Encouragement and Discovery

Sunday in the Big Easy turned out to be another amazing day. Despite a wave of homesickness, I trekked around the convention center one more time and discovered that two of my favorite children's authors were signing their books. I found Lois Elhert, an incredible artist who writes and illustrates her own books and Will Hillenbrand who lives in Terrace Park (Cincinnati) and draws some adorable characters. Later I hit the Swap and Shop to find fun ideas for our library's publications.Then, this afternoon I heard from six writers whose first book is currently being published. I found encouragement and hope for my writing. 


I have to say that the folks in Louisiana are some of the kindest people I have ever met. Every waiter, waitress, shuttle driver, door attendant, concierge, etc. have been so helpful. I am thankful to be surrounded by courteous folks. 


Now if I can just get my back and legs rested up for tomorrow, I'll be all set! 

Oh My Goodness

Yesterday evening the security people opened the doors to the ALA Exhibit Hall. All I can say is wow. Vendors ranging from publishers to those who supply library furnishings filled a football field size room from wall-to-wall. And glory be, many of them were giving away books-yes free books! Most of you know that for twelve years I worked as a children's librarian. The joy I find in children's literature still dwells in my heart. I love kid's books, and before I knew it I was sucked right into the booths carrying reads that my grandchildren would love. I was in trouble. I only have so much room in my suitcase for books and I had a few that others are depending on me to get, so sad to say, I had to pass some of them up. But I did get a beautiful picture book autographed by both the author and illustrator.


This morning I sat on the floor outside the exhibit hall for a little over an hour, so that I could stand in line inside the hall for twenty more minutes in order to get an autograph from Jeff Kinney, author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. (Yes, Sara your momma loves you!) It was great fun! I met a librarian who sat and stood with me the whole time so we could get pictures of each other with author. She was a delightful lady who reminded me of Dharma from the TV show, Dharma and Greg. After that I enjoyed Jeff Kinney's comical rendition of how he came about publishing his delightful books. What a great morning!


This afternoon I gathered good ideas for marketing the reference services in our library from five experienced ladies. Later, I listened to stories from five women who wrote very different memoirs, some sad and others filled with humor.


Bonus of the day, I found a Starbucks!


Good night from New Orleans...

Tired Feet

Woke up at 6am and made my way to Jackson Square by 8am. There I met some lovely library folks from Mississippi. We were all prepared to visit the French Quarter. A stop at the Cafe Du Monde covered us with powdered sugar. The beignets melt in your mouth. They reminded me of the county fair and the funnel cakes that you drip all over yourself as you eat them. On to many historic places where some of America's finest literature and art were created; including the residence of Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner and John James Audubon. 


The antique buildings in the French Quarter reflect the celebration spirit of the city with their colorful faces and trims. The numerous balconies wore draping, vining plants. We walked by a mask factory, and we heard street music. We also walked by Bourbon street and to be honest the odor was rather unpleasant. Oh well, it is a city. I love the palm trees, so many different kinds, squatty, towering, clumped together. They offer some much needed shade. The temps are high but a nice breeze kept us from overheating. 


I enjoyed the tour and I loved finding the odd little details, and here there are many. Now off to register officially for the conference and scope out the conference center. Hope all is well in Ohio.


A la prochaine / See you later...

 

Up in the Air

My feet hit the New Orleans pavement about 4:25 today. I can say that landing in that plane made my day. From the time we left the ground until we landed we kept our seat belts on as the windy skies bumped us from time to time. Even with the turbulence, I enjoyed the clouds kissed with sunshine. As the airplane's decent introduced us to the Mississippi River and the outlying wet land, I wondered if the abundance of water usually covered so much land or if the recent rain left them flooded. 


I am hoping to see some of the city tomorrow as I tour the French Quarter with one of the library groups. Now, off to bed. Good night all.

The Stories They Tell

I am packed. Except for the last minute items, my bags are sitting waiting for pick up tomorrow. These same bags just traveled to Wyoming and back with my daughter and her family. Sometimes I think about objects from a human point of view and wonder what stories they could tell. Like a house that welcomed many different families over the years, or a shopping cart used by so many different people; would they speak kindly of their occupant or tell some wild and crazy story. 


Tomorrow I might wonder about my airplane seat and who sat in it before me. Were they traveling to meet a loved one or were they running away to a new life. Perhaps a relaxing vacation or a reunion with old schoolmates awaited them. At any rate, I hope that seat keeps me safe and makes my travels easy. 


Lunch with Sara, Maggie and Eli, supper with Tim and a few hours to relax... then off to the conference. 

Driving through the Storm

As I left work today, a thunderstorm swirled around the college. I stopped to use the restroom and the electric went out (that is one dark place without the lights-thank goodness for emergency back-up). By the time I reached my car, the wind blew the rain sideways and pounded my Jeep. I tried to drive out of the parking lot, but only made it as far as the front of the building. I watched the rain pour, the trees bend and leafy debris sail to the ground. This was the beginning of my journey to New Orleans. Before I could pack my bags and fly to the Big Easy, I had to get home. 


About twenty minutes later than usual, I rolled into my driveway and walked into my house to find my dog Tater terribly upset. He hates storms. So he and I commiserated over the torrential rain and loud wind and settled in for an evening comfort with Tim and Olive. A nice respite before I pack my bags tomorrow.