be lucky to be in the company of about twenty or twenty-five at the most. I was not sure how many members would be interested in and inexperienced first time author.
I was not two steps into the room and I could feel the acceptance, warmth and friendliness of these amazing women. Each and everyone met me with their smiles and others greeted me verbally. I was shocked to have one of my Facebook friends Wendy there and introduce me to the group.
Shaking like a leaf I started to speak. It was not long before this amazing group of woman made me feel so comfortable that I was sharing my stories as if I was talking one on one. There was no background chattering or disruptive noises and I did not have to shout to be heard. The reception was incredible. They made me feel like I was one of their cosy family members. It was suggested I take some of my books for the members to purchase and I sold every copy I took. I met someone who I taught make up to when we both sold a cosmetics line at the same time, and to my total astonishment a woman who took the same modeling course that I did at the same school in London a few years after me. It is truly a small world.
My daughter and I were both invited to join this lovely group for lunch and we accepted. We are both on a waiting list to join these lovely ladies in what they do.
I cannot thank them each and every one for making yesterday a most enjoyable day. They also taught me a very valuable lesson, I loved talking in this forum. I would also like to thank you for the beautiful handmade Thank You card that was presented to me made by one of your talented members.
Thank you all so very much the ladies of PROBUS group Brantford.
Christine M. Hannon, Author, Artist, Poet and Entrepreneur 