The Aftermath of BEA
I’m a little overwhelmed at the thought of talking about BEA. To give you an idea why, let me show you the exhibit hall map. Each of those little squares is a publisher’s booth, each filled with multiple employees of the publishers, with boxes and boxes of books:
So yes, the whole thing is kind of insane. And I’m guessing you’re still coming out of the Memorial Day haze, so I won’t bog you down with a trazillion details.
Instead, a few highlights:
- Staying with Erica and Spencer. It’s a littler nerve-wracking to stay with someone you don’t know. Especially when you aren’t even actual blog friends (Kayla is a blog friend of Erica’s and arranged for me to stay with them). Especially when you are staying with them for four days. In a studio apartment. Happily, they were the most lovely hosts you could imagine. Erica walked me all around New York and stayed up late to talk to me nearly every night, and they both introduced me to perhaps the best pizza I have ever eaten. And invited me along to a birthday party on Friday night. Also, there were cherry-dipped cones. Truly, staying with them was the very best part of the trip. I thanked them by folding up the blankets I slept with each night – I am likely the best houseguest there ever was.
- Spending time with Kelly and Kimberly, two friends from grad school. It was so nice to have people to stand in line, discuss books, and joke around with. Kimberly’s boyfriend Matthew was there too, and he was delightful.
- Meeting a number of very nice authors.
- And, of course, picking up a lot of great books, which I’ll share when my box arrives, hopefully later this week.
- Also, did I mention the pizza?
A few downsides:
- Up until last Monday, Kayla was planning on coming along. And then her baby was kind of sick. And then her baby had pneumonia. So, she didn’t come. I desperately wish she could have come – we would have had a blast.
- That Bart didn’t get to meet Erica and Spencer. Because he would have loved them.
- Mailing my books back (I planned to bring them back on Southwest with my two free bags, but . . . I couldn’t quite figure out a way to haul 44 lbs of books around the city on foot). Paying the $72 of shipping nearly made me ill, but my back will be thanking me for years to come.
- Missing Doughnut Plant again, this time because I was just toooooo full from the many treats over the course of four days. Tragic.
Anyway, it was a lovely trip. Many thanks to Lenore for the funding, Erica and Spencer for their couch, Ralphie for watching my baby, and my parents for the plane ticket. And Bart for being so insistent that we could make my going work.
And Ella for remembering me when I got back (the bag of raisins I fed her may have had something to do with the angelic smiles I got all the way home from the airport).
I've decided that Jonathan and Ella have the same hair color. A confusing blonde/red.
Glad you had fun! 🙂
Sounds like a fantastic trip – so many people came together to help it work so smoothly. lame that Kayla couldn't come. Smart move on the raisins.
That is really fun that she greeted you with smiles! When we came home from a week long cruise when Gwen was six months…we have the funniest video…I run to her and scoop her away from my mom and shower her with kisses and she starts Bawling and fighting tooth and nail to get back to my mom. Oh yeah, I cried like a baby. ha ha. Glad you had a fun trip!
Wow – what an amazing trip! And what a cute photo of you and your little one. 🙂
That sound you hear is me crying quietly in the corner.
You ARE the best houseguest! It made me so happy to see the blankets all folded up. I had so much fun with you, and you are welcome back anytime because you do still need to go to Levain's and Donught Plant.
Ella has the most beautiful smile!
North Meets South
Missing Doughnut Plant IS tragic. Love the photo of you and Ella at the end. So sweet!
So glad you were able to go and had a great time. Ella looks like she couldn't possibly be happier to see you return home!
Love that happy picture!!! What a great trip for you! That seems like a HUGE event!
Gah, so jealous. Also? $72 was totally worth it for a box of books that size. Can't wait to read your future reviews!
So glad you had a good time!
I am so jealous! Of course you met lovely people while you were there. Good decision on the shipping of books–we picked a ridiculously weighty profession! Thanks for having a good friend like Ralphie! AND for having a wonderful Bart – who always encourages you to do the things you love and make you happy! He is a good man! AND of course Ella will miss you and the be the happiest baby ever when her mommy comes home 🙂
Sweet photo!
It's always great to get away and have time for yourself but it's even better to come home.
I'm out of the Memorial Day haze, so you can bog me down with a trazillion details anytime now. 😉 (LOVE that airport picture!)
Glad you had a great time and that you had a safe trip.
I do hope Kayla's baby is much better!
Sounds like you had a lot of fun! It absolutely amazes me how you make friends over the blogosphere. I think it's a little strange, but endearing!
That sounds and looks like a fantastic time! I love Ella's look of delight–what a little doll (as usual).
So thrilled to meet you and glad you had a great time!
Sounds wonderful! Glad Ella didn't forget you or get angry.
I'm sad I didn't get to see you while you were here…although I'm sure you were super busy. Anytime you want to come out again, you are always welcome to stay with me. 🙂
It was so great to meet you! I'm glad you were able to come and enjoy the week! I hope we get to see each other again soon. 🙂