First off, what a wonderful, beautiful city!
My first view of it was from above, in my comfy Economy Plus seat I'd been bumped up to. Chicago is silver, just in case you didn't know. For all my worries about hailing a cab, all I had to do was enter a queue with an official taxi sign, and I was ushered to the next available cab. Whew!
The smoke-scented taxi whisked me away. I forget how pretty the northern landscape is until I see it again--the fir trees, red buds, tulips--TULIPS! You really don't see those in Florida unless it's Easter and they're on top of the dinner table.
Chicago's skyline is beautiful. And as we entered the downtown area, I felt like I was in a movie. Doormen stood in front of buildings and smartly dressed people pushed their way inside through revolving doors.
My room--oh my gosh--my room! Walker Books is a generous publisher! My suite YES THEY GAVE ME A SUITE! was on the twenty-second floor and I had a gorgeous view.
After I got settled in, I met up with the Walker group: Melanie Cecka (Thank you, Melanie, for assuring me that leafy green lettuce was not furrowing between my teeth!), Katie Fee (You are too funny!), Emily Easton (When I spotted you on the couch, I recognized you immediately as a fellow literary type), Beth Eller (You are a riot!), and my wonderful editor, Stacy Cantor (Thank you so much for the excellent conversation and breathless fun!)
And now some name dropping! Not only did we dine in an exquisitely decorated restaurant, I laughed and talked with the gracious and warm Kate Messner (right), funny and nice Kirby Larson, Matt McElligott, who had some good stories, Chris Kurtz, Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Donna Knoell (educational consultant), Susan Boham (teacher), and Claudia Katz (professor of Children’s Literature). Excellent conversation and food!The convention center was humongous. Al Gore was there! I didn't see him, but he was there, so I get to drop his name! Henry Winkler was there! THE FONZ and author of the Hank Zipzer books. I didn't see him either!
Sounds so awesome Danette! Glad it was such a great experience for you :) Chicago is my favorite city and your name-dropping is jealousy-inducing (I would love to meet Kate and Ingrid in person too!)
:)
Savvy was such a wonderful book! How very cool you got to meet her! I so heart Chicago. I think I could live there. I have actually had to hail a cab there and it was a little embarassing, so I am glad they made it easier for you! (See ya Thursday!)
I'm exhausted just hearing all the things you did and the folks you talked to. I think I need a nap now.
Oh, you are adorable!
And I love your dad.
Wow, what an experience - from hotel room to talks and signings and lovely people! What a great trip, Danette, and congrats!
Boni,
Heh-heh, name dropping is fun.
Sandy and Boni,
How has everyone else been to Chicago so many times but this was my first real experience? For the record, I will say I've been to London. And DC.
My husband looked at my pics (I have more!) and pointed out the Sears Tower. Have you ever been there?
Charles,
I took a big long nap the day after I got home!
Barbara,
Aw, shuckins! Thanks! My dad was a great guy, sweet, and a big ham.
Thanks, Kim! It was a wonderful trip.
Thanks for sharing your fun experience. I love the cover of your book, and now that you have pointed out that is was created by the same artist who did the cover for Savvy, I see the resemblance. Beautiful!