On June 7th I was invited to attend as a guest Author at the 1st Annual Chicago Caribbean Jerkfest!  I made the announcement speech welcoming everyone to enjoy the fun and festivities.  This is a replay of my speech...    

Hello... I want to welcome everyone to the 1st Annual Chicago Caribbean Jerkfest, and thank Sherilee and the organization for inviting me to come out and be apart of this celebration.  My name is Dena Tyson and I'm the Author of  "Give Me the Strength" a truly inspiring story about taking back control of your life. You see a year ago today my husband was behind the wheel in the middle of rush hour traffic and suffered a stroke, and he lost everything on his right side, but I'm here to tell you that God is good and today he is a living breathing, walking talking miracle and he inspired that story. ( ...oh my goodness you should have heard the crowd!!!) I want to welcome everyone to stop by my booth and pick up a copy and I would love to be able to sign it for you as well.  Please enjoy the fest, and thanks again for coming out!! 

I cannot tell you how proud I was to make it through my first appearance/speech because I was just a nervous wreck!  My husband (I call him Tony Bologna) he was proud of me too!  It was so sticky hot out and everyone that came by wanted to hug and touch us and  they didn't seem to mind my sticky back! (I had on a halter top but like I said it was hot and everyone was sticky!)  That was a great day and we met with so many wonderful people that took their time at our booth and shared their stories as well.  There was no rushing and everyone patiently waited because they too had a story they wanted to share with us.  Such great people and an even greater experience.  I am looking forward to my next book signing!  I took some pic's not a lot because I was so excited and kept being pulled away.  I will try and get more pics at the next event.  I am so glad to be apart of the Authors Den and to be able to share my stories and read your stories too!

Thanks everyone!