Giving My Regards!!!

Start spreading the news!!! We left Hotel Hollister before our inn-keepers were awake, stealing away stealthfully in the dark of early morning, wondering just how long it would take us to get to the BIG Apple?? We made our way north thru Baltimore and beyond to Delaware. Our first rest stop included seeing the flags at half staff..... which was such an amazing synchronicity -- in that we were bound into NYC to share my tribute to 9-11 picture book, "Red, White and Blue." As soon as we were pulling away from the rest stop I was googling on my laptop to see what the occasion was to merit the half-mast tribute. The lowered flags were a tribute to Hazel Plant who served Delaware as a stateswoman dedicated to human rights. Seeing the pictures a week later, it still takes my breath away to have the flags lowered as we were driving into the city.

Before you know it we were IN Lincoln Tunnel and popping out on 42nd Street with McDonalds all up in lights, the sky scrapers up in the gray clouds and with a quick turn past the United Nations building we landed safely at our destination! Three cheers for Gertie-the-GPS and Allen my wheel man. I would never undertake such an adventure without him behind the wheel. The one way streets, caravan of taxis and the honking horns are amazing, even from the passenger's vantage point. YEAH team!!

East Coast: First Stop

Adventure. Excitement. Planning. We started heading east with the end point of NYC as our final destination. Anytime anyone says anything about 'east-of-Ohio' I'm quite certain that involves a layover at our youngest' home. So off we went, landing in Bowie MD, which is just on the skirts of DC. We're always thrilled to land there in time for dinner to see what Zac can concoct. We arrived before Noelle had returned from her numerous responsibilities and had a quick tour to see the updates to their home. The jukebox is now operational & playing the golden oldies, all over again.

Voila. Great dinner being plated in the yellow kitchen. The pumpkin ravioli was scrumptious. Then we all curled up in the living room to get updated on all things new and make plans for the holidays ahead. Noelle is crocheting a blanket to keep warm for the long cold winter. Remember when they got snowed in by the blizzard?? She plans to be prepared this year! She's still got a lot more yarn..... no one knows how big this thing is gonna get. Zac is in charge of the designing the stripes. He reports that she's much more content to watch football if she can crochet during the games. Don't know what she'll do for next year, because she's gotten quite informed about football. Maybe she can make them as gifts for others? Let me know if you need one.

Columbus State: Redux

In the ultimate buddy exchange of 'you-scratch-my-back & I'll-scratch-yours' the next day after Hilary hosted my author/book launch party for my benefit, we planned for me to return the favor by my appearance for her evening class of hard-working students at Columbus State. Here's the evidence of the next wave of professionals jumping right into my brand of fun after their long day at work with children.

The return to Grove Street and Columbus State was an internal hurdle only for me -- as it pertains to my quilts. Hilary & I decided together to leave them at home.

Book Launch Party @ Hilary's

This is a first!! The majority of the quilts (illustrations) for my new picture book are on display together in Hilary Talis dining room as she invites her friends, neighbors and relatives to shop in the comfort of her home -- for upcoming occasions, all while supporting my efforts. Hil even created snacks for the afternoon on our theme of red, white and blue to complete the thematic backdrop. I'm not sure who was more excited?? There was a lot of squeeling and hugging as the afternoon unfolded. Long lost friends came and much joy resulted from the serendipitous reunions. What a great day. What a kindness.

Silly me, I totally forgot to take pictures at Mary Myers similar event held just a couple weeks back. That was when the quilts were still on their hiatus and I think my brain was only functioning on partial-power. Each of these generous gals had served as directors of programs in the central OH area and become dear friends in the process. Here's to retirement for Hilary & Mary and all of the kind projects that they will concoct, now that they have some additional time on their hands.

Autographs & Hugs

The most fun part of any presentation is after it has concluded and we're all hugging and I get to personalize my books to go home to teachers, librarians, mommies and grandmas -- with the occasional principal or papa thrown in. Kentucky was no exception. Here's the first branch of my KY fanclub showing their support for my efforts. That last photo is the wonderful Kathleen Schutter, ZB rep for KY and southern IN. It was her idea for me to come down to her 'territory' and share my story. I am deeply indepted to Kathleen for her support and encouragement thru my time associated with ZB. She's a fellow creative soul we had fun getting caught up on all realms of ideas.

ZB Get's a Grip in KY

The afternoon brought an enthusiastic response to the topic of fine motor development and the room was comfortably crowded with eager smiles. This is such a fun-tastic workshop to present, as the songs are such supports in a challenging area. I can literally watch as the teachers bob their heads in affirmation like a collection of bobble heads. Fine motor is a tough sell, but critical at the same time.

Kentucky Continues