It's Tulip time in Pella, Iowa! I love this little town that I call home in the summer. It reminds me of what I believe Mayberry RFD would have been like if it were not a fictitious place. There is virtually no crime here and the people are friendly and kind, for the most part. It feels as if everything moves at a very slow pace. Naturally that sometimes drives me crazy because I'm not used to it. I am used to the fast pace of city life. But I love it here. It feels like home.
This coming week is the annual Tulip Time festival. It seems the whole town almost shuts down for it. The town is already full of tourists taking pictures of thousands of tulips that are filling the parks and lining the city streets. I went to the printer the other day and there's a sign saying that they close at noon every day during Tulip time. My daughter works for Pella Window and Doors. They will not be hosting tours during Tulip Time. I suppose logistically it would make it harder because there are so many tourists here. Also, this is a hometown company. I believe that they participate in many of the activities that are happening in town.
Everywhere you go people are talking about Tulip time. There was a hanger on our door telling us that the Klompen Classic will be walking right by our house. The Klompen classic is a 5k walk/ run that supports Crossroads of Pella. They asked if we would play music and set out lawn chairs, invite our friends over and cheer on the walkers as they go by. How fun! Of course, I will. 😊
At the gym I go to they asked that we all wear our Tulip time T-shirts. They would like to get a group photo together of my fit for life class to post in the newspaper and on their Facebook page. I love this kind of stuff.
I stopped by the Pella bookstore which is a landmark here. I asked if I could set up a spot and do a book signing while there are all these many thousands of people in town. There are other local authors doing the same thing and it was nice to be totally welcomed. So I will be doing a book signing at Pella books next Thursday and Friday I am extremely grateful and equally excited about it. I will get to meet lots of people and hopefully sell lots of books.
Finally! Becoming Who You Were Always Meant to Be - Peggy Romero
Book Signing at Pella Books
Thursday, May 4 - Friday, May 5, 2023
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
824 Franklin Street, Pella, Iowa 50219
Meet the Author (me!) at Pella Books this week and purchase your a personally autographed copy of my book. Paperback books are available at $15 and Hardcovers at $20.
Since I was so readily accepted there it gave me the confidence to go into a new store in town called the Timeless Tulip. My idea, again, was completely welcomed by the owner Cheyenna. I asked her if I could do a book talk and a book signing and she was happy to accommodate me. That event will be on June 3rd. I am so looking forward to it. What a nice way to meet people while stepping out of my comfort zone. I am so thankful for the opportunity.
I have spoken to people about this little town that I've been coming to for the past five years. They tell me that's how all small towns are in middle America. I cannot say this from experience, but I find it hard to imagine. To be honest with you this town feels like you're living in a Hallmark movie. It is so easy to relax and be mindful. I can live in the present moment much easier when life has slowed down like this. I believe this place is a very special place unlike other towns in the Midwest or otherwise.
Live on Purpose,
Peggy Romero