I’m going to pound out a few more thoughts on yesterday while I wait for Charlie’s birthday cake to cool (how’s that for the collision of professional and domestic?). Tonight we are having a Dance Party for Charlie’s 8th Birthday and I cannot wait to see which boys in his class actually go for this idea. This was all hatched after our week at the beach with the (girl) cousins, who last year introduced us to So You Think You Can Dance? and we have not been the same since. So Charlie wants a dance party tonight and we’re going to just run with this idea and see what children need therapy when it’s all said and done.
For me, the whole New Media excursion started Saturday. I drove to Atlanta that afternoon and checked into a hotel near the conference site. I have some major writing deadlines, deadlines that arose just after the boys got out of school for the summer. This has greatly affected my writing mojo, not having any quiet time around this joint. As I was leaving home, though, I had this feeling of “what am I doing?” It really was strange to be going away for the night alone. That night, I ate in the hotel restaurant and at one point I looked up from some notes I was working on and saw a family from our parish. I thought I would burst into tears it so made me miss Paul and the boys (at that point I’d been gone all of four hours I think). But I did get some of the much needed work done and it was worthwhile.
Sunday was a tremendous opportunity to meet so many talented writers, people I’ve admired for a while now and do feel like I “know.” I was, of course, most excited about meeting Amy Welborn who has always been incredibly generous with me and my questions about writing and balance. She and her husband Michael (I really love his understated manner) were so fun to talk to and I appreciate them letting me hover near their table and pick their brains. In hindsight, I should have pulled up a chair (like Gashwin). Why did this thought not occur to me? I loved meeting Gashwin (check out the great group photo he has up), and had no idea he lived in this here neck of the woods. Also, Mark Shea was great to talk to, and we had much to discuss as he has four boys.
I also enjoyed hanging out with Fr. Leo who I have known since before he was famous. Fr. Leo gave the (wonderful and inspiring) keynote address that morning. The whole time he was talking, I thought how familiar he looked, but I figured it was because he is FAMOUS (though, I’m sad to report I had not heard of his show before yesterday). After some discussion I realized that he is good friends with our buddy Fr. Tim and that we met way back at Fr. Tim’s ordination and first Mass the next day. And now, he has gone on to greatness.
Also great to meet Kathryn and Mac, Kate, ChezOuiz, Lisa and the Willits‘, who did an incredible job of making the New Media Celebration happen. I went up to Lino to introduce myself, thinking he was a local radio caster and about ten seconds in I realized dude was actually a *famous* person. For some reason, this was a bit unnerving but he was very nice and funny.
Wonderful discussions, excellent panels with excellent moderators. I was sad I didn’t get to meet the Curt Jester – he did have a moving explanation for his love of blogging; really inspiring. All around good stuff — make plans for next year!
One last thought — I just want to thank my amazing husband whose help afforded me this opportunity. He was quick to handle all five boys and they all had a great time together. I asked Ethan how things went with Dad. “Great,” he said. “How’s that,” I asked. “We ate at Burger King twice.”
Whatever it takes, it’s fine with me.
