A Weekend to Remember

Many thanks to those who came out for my storytelling session at the Providence Arts Festival — and a big thanks to author-illustrator Alison Paul for organizing the event. I walked into the ROOTS cafe to find my very own personalized signing station:

During my performance, I read from OTTO, Ugly Fish, and Rabbit & Squirrel. As an encore, I gave the audience a sneak peek at my upcoming picture book, about a certain aloof porcupine. Here’s the lone photo captured of me in action:

I was thrilled to meet some new friends, including author-illustrator Amy Walrod, and illustrators Amiko Hirao and Jen Corace. A few old friends showed up, too, and even my cousin and her friend made the trip. We celebrated afterwards with sangria and sunshine, sitting outside a bistro on Westminster Street amidst the Festival comings and goings.

And then, yesterday, my husband and I woke up and watched some of the 9/11 remembrance footage. As the bell was rung for each moment of silence, I was transported to where I was when it all happened: first, at my desk at Candlewick, hearing about it in an email from a friend, a message I had to reread several times before I fully understood it. Then, in my car on the way home, after we were all dismissed from work by our tearful bosses, the radio announcer stating that the first Tower had fallen. And then, at home, the first of many drinks in my hand, eyes glued to the television, as the rest became all too clear.

I spent the remainder of yesterday morning weeding, which seemed like an appropriate, grounding (literally and figuratively) thing to do. And then, I attended the opening of Scott Magoon’s art show at the Danforth Museum in Framingham. It seemed right to surround myself with evocative art, and end my day in creative reflection.

If you can get yourself to see it, you MUST go and check out Scott’s installation, which features pieces from all of his books, including those we’ve made together. Here is a photo of moi having a moment next to a particularly restful piece from OTTO:

And here I am next to one of my very favorites, from our upcoming picture book, Mr. Prickles!

Afterwards, the good people at the Danforth asked me if I would sign some stock — and Mr. Magoon generously allowed me to horn in on his signing. What a guy.