I'm not DEAD.

 In fact, I'm very much alive on this side of the country. I know, I know....I haven't written. (Thanks Jordan for the nudge and the kick in the shin. Ouchy.)

As it turns out, the east coast winters can be very mild. Can you believe it? The half-inch of snow that was left on the sidewalks have now dissolved and melted into tiny scatters of salt crystals after a long rainfall yesterday. The temperature is mildly in the 40's and I've put away my giant, puffy marshmallow-flavored down ski jacket. At least for now. You're probably thinking, "Why the heck is this crazy woman updating me on the stinkin' climate like a weather woman? Has Miss Lou gone completely mad? I know she must be losing it with all that marshmallow talk."

Though that may be all the cases, I'm maybe trying to distract you or make up a dumb excuse for not keeping this blog up to date. (Besides the fact that my dog ate my laptop. Really, she did. Okay. I know. It's not nice to blame my dog. Again. But wouldn't that be a sight to see? Rectangular shaped belly. Hee, hee. Ho, ho.)

Oh wait...Come back! Don't go! I've just been...daydreaming, okay? I've been...mesmerized by the winter sun and frolicking about outdoors with Veda Bee and friends and ice cream and spying on my neighbors. Okay? You happy now?! NO RECESS FOR ME!!!!

So basically, I'm sorry. I'll try to be better. Promise. But I'm back now. And I'm not dead. Or in prison.

A few weekends ago, I had the fabulous fortunate experience of attending the annual ALA conference held here in my very own city. It took place in this massive, airport-wannabe building with long carpeted hallways, over-sized paintings and most importantly, a Dunkin' Donuts. The talks and events were spread out on several floors, but the important part was in this giant warehouse. (From the floors above, you can get a bird's eye view of the entire floor space. Don't worry, the windows rid any temptation to spit...darn it.) Had it been an airport, the warehouse would probably be the room where the planes would sleep. That's what I was thinking when spitting didn't work. More on airplanes later...

ALA = American Library Association

It may sound like a big snooze fest to you, but with a wee $25, the fancy badge allows you to enter the warehouse thing to meet, greet and drool over famous authors (like Andrew Clements!), shake hands with agents, editors and publishers (like Arthur Levine, who published all the Harry Potter books!) and touch not-yet-published books for 2010. The best, bester, bestest part of the entire event is being able to slip free books into your free totebags...yes, FREE!

Just imagine going to the Scholastic Book Fair at Forest Park. Just imagine Mrs. Gifford handing you a giant canvas tote bag (instead of making you take off your backpacks and big thieving jackets) before entering. Just imagine her saying to you (very kindly), "Take whatever you want, kids. Stop by the refreshment table for some candy, stickers, posters and pens. And don't forget to  shake hands with your favorite author. He's signing books before the exit. Oh, yes. Of course you can have another tote bag. And here, have a free magic elf to carry your bags, do your chores and rub your tired feet." Oh wait.

But yes, the ALA event was so definitely MY idea of Christmas.

What? Who says I'm a nerd?! Not me.

Take care, read lots and write me soon!

Missing you all,
Missing Lou

(You happy now, J? Geesh.)