Are you awake?
That was the subject line of the email in my box early Sunday morning at the New England SCBWI Conference. It was Loree Griffin Burns, summoning me for a hike. She needed some exercise and fresh air and knew a trail nearby. Did I want to come along? I did! I just barely caught Loree in the parking lot, and off we went.
After a few minor wrong turns (we were exploring…we weren’t lost), we climbed to the top of some gorgeous rock ledges.
This little guy joined us to enjoy the view for a little while before his owners caught up to him.
Then it was back to the hotel for Kelly Fineman’s workshop on free verse poetry, which was as interesting and informative as I knew it would be. If you love poetry, Kelly’s blog is the place to be – she’s
I had to sneak out of Kelly’s session the tiniest bit early to get ready for my last presentation of the conference, a panel on blogging with two smart, kind friends, Jo Knowles and Carrie Jones.
The audience members had great questions about blogging, how to balance personal and professional selves online, and dealing with friend requests. (Just for the record, if you are a friendly, nice person, I am happy to be your friend just about anywhere, online or in real life!) I’m in the process of converting our presentation for SlideShare, so it will be available on all of our blogs, along with all the links, later this week.
Overall, the conference was absolutely fantastic, thanks in large part to all the volunteers who made it happen, especially the ever-energetic co-directors, Anindita Basu Sempere and Greg Fishbone. I’m already looking forward to next year!
That hike sorta looks like Crow Hill. Is that where you were? Because you were in my back yard if you were!
Yes! I think that’s what it was called – lovely hike.
I’m impressed that you guys got up early enough to hike – how beautiful!
Thanks for your kind words about my workshop. I really wanted to be at yours, but had to go to Fitchburg Tires instead. I remain convinced it was the right decision, but I wish I hadn’t had to make it!
So glad you were awake, Kate!
xxoo
Yes, tires are important. Plus you already blog like a pro – you could have led that panel!
So glad I caught you! It was so good to see you this weekend!
Loved meeting you, Kate! And the blogging workshop rocked. Now I just need to pull myself together and think about what I really want my blog to do.
a great weekend, to be sure!
It was great to finally meet you in person, too, Kristy! Safe travels…
Wait…were you there? And if you were, how did I miss you?!
Yay!!! 🙂
Looks like a blast. Oh, how I’d love to watch you three working a panel. I bet it was fun! (And not just because my blog was mentioned.)
You were literally in my backyard! We sometimes bushwhack from our woods over to the Crow Hill Cliffs and the Mid-State Trail, then hike the Mid-State back home (it crosses the road less than a mile from our house)! Such a beautiful little area!
I already miss all you guys! (though I think I left my voice in Fitchburg – I’ve been drinking tea trying to get it back, with no luck!)
It was a blast – Jo and Carrie are just awesome – and so is your blog!