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It’s a sign(ing)!
Ever since October, I have been feeling like I’m hurtling towards something and yet never quite reaching the goal. It’s a lot like what an outside observer sees of someone who has gone beyond the event horizon of black hole: the unfortunate black hole victim is seen falling in but at a rate slower than glacial advance (back in the day before the warming climate started melting them at an alarming pace), seemingly never to reach the center of the hole where they will eventually end up being mauled to death.
Yup, that’s my t-shirt; I’ve had it since 1986.Of course I have a science metaphor for stress and panic.
One of the things I was busy prepping for was the National Council of Teachers of English Conference which happened last weekend. I’m pleased to report that it went just fine, despite my usual hand-wringing.
There weren’t a lot of people in attendance at the panel, but my panelists are brilliant and I loved hanging out with them regardless of who was in the audience. From left to right: Patricia Valdez, Jennifer Sniadecki, Laurie Wallmark, me, and Jen Swanson.
Me, during my portion of the presentation.While I only spent 21 hours total there, I was able to meet up with a couple of online friends I’ve known for several years–in person, finally! There was Vicky Fang, author extraordinaire (seriously, check out her books)…
…and Annette Hashitate who has the coolest graphic novel coming out! The absolute sweetheart that she is, Annette picked up dinner for us from Yoshi Sushi to eat at my hotel room. This is because, despite your seeing me in photos without a mask, I was masked up the whole time except when I was giving my panel talk or getting my photo taken. Covid or flu, doesn’t matter; I didn’t want to catch either. Yeah, I’ve had my shots for both, but germs are sneaky. 
I was thrilled when Union Square, my publisher for Queen of Physics, invited me to do a book signing after my panel appearance. A big shoutout and much gratitude to Chris, Hayley, and Jenny for making it a most delightful event!
The next morning, I awoke to this beautiful view from my hotel room, and it was time to say good-bye to Columbus, OH. I just might attend NCTE again next year.
Hope those of you in the U.S. are having a lovely Thanksgiving weekend!
