The Host Signing in a Word: Wow!!
First off, what a fantastic morning! My friend Laura picked me up about 8:30, and we headed off for Highland High School.
By the time we got to the school there was a bit of a line forming, but after about five minutes of waiting in the sun, the powers that be moved us inside to wait until the auditorium opened at 10:30. Here’s a view to the doors from our place in line:
While we waited, Laura and I decided to mug for the camera:
(I look like a doofus, but I’m posting the pic anyway.)
After more waiting (and knitting to keep myself from screaming like a rabid fan 
), we finally were able to get into the auditorium. I think we got seats on the eighth or ninth row, and here’s a glimpse of the stage where the signing was going to take place:
People were EVERYWHERE, and we had to step over lots of toes and books and bags to get up and down the aisles. (I don’t think the narrow aisles in high school auditorium seats were made for maximum mobility. . . .) Anyhow, I forded the rest of my row in order to finally meet Alphie face to face:
She was really sweet, and didn’t try to chase me or laugh at me when I handed her the little swag bags I made for her and Pel.
Apparently there was a time constraint for the venue, so Stephenie started signing books at 11:30. Guess who was in the first signing group and was the very first person to have her books signed? ME. I was *so* excited. Stephenie noticed my Muse shirt and even chatted for a few minutes about them as she signed.
One laughable moment: My friend Laura (in her boundless enthusiasm) screamed when it was her turn to have her books signed, and Stephenie’s “handler” told Laura, “Don’t do that. It scares her [Stephenie].” Laura replied, “I would *never* try to scare her.” Stephenie leaned over, smiled and said, “Too late!” It was a funny, cute moment.
Stephenie finished the first round of autographing, took a 30 minute break and then made her “official” debut at 1:00. She did a short Q&A session and then proceeded to sign more books. I’ll bet her hand was killing her by the end of the signing. Poor Stephenie! 
Laura and I headed out after Stephenie’s talk (since we already had our books signed), but as we left I approached a nice man who seemed to be the guard for one side of the signing stage. I told him I had a little gift for Stephenie and asked very nicely if he would put it with some of the other gifties she had already received. He smiled and actually took the little pouch over and put it by her. I hope she likes her very own pair of Bella’s Fingerless Gloves.
EDIT: Apparently my Muse-clad self made it onto Channel 2 news last night as I got my books signed. (I guess that’s what the guy was doing who had a huge camera right next to the stage.) W00t!
