Summer is my favorite season, but fall comes in close second. I can smell it in the air, can’t you? My sister is staying with us for the week; on Monday, we went out and bought some autumnal flair for my front porch (photo above). Surprisingly, the greedy squirrels in our neighborhood haven’t feasted on those pumpkins yet. (And YES, that’s my house in the background with shabbily-peeling paint. It’s the next project on a very long To-Do list.)
I’m thrilled to be participating in the Burlington Book Festival this Sunday with some extraordinary colleagues. Will I see you there? Do you really need an excuse to be in Vermont this time of year?
In other news, Scott Magoon and I will be doing an event at the renowned Blue Bunny on the afternoon of Saturday, November 5. Details to come…including info on an OTTO-related craft session we’ll be offering!
What are you doing to ring in the fall season?
Kara LaReau 
Dear Kara,
I went to Vermont College with Elizabeth Bluemle and hope to see you both at the Burlington Book Festival this weekend. You may vaguely remember me—I was your driver in July 2004 when you visited Vermont College with Kate DiCamillo.
I just read your bio, and I’m so sorry to hear about your cancer. I hope you’re doing better these days.
Have a good trip to Vermont, and I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
All the best,
Mike Arena
Great to hear from you, Mike — see you on Sunday! : )