Some News, A Challenge, Book Launch & Signing

Posted on by Liz Gauffreau
Three Generations

Some News

My debut poetry collection, Grief Songs: Poems of Love & Remembrance, launches on Sunday, September 26th, in honor of National Family Day. The local book signing will be held in Peterborough, New Hampshire on Saturday. (I’ll confess to some trepidation about COVID, but I’m fully vaccinated, and masks are mandatory for everyone regardless of vaccination status.)

My big news is that my daughter will be flying in from San Diego tonight to spend a week with us and help me at the signing. It’s been way too long since we’ve seen her in person!

The Challenge

This photograph of my little brother and me sitting on our father’s lap was taken shortly before The Kingston Trio released their song “M.T.A.” in 1959. The challenge for my mother related to this photo was to try to convince me that I didn’t need to wear my pink dress with the green sash (my Sunday best) because the photo would be in black-and-white. Guess who got her way?

Throughout my childhood and adolescence, my dad would sing the chorus of “M.T.A.” whenever bureaucratic governmental absurdity reared its head. When I sought out the song recently to listen to it in its entirety, I discovered a significant logical flaw in the story it tells. Can you tell me what it is?

September 26th Book Launch:
In Honor of National Family Day

Book Signing

168 thoughts on “Some News, A Challenge, Book Launch & Signing”

  5. Liz, the photo of you on your dad’s lap is a classic. Just look at your bigger than life expression! Oh, I dearly love and remember “M.T.A.” That’s when I played the ukulele and all the folk songs.
    “Michael Rode the Boat Ashore”, “Where Have All the Flowers Gone”, etc. I will enjoy thinking of you and your dad whenever I sing “M.T.A.”

    How exciting that your daughter flew in to be at the book signing! I hope things went well, and that you enjoy your week together.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. I’m so glad you remember “M.T.A.”! It’s such a fun song. “Michael Row the Boat Ashore” and “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” were a very big part of my growing up years.

      My daughter and I had fun at the book signing yesterday. Tomorrow we’re headed to northern Vermont for my September inspiration photos and a visit to the Dog Chapel in St. Johnsbury.

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      1. Those folk songs were a big part of my early teens (and also the Beatles, and R&B). I still get ‘moved’ when I sing them, and of course I know every word and verse.

        I thought about you on Saturday. If I had been free, I would have been there in a heartbeat. How did it go? I am totally jealous that you’re going to St. Johnsbury tomorrow. You know it will be glorious and inspirational. Inspiring is the true word! I can’t wait to see photos and read about the trip. I have been there, but I don’t know the Dog Chapel.

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  6. Congratulations on the book launch today! It’s such a special feeling when one’s creative work finally meets the public! And to have a book signing must be wonderful! Enjoy the moment meeting your fans and hanging out with your daughter – what bliss!👏🥳

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  8. I too just saw my daughter after 2 long years. So much fun. We had 4 generations together. I LOVE the Kingstone Trio and the MTA is o9ne of my favourite songs. Of course his wife would not be able to throw a sandwich through the window every day. But what a fun song!!

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  11. Congrats on your release, Liz. I haven’t checked my kindle yet, but the book should be sitting there waiting for me. My parent’s love the Kingston Trio, and I remember that song! I had a hard time hearing the words, but I know someone will win the challenge. 😀

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