friends

Celebrating Rae’s Success!

Posted on September 13, 2008 at 3:37 pm by Shanna Bright / Friends / 0

Meet Rae Meadows! – Rae and I are here at our 20 year high school reunion. Rae is a successful author who has just published her second book!

One of the things I was reminded of over and over again at my 20 year high school reunion is that I went to school with a TERRIFIC group of people. We were always good kids, took care of each other, had A LOT of fun, and cheered each other on.

Twenty years later, I have good reason to cheer for one of my favorite friends. Rae and I were very close in high school. In fact, she was pretty much my partner when I had my business, Hosting Helpers. I could always count on her to do a great job – we made a super team! We’ve remained in touch over the years, but it was particularly good to see her at the reunion last weekend. I’m so glad to have the chance to share her good news…

Rae has just published her second novel, No One Tells Everything.

Grace – a copy editor in her mid-thirties- drinks alone in the same bar every night, confides in her longtime bartender, and observes New York City life from the sidelines. But when a girl is found dead and a college student from Grace’s hometown is arrested for the murder, something within her stirs, and she embarks on an investigation into the crime – only to find that the mystery she is chasing is actually her own.

The book is receiving rave reviews, and Rae’s reputation and readership is rising. Now that I’m in L.A. and have some “me” time, I’m going to curl up with my own copy and get lost in the story. Can’t wait! Get your own copy at Amazon, who also carries Rae’s outstanding first novel, Calling Out.

Happy Reading!

On the Bright Side,

Shanna

Old Friends Reunite

Posted on September 7, 2008 at 3:53 pm by Shanna Bright / Events, Friends / 0

I’m still trying to get my head around the fact that my high school graduation was 20 years ago. Unbelievable! So it was with mixed emotions that I attended the festivities for Valhalla High School Class of 1988’s, 20 year reunion this weekend. Now that the big event has come and gone, I can only say how wonderful it was to see so many old friends, to embrace the people who I shared so many terrific memories with, and to see how absolutely fabulous we all look!!!

Holly and I attended the reunion events together. We’ve been friends since we were second sopranos in Ensemble! Love ya, Holly!

One event was not enough for the Class of ’88! On Friday, we enjoyed a pre-reunion party at Jose’s Courtroom in La Jolla. It happens to be owned by one of our classmates, Tigg Mitchell. My dearest friend Holly Paton Nelson and I arrived together, and were met by Tigg at the door. Once we stepped inside, it was a sea of familiar faces, smiles and high school memories. I was so overwhelmed from seeing so many old friends, I didn’t even take one picture! It was a very boisterous and exciting night.

Last night was the official reunion, held at a golf/country club near our high school in Jamul, California. At least twice as many people were at this event; many spouses came along for the ride. The evening was a whirlwind of chatting, laughing, hugging, picture taking, a bit of food & beverage, recalling fond memories and catching up on the present. I had a fantastic time!

This is Matt and Tim, who I went to kindergarten with at Lexington Elementary. Good to see them both.

It was so good to see Tracie – We had many fun Friday nights switching out of volleyball gear and getting ready for football. Always a fun and wonderful friend!

Anyone who has reached this milestone in their lives can understand when I say that it just doesn’t feel like 20 years have passed and none of us feel like we’re 38 years old! But I do feel very fortunate that I get to grow old with such an amazing group of friends. The Class of ’88 is totally awesome!