Do you remember your first date? How about your last date?

I don’t think it matters whether you are the dater or the datee. I’m pretty sure the emotions are similar. There is anxiety, anticipation, maybe a little bit of trepidation. Will I make a good impression? A bad impression? What will we talk about? How much will I learn about my date? Will it be an enjoyable experience? Will I chalk it up as a learning lesson? Will I look forward to another connection or one is done and enough?

Those are some of the thoughts that have crossed my mind after announcing Friday’s (Virtual) Evening with Author Joe Siccardi. The first thing that popped into my mind was being stood up for my first real date. But then I remembered other dates, ones that actually materialized. I remembered having all those questions race through my mind. I also remembered sighing a sigh of relief after dropping my date off.

In the solitude of the car, I could assess my version of success or disappointment. I would re-live the night (or day). I would re-evaluate my words — what I said right, what I said wrong, how guarded my conversation was, how much I learned about my date, how much I shared with my partner for the evening. So Friday night and Saturday I will definitely be looking inward.

To recap, A (Virtual) Evening with Author Joe Siccardi will include a short overview about my journey, the writing/publishing process, an introduction of my three books,– Heaven Shining Through, My Name Is Sam … and Heaven Is Still Shining Through, and Wisdom From a Father … one dad’s thoughts on life — with ample Q & A time. And I do have some new and exciting news to share! It is scheduled Friday (July 31) at 7 p.m. (ET) as a Facebook Live presentation.

This isn’t totally new for me — except for the virtual part. I am most comfortable with small, intimate groups — five to 10 people — in a living room, but I’ve addressed bigger audiences at libraries and cafes. I like the smaller venues, though, because I feel a closer connection with the guests. I can interact with them more, answer probing questions they want to ask rather than inquiries I think they want answered. And I have launched all three of my books with Facebook Live feeds.

Thus far, I have five commits, however there are an additional 64 interested, so … it’s anybody’s guess how many will actually tune in either live or later. My book launches reached nearly 200 visitors. Guests at this event literally are from around the world and include family, friends, followers, and names I don’t recognize.

During the broadcast, I will attempt to follow comments, but I’m not sure I will be able to comment in real time. I don’t multitask very well.

I do hope you stop by Friday. I do hope you have some questions. Send them in and I’ll address them during the broadcast or as a follow-up.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Where you are matters; but where you will be matters more. Where you start matters; but where you will end matters more.