Sat 13 Jun, 2009
The event in Jackson was lots of fun — my friend and photographer Sarah Kariko (www.sarahkariko.com) started it all off with an exhibition of some great photos of Stan and his world, then Stan, his family and friends sang to open the entertainment on the stage. When it was my turn to read, it was slightly terrifying on
the big fancy stage with lights in my face, unable to see anyone or hear anyone laugh at the provocative parts of the book about my early discomfort at Stanford’s power, and my racial fears… I was poking fun at myself, but zounds it was scary because I heard no laughter or sympathetic murmurs or signs of life whatsoever. At bookstore readings you have eye contact with the audience… I thought all 300 people may have just gone home, disgusted. Stan SHONE onstage –really confident and accessible when he spoke (he did a long Q&A with the audience, which had many horse people in it). some people CRIED
during the songs he sang with family and friends. He had the crowd in
the palm of his hand… afterwards, people bought lots of books and
had apparently been really moved by what I read. The afterparty was pizza and people and cigarettes in Stan’s
motel room. So, YAY! The above picture is of the walk-through the day before the event. Stan is second from left, amid friends and family who came up from the Wind River Reservation.
Molly says:
Beautiful blog, Lisa. Really nice. And so happy to hear that everything went well. Wow, what a journey you are on. Keep on keeping on. Blessings!
Jamie says:
I am so happy for you, Lisa. What an incredible journey with such an incredible man. I was at the Boulder Book Store last week for your reading. I couldn’t seeing you, but was content standing in the side aisle listening. I can’t tell you how moved I was and how personal it felt to me. I was concerned about the fact Stan couldn’t be there and happy he was in Jackson. I bought your book immediatley and read it every day until I can’t anymore. This is unlike me. Usually, when I’m captured by a book, I put all else aside and read it cover to cover. But this is one that has gotten in my bones somehow. I read it for a while intently, then have to put it down and fall asleep a while. Even in the middle of the day! What is that about??!! Although I live in Boulder, I spend a lot of time alone in and around the canyons in Sedona. Doing my own sort of ceremonies, I guess. How lucky you are to be sharing the Mystery with such amazing people! Looking forward to hearing about more of the journey. Best, Jamie