Kirby Larson's Blog, page 80
February 23, 2011
Kimberly Baker!
Yay, yay, yay to my friend, Kim Baker, on the smashing news of her first book sale (in a pre-empt!!!). I haven't read her manuscript but a little CocoaStomp bird told me it was the funniest thing she had ever read.
Congrats to Roaring Brook for getting themselves (in) a Pickle*.
(*this is the title of Kim's book)
Congrats to Roaring Brook for getting themselves (in) a Pickle*.
(*this is the title of Kim's book)
February 22, 2011
Ahh!
"Just the knowledge that a good book is awaiting one at the end of a long day makes that day happier."
― Kathleen Norris
― Kathleen Norris
February 21, 2011
Update on Beouf Borgignon
"Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all."
― Harriet Van Horne
Just to update: the Julia Child Beouf Borgignon was a huge hit. I personally thought the meat was dry but next time (and there will be a next time!) I'll use a fattier cut. You know in the movie when the food editor makes the dish and says, "Yum." It is definitely yum. Especially when enjoyed while wearing pearls with dear friends, Judy and Dave Patneaude.
The onions were heavenly
Mind Julia: don't crowd the mushrooms!
My fancy recipe called for a fancy new pot
Neil channeling his inner Julia
The finished product
Bon appetit!
Dave Patneaude on dish duty
― Harriet Van Horne
Just to update: the Julia Child Beouf Borgignon was a huge hit. I personally thought the meat was dry but next time (and there will be a next time!) I'll use a fattier cut. You know in the movie when the food editor makes the dish and says, "Yum." It is definitely yum. Especially when enjoyed while wearing pearls with dear friends, Judy and Dave Patneaude.
The onions were heavenly
Mind Julia: don't crowd the mushrooms!
My fancy recipe called for a fancy new pot
Neil channeling his inner Julia
The finished product
Bon appetit!
Dave Patneaude on dish duty
February 20, 2011
February 19, 2011
Read and Release
Yo -- maybe you'll find this book somewhere in Bellingham!I just learned that the folks in Bellingham are doing the coolest thing in conjunction with Chris Raschka and I appearing at the WWU Children's Literature alternative Conference on March 5 -- they are "releasing" copies of Chris' books and mine into the wilds of Whatcom County. Over 30 copies of our books will be left for readers to find in various locations. Similar to the Teen Book Drop organized by those amazing ReaderGirlz, the Read and Release program is a bit different in that each book has an ID number registered at bookcrossing.com so that you can find out where the book's been and even participate in an on-line book club. Read more about it all here.
February 18, 2011
One Last Thing About Lacey Loves to Read
Grier Jewell is a good friend and a good friend of books. She put together a really sweet video of kids she interviewed before and after last night's Lacey Loves to Read event at the Lacey Community Center. Go to her blog to check it out.
Lacey Loves to Read. . .and take good care of authors
Day Two of the Lacey Loves to Read whirlwind: cafe au lait and a blueberry scone at the Bread Peddler (worth any excuse to come to Olympia) and then into my mini Cooper carriage to go to Pleasant Glade Elementary where I had a blast talking with kids about how I became a writer. I loved answering their sharp and thoughtful questions and was so excited to be with them all, I forgot to take any photos. Picture a gymnasium full of adorable and smart children here:
I got a short break at a coffee shop (where I spent time brainstorming about a book trailer for The Friendship Doll) and then Courtney and I were off again, this time to Chamber's Prairie Elementary where I chatted with the kids about writing Nubs.
That's not a ding on Courtney's door but a spot on my camera lens.
The school is very high tech and had set things up to stream my presentation to the classrooms that wouldn't fit into the gym. The man who was running the camera for the streaming not only had the patience of Job, he had the moves of Matt Hasselbeck, trying to keep up with me. It was such a big gym that I kept walking around, trying to connect with all the kids, which made the cameraman's job nearly impossible. But he hung in there! At the end of my presentation, the school presented me with a primrose for my garden, a book of bird poems and a stunning mug (for my lattes) and plate, handmade by the art teacher, Troy Staszak (I nearly swooned when I saw the art room at Chamber's Prairie -- ooh la la!).
The librarian thoughtfully bookmarked her favorite poems
Made from English Grolleg porcelain by Troy Staszak
After a nice soup and salad lunch, I was given some time off for good behavior (just kidding, Courtney!) and before I knew it, my red mini Cooper chariot was back again to whisk me off for the very last time.
The Lacey Community Center was packed!!! I was informed that the attendance was even better than the time they hosted Valentine's Dancing Pigs. I am definitely adding that to my resume. I got to visit with two PAWS dogs (like Reading with Rover dogs), one of whom, Shelby is also an artist. I listened in while a great young man read Nubs to police dog Brett (who is almost as cute as Winston). Then it was time for me to take the stage. After my talk, I signed books for over an hour and a half, in awe that so many families had made time on a weekday night to come out for this event.
Shelby
Her painting
Reading Nubs to K-9 Officer & Brett
I wish I had a million dollars because if I did, I would make sure every community could have an event like Lacey Loves to Read.
And I would also absolutely buy spa gift certificates for Courtney, Jeannette and all of the other LLTR committee members.
I got a short break at a coffee shop (where I spent time brainstorming about a book trailer for The Friendship Doll) and then Courtney and I were off again, this time to Chamber's Prairie Elementary where I chatted with the kids about writing Nubs.
That's not a ding on Courtney's door but a spot on my camera lens.The school is very high tech and had set things up to stream my presentation to the classrooms that wouldn't fit into the gym. The man who was running the camera for the streaming not only had the patience of Job, he had the moves of Matt Hasselbeck, trying to keep up with me. It was such a big gym that I kept walking around, trying to connect with all the kids, which made the cameraman's job nearly impossible. But he hung in there! At the end of my presentation, the school presented me with a primrose for my garden, a book of bird poems and a stunning mug (for my lattes) and plate, handmade by the art teacher, Troy Staszak (I nearly swooned when I saw the art room at Chamber's Prairie -- ooh la la!).
The librarian thoughtfully bookmarked her favorite poems
Made from English Grolleg porcelain by Troy StaszakAfter a nice soup and salad lunch, I was given some time off for good behavior (just kidding, Courtney!) and before I knew it, my red mini Cooper chariot was back again to whisk me off for the very last time.
The Lacey Community Center was packed!!! I was informed that the attendance was even better than the time they hosted Valentine's Dancing Pigs. I am definitely adding that to my resume. I got to visit with two PAWS dogs (like Reading with Rover dogs), one of whom, Shelby is also an artist. I listened in while a great young man read Nubs to police dog Brett (who is almost as cute as Winston). Then it was time for me to take the stage. After my talk, I signed books for over an hour and a half, in awe that so many families had made time on a weekday night to come out for this event.
Shelby
Her painting
Reading Nubs to K-9 Officer & BrettI wish I had a million dollars because if I did, I would make sure every community could have an event like Lacey Loves to Read.
And I would also absolutely buy spa gift certificates for Courtney, Jeannette and all of the other LLTR committee members.
February 17, 2011
I Love Lacey!
How can a day that starts out with a ride in an adorable red mini-cooper go wrong? It can't! From the moment Courtney Schrieve (Communications Director, North Thurston Public Schools) picked me up at the hotel to the minute I got dropped off tonight after dinner, this has been one fabulous day.
Don't you love these drawings?
A terrific audience
Chatting with kids after the presentation at Lydia Hawks
First thing this morning, I dialed in for a live interview on MIXX 96.1 FM with on-air personalities, Ann & R.P. I was particularly pleased that they asked about Winston the Wonder Dog! Then Courtney whisked me away in her little car (which needs a name: maybe The Little Engine that Could?!) to Lydia Hawk Elementary (okay, we made a short diversion to Starbucks). I got to meet Armando, the designer of one of the winning Lacey Loves to Read bookmarks. I am kicking myself that I didn't ask him to sign a bookmark for me. Then, after a lovely introduction from fabulous librarian, Diane Miller, and a presentation of a colorful bouquet of flowers, I launched into my presentation for some 200+ 1st-3rd graders and had a terrific time. I tried to stay and chat with the kids but that mean old Courtney insisted we must stick to the schedule and I was whisked off to Komachin Middle School.
The kids there ROCKED -- not only were they respectful listeners, they asked amazing questions. Again, I would have stayed and chatted longer but that Courtney. . .what a task master! We were off again for a radio interview at KRXY where I nearly fell off my very tall stool because the interviewer, Bobby Hart, had so thoroughly prepared for my visit. I was so honored that Bobby would've taken so much time to familiarize himself with my books.
After enjoying Saigon noodles (yum!) with Courtney at Chopsticks, I went back to the hotel to change to some walking clothes. I had planned a good walk for my short break but was drawn into Browser's Books and all was lost. Forty-five minutes later, with three more books for my shelves, I headed back to the hotel with 15 minutes to get ready for the late afternoon educator's reception at North Thurston High School (thank you to librarian Sally Jones and her assistant Jerie Armstrong). Just to show you the level of support for Lacey Loves to Read in this community, Raj Manhas, Superintendent of the school district, school board member Aaron Owada and city of Lacey Parks and Recreation employee, Jeannette Seiler, all made time to attend. Wow!
After the reception, I was whisked off again (three times in one day!) for dinner with some of the Lacey Loves to Read committee, as well as members of the Washington Library Association (WLMA). A great time was had by all even though Sally Jones was not willing to share bites of her chocolate mousse. Somehow, we will forgive her.
"Home" again for a little rest and preparation, including doing a no-snow dance.
More tomorrow!
Don't you love these drawings?
A terrific audience
Chatting with kids after the presentation at Lydia HawksFirst thing this morning, I dialed in for a live interview on MIXX 96.1 FM with on-air personalities, Ann & R.P. I was particularly pleased that they asked about Winston the Wonder Dog! Then Courtney whisked me away in her little car (which needs a name: maybe The Little Engine that Could?!) to Lydia Hawk Elementary (okay, we made a short diversion to Starbucks). I got to meet Armando, the designer of one of the winning Lacey Loves to Read bookmarks. I am kicking myself that I didn't ask him to sign a bookmark for me. Then, after a lovely introduction from fabulous librarian, Diane Miller, and a presentation of a colorful bouquet of flowers, I launched into my presentation for some 200+ 1st-3rd graders and had a terrific time. I tried to stay and chat with the kids but that mean old Courtney insisted we must stick to the schedule and I was whisked off to Komachin Middle School.
The kids there ROCKED -- not only were they respectful listeners, they asked amazing questions. Again, I would have stayed and chatted longer but that Courtney. . .what a task master! We were off again for a radio interview at KRXY where I nearly fell off my very tall stool because the interviewer, Bobby Hart, had so thoroughly prepared for my visit. I was so honored that Bobby would've taken so much time to familiarize himself with my books.
After enjoying Saigon noodles (yum!) with Courtney at Chopsticks, I went back to the hotel to change to some walking clothes. I had planned a good walk for my short break but was drawn into Browser's Books and all was lost. Forty-five minutes later, with three more books for my shelves, I headed back to the hotel with 15 minutes to get ready for the late afternoon educator's reception at North Thurston High School (thank you to librarian Sally Jones and her assistant Jerie Armstrong). Just to show you the level of support for Lacey Loves to Read in this community, Raj Manhas, Superintendent of the school district, school board member Aaron Owada and city of Lacey Parks and Recreation employee, Jeannette Seiler, all made time to attend. Wow!
After the reception, I was whisked off again (three times in one day!) for dinner with some of the Lacey Loves to Read committee, as well as members of the Washington Library Association (WLMA). A great time was had by all even though Sally Jones was not willing to share bites of her chocolate mousse. Somehow, we will forgive her.
"Home" again for a little rest and preparation, including doing a no-snow dance.
More tomorrow!
February 16, 2011
That's What I'm Talking About!
Neil should take a hint from the Lacey Loves to Read folks and welcome me home from my next trip with a basket* like this:
With features like this, I may never want to leave the hotel room:
But if I stayed inside all day, I'd miss the great kids today at Lydia Hawk Elementary School, Komachin Middle School, and their teachers and librarians at a meeting this afternoon at North Thurston High School. On Thursday, I'll be at Pleasant Glade Elementary, and Chamber's Prairie Elementary. On Thursday night, I'll be at a community reception at the Lacey Community Center, as will a group of service dogs trained to be book buddies for kids (the organization is called PAWS) and a Lacey Police Officer and her dog, Bret. That party starts at 6:30 -- come on down!
I'll post more about my Lacey visit -- don't worry.
*Thank you to Courtney Schrieve, Communications Director North Thurston Public Schools, Lacey Chamber of Commerce, and the Lacey Loves to Read Committee!
With features like this, I may never want to leave the hotel room:
But if I stayed inside all day, I'd miss the great kids today at Lydia Hawk Elementary School, Komachin Middle School, and their teachers and librarians at a meeting this afternoon at North Thurston High School. On Thursday, I'll be at Pleasant Glade Elementary, and Chamber's Prairie Elementary. On Thursday night, I'll be at a community reception at the Lacey Community Center, as will a group of service dogs trained to be book buddies for kids (the organization is called PAWS) and a Lacey Police Officer and her dog, Bret. That party starts at 6:30 -- come on down!I'll post more about my Lacey visit -- don't worry.
*Thank you to Courtney Schrieve, Communications Director North Thurston Public Schools, Lacey Chamber of Commerce, and the Lacey Loves to Read Committee!
February 15, 2011
A Grown Up Rebus
My sister-in-law took this photo at the Kate Spade store in Portland; I want to make one of these!
