On February 5th, the French restaurant La Vie de Boheme in Portland played host to a party celebrating Babette���s first year of publication and winning the 2014 Rainbow Awards.

Organized by book promoter, Lisa Kendall, we filled the backroom with artifacts readers would recognize, from Napoleon III���s bust to Bonnefont family military medals and a leather-bound edition of The Rule of St. Benedict, dedicated to Babette by Canadian ���nuns��� at their unconventional convent.

After a warm introduction by Lisa, I made a brief slide presentation with many recently uncovered photographs from the Ellsworth archives and also read a selection from unpublished excerpts cut out of the original manuscript. Of particular note on display for the first time, was the last known photograph of Judge Shoemaker, taken in his cosy book-filled study, shortly before his death in 1977.

In addition, there were many new snapshots of Babette as Albert, together with his second wife, Billie Shoemaker, who the kindly Judge shared with him for so many years.

I had a fantastic time and am so grateful to the people who made this last year one of the most amazing in my life. Thanks to you all! Photo credits to Kristin.