Book Kitten
15 May 2008
I Always Feel Like, Somebody's Watching Me...
This picture was on the on-line Chicago Tribune today, and, for some reason, it was creepin' me out.
Bad.
Maybe because it firs put me in mind of looking in your reaerview mirror and seeing a person where there shouldn't be one. (Oh, crap. Now I'm freaking myself out more...)
Clicking on the photo reveals that it is a crop of a larger photo, one that depicts, "An August 1, 1951, photo shows a slotted peephole in the steel door of gambling room in Melrose Park that was raided by Cook County sheriff's police. (Tribune archive photo)"
Bad.
Maybe because it firs put me in mind of looking in your reaerview mirror and seeing a person where there shouldn't be one. (Oh, crap. Now I'm freaking myself out more...)
Clicking on the photo reveals that it is a crop of a larger photo, one that depicts, "An August 1, 1951, photo shows a slotted peephole in the steel door of gambling room in Melrose Park that was raided by Cook County sheriff's police. (Tribune archive photo)"
Still creepy, though.
FREE is my favorite price!
Thursday, May 15 is Free Iced Coffee Day from 10am to 10pm at Dunkin Donuts:
“Stop by your local Dunkin' Donuts on Thursday May 15, 2008 from 10am
until 10pm and receive a FREE small (16 oz.) sized Iced Coffee*.You will have the option of trying one of our 9 flavors (French Vanilla,
Toasted Almond, Raspberry, Hazelnut, Coconut, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Caramel, and Blueberry) or create your own flavor by combining 2-3 flavors.*At participating Dunkin' Donuts shops only. Thursday, May 15, 2008 from 10am-10pm. Cannot be combined with any other offer. One free small 16 oz. Iced Coffee per person, per visit.”
Thursday is also the day McDonald’s is giving out free samples of their new chicken breakfast and lunch sandwiches (but you have to buy a drink to score that one...).
I'mma skip on the McDonald's (Science Boy and I are taking Gram out for dinner tonight, so trying to have a low-cal day), but think I'm just about ready to go get a blueberry iced coffee.
14 May 2008
Crockpotting
Science Boy and I have been using the crockpot more often in the past few months. (Or, rather, I have been using the crockpot and he has been happily eating the results!) Gram even gave us hers when she found out I use it since she says she hasn't used it in 20 years. Still works great!
I love the way the house smells delicious when I get home from work and how lovely it is to have dinner ready to go.
While doing a random search, I came across the fantabulous Crockpot Lady's blog. She has resolved to use her crockpot Every. Single. Day. Wow. Looks like she has lots of great ideas and recipes. I think I {heart}her!
I love the way the house smells delicious when I get home from work and how lovely it is to have dinner ready to go.
While doing a random search, I came across the fantabulous Crockpot Lady's blog. She has resolved to use her crockpot Every. Single. Day. Wow. Looks like she has lots of great ideas and recipes. I think I {heart}
Look at Meez!
If you haven't created your cartoon avatar at Meez.com, you should try it out sometime. It's fun!
If you haven't created your cartoon avatar at Meez.com, you should try it out sometime. It's fun!
HELP!! Walk NOW for Autism!
Please feel free to pass this on to others who might be interested in contributing, too.
THANK YOU!
wishing peace, love, and healthy children to all,
Katharine
Hi, friends!
Walk NOW for Autism!
Well, not *right* now. And you don't actually have to walk anywhere. I will do it for you.
May 18 is the Walk Now for Autism 5K walk in Chicago. My colleagues and I have spent a lot of time this past year discussing autism and how we can best serve those families with a member on the autism spectrum. I decided that one thing I, personally, can do is to help raise awareness and money for research by participating in the event.
I will be walking and I would like to ask every one of you to contribute in any way you can. Seriously. If you can only give $1, I will take it and thank you with sincere appreciation.
A few facts (I am, after all, a Librarian):
* 1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism
* 1 in 94 boys is on the autism spectrum
* 67 children are diagnosed per day
* A new case is diagnosed almost every 20 minutes
* More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined
* Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
* Autism costs the nation over $90 billion per year, a figure expected to double in the next decade
* Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases * Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
* There is no medical detection or cure for autism
You can contribute directly online by going to our Baby Got Book team page. If you are not comfortable using your credit card (or want to give less than the $20 minimum the site requires from credit card donations -- and we would appreciate ANY amount!), you can click on "make offline donation" and a form will pop up. Fill out the form, print it, and you can mail it with a check made out to "Autism Speaks" to the address they provide (or, if you'll see me soon, just give it to me and I can take it along to the walk).
Please feel free to pass this on to others who might be interested in contributing, too.
THANK YOU!
wishing peace, love, and healthy children to all,
Katharine
Hey! Where'd those blogs come from?!
I added a few posts I had put up at my myspace blog. I really do plan to start blogging here again soon - I *like* this site! - but until then, I pasted a few from the other blog.
05 May 2008
Sticks and Stones... But Mostly Stones
On Saturday, Science Boy, The Boy and I went to the Art Institute of Chicago to see the Edward Hopper / Winslow Homer exhibit. It was lovely and exhausting. We had a great day -- the two of them always enjoy ganging up on me to tease...
We rode the train home and then just had a short walk. There were three boys playing in a field on our way. I would have guessed them to be between 10-13 years old. I noticed them and then didn't pay any more attention.
Suddenly, one of the boys shouted something. I glanced over and saw them watching us. He yelled again, his words clearer.
"White Bitch!"
And then, the little darling threw a rock at me.
He missed.
SB saw a rock land but had missed the yelling. He asked, "Did someone throw a rock at us."
"Yeah, those kids," I nodded that way. We kept going and the same kid called out, loud and clear, "White Bitch!" again. Another rock. (Thankfully, another miss.)
This time, SB heard and froze. He turned to look at the kids. The same one who seemed to be doing all the yelling and rock throwing called out that ugly name one more time and then yelled, "We'll beat all your asses!"
Then, he and his friends, turned and ran away.
Our mood was somewhat subdued after that. I felt so wounded. "They don't even know me," I said. "I am a bitch sometimes, but I don't think it's because I'm White."
This might be the time to mention that SB and I live in a relatively poor, predominantly African-American community on Chicago's West Side. We've only lived here since August, but I like it. People are pretty friendly and our apartment is beautiful. I like our neighbors. When an electrical fire broke out on our back porch a few weeks ago, neighbors saw, called the fire department, and alerted SB. People say hi when they pass you on the sidewalk.
SB is African-American; I am Caucasian. It's never been an issue.
This is the second time I have been called a White Bitch since we moved. The first time, Two teen girls were walking past my house as I was bringing mail in in the evening. I said, "Hello."
One replied, "White Bitch."
That time hurt, too.
I just don't understand what would move someone to call another person, one they don't even know, an ugly name based on nothing more than race. I try to be pleasant to the people I encounter. These children, both of them who have called me this name, are very likely neighbors.
And do I have to worry that might run into these boys again one day while I am walking home, heaving their nasty words and solid rocks?
I've been lucky that their aim with the rocks was not good this past Saturday. Their words, however, hit their mark.
We rode the train home and then just had a short walk. There were three boys playing in a field on our way. I would have guessed them to be between 10-13 years old. I noticed them and then didn't pay any more attention.
Suddenly, one of the boys shouted something. I glanced over and saw them watching us. He yelled again, his words clearer.
"White Bitch!"
And then, the little darling threw a rock at me.
He missed.
SB saw a rock land but had missed the yelling. He asked, "Did someone throw a rock at us."
"Yeah, those kids," I nodded that way. We kept going and the same kid called out, loud and clear, "White Bitch!" again. Another rock. (Thankfully, another miss.)
This time, SB heard and froze. He turned to look at the kids. The same one who seemed to be doing all the yelling and rock throwing called out that ugly name one more time and then yelled, "We'll beat all your asses!"
Then, he and his friends, turned and ran away.
Our mood was somewhat subdued after that. I felt so wounded. "They don't even know me," I said. "I am a bitch sometimes, but I don't think it's because I'm White."
This might be the time to mention that SB and I live in a relatively poor, predominantly African-American community on Chicago's West Side. We've only lived here since August, but I like it. People are pretty friendly and our apartment is beautiful. I like our neighbors. When an electrical fire broke out on our back porch a few weeks ago, neighbors saw, called the fire department, and alerted SB. People say hi when they pass you on the sidewalk.
SB is African-American; I am Caucasian. It's never been an issue.
This is the second time I have been called a White Bitch since we moved. The first time, Two teen girls were walking past my house as I was bringing mail in in the evening. I said, "Hello."
One replied, "White Bitch."
That time hurt, too.
I just don't understand what would move someone to call another person, one they don't even know, an ugly name based on nothing more than race. I try to be pleasant to the people I encounter. These children, both of them who have called me this name, are very likely neighbors.
And do I have to worry that might run into these boys again one day while I am walking home, heaving their nasty words and solid rocks?
I've been lucky that their aim with the rocks was not good this past Saturday. Their words, however, hit their mark.
01 May 2008
Lighten Up!
How sad. The Mayor complied, but said, "I think government needs to take itself less seriously... We have to take the work seriously, but it's OK to smile and to be creative in enforcing a serious message."
Very true.
And, NOT from Oak Lawn (actually, I am not sure *where* I got this), my all-time favorite STOP sign: 
Oak Lawn, IL put up auxiliary stop signs a little while back, hoping they would get attention and gently encourage drivers to actually heed the "stop" on the top sign.
IDOT, however, is not amused and has insisted the signs come down.
How sad. The Mayor complied, but said, "I think government needs to take itself less seriously... We have to take the work seriously, but it's OK to smile and to be creative in enforcing a serious message."
Very true.
And, NOT from Oak Lawn (actually, I am not sure *where* I got this), my all-time favorite STOP sign:
29 April 2008
31 March 2008
I'm not dead yet
SIGH.
I really mean to blog more, especially when I have fabulous cyber-pals who e-mail to see if I am okay.
I am.
Maybe a little blue lately, but mostly fine.
I just haven't had much time or energy to blog. Too much time spent at work, where blogging is verboten.
I will try to start up again SOON. Promise.
In the meantime, how blue am I? Well, apparently,
Not entirely inaccurate...
I'll be back soon.
Peace out, all!
I really mean to blog more, especially when I have fabulous cyber-pals who e-mail to see if I am okay.
I am.
Maybe a little blue lately, but mostly fine.
I just haven't had much time or energy to blog. Too much time spent at work, where blogging is verboten.
I will try to start up again SOON. Promise.
In the meantime, how blue am I? Well, apparently,
| You Are Sky Blue |
 And while you strive to have an ideal life, you are pretty mellow about it. You know your time will come. |
Not entirely inaccurate...
I'll be back soon.
Peace out, all!
14 January 2008
almost forgot...
My fabulous friend and colleague, A, texted me Saturday to let me know that the Coretta Scott King committee is adding a new award: The Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement. This will be awarded to an author, illustrator, and/or a librarian! I have no details, just a brief text message received. If anyone else has more details, please fill me in. A tells me this is to be awarded beginning in 2009.
corrections
I have to leave for work, but throughout the day, I will clean up the award info, add links, (maybe) give opinions, etc.
I'mma have a lot to think about on the ride in!
updated at noon, 1/14/08: As far as I know, all of the information and links below are now correct. Thanks for your patience. My top priority was just getting the news up ASAP!
I'mma have a lot to think about on the ride in!
updated at noon, 1/14/08: As far as I know, all of the information and links below are now correct. Thanks for your patience. My top priority was just getting the news up ASAP!
John Newbery Medal
Winner:
Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village by Laura Amy Schlitz
Honors:
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson
Winner:
Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village by Laura Amy Schlitz
Honors:
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson
Randolph Caldecott Medal
Winner:
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Honors:
Henry's Freedom Box illustrated by Kadir Nelson and written by Ellen Levine
First, the Egg by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
The Wall by Peter Sis
Knuffle Bunny, Too by Mo Willems
Winner:
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Honors:
Henry's Freedom Box illustrated by Kadir Nelson and written by Ellen Levine
First, the Egg by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
The Wall by Peter Sis
Knuffle Bunny, Too by Mo Willems
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award
Winner:
There is a Bird on Your Head by Mo Willems
Honors:
First, the Egg by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Hello, Bumblebee Bat by Darrin Lunde and illustrated by Patricia J. Wynne
Jazz Baby written by Lisa Wheeler and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
Vulture View by April Pulley Sayre and illustrated by Steve Jenkins
There is a Bird on Your Head by Mo Willems
Honors:
First, the Egg by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Hello, Bumblebee Bat by Darrin Lunde and illustrated by Patricia J. Wynne
Jazz Baby written by Lisa Wheeler and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
Vulture View by April Pulley Sayre and illustrated by Steve Jenkins
Andrew Carnegie Medal
Winner:
Jump In! Freestyle Edition produced by Kevin Lafferty along with executive producer John Davis, and co-producers, Amy Palmer Robertson and Danielle Sterling
Jump In! Freestyle Edition produced by Kevin Lafferty along with executive producer John Davis, and co-producers, Amy Palmer Robertson and Danielle Sterling
Pure Belpre Author Award
Winner:
The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Sean Qualls
Honors:
Frida: ¡Viva la vida! Long Live Life! by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach retold by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Michael Austin
Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marissa Montes, illustrated by Yuyi Morales
The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Sean Qualls
Honors:
Frida: ¡Viva la vida! Long Live Life! by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach retold by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Michael Austin
Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marissa Montes, illustrated by Yuyi Morales
Pura Belpre Award for Illustration
Los Gatos Black on Halloween illustrated by Yuyi Morales and written by Marisa Montes
Honors:
My Name Is Gabito: The Life of Gabriel García Márquez/Me llamo gabito: La vida de Gabriel García Márquez illustrated by Raúl Colón and written by Monica Brown
My Colors, My World/Mis colores, mi mundo written and illustrated by Maya Christina Gonzalez
Los Gatos Black on Halloween illustrated by Yuyi Morales and written by Marisa Montes
Honors:
My Name Is Gabito: The Life of Gabriel García Márquez/Me llamo gabito: La vida de Gabriel García Márquez illustrated by Raúl Colón and written by Monica Brown
My Colors, My World/Mis colores, mi mundo written and illustrated by Maya Christina Gonzalez
Robert F. Sibert Medal
Winner:
The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain written and illustrated by Peter Sís
Honors:
Nic Bishop Spiders by Nic Bishop
Lightship written and illustrated by Brian Floca
The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain written and illustrated by Peter Sís
Honors:
Nic Bishop Spiders by Nic Bishop
Lightship written and illustrated by Brian Floca
Mildred L. Batchelder Award
Winner:
VIZ Media for Brave Story by Miyuki Miyabe, translated by Alexander O. Smith
Honors:
Milkweed Editions for The Cat or, How I Lost Eternity by Jutta Richter, translated by Anna Brailovsky
Phaidon Press for Nicholas and the Gang by Rene Goscinny, translated by Anthea Bell
VIZ Media for Brave Story by Miyuki Miyabe, translated by Alexander O. Smith
Honors:
Milkweed Editions for The Cat or, How I Lost Eternity by Jutta Richter, translated by Anna Brailovsky
Phaidon Press for Nicholas and the Gang by Rene Goscinny, translated by Anthea Bell
Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production
Winner:
Live Oak Media for Jazz
Honors:
Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary 'Jacky' Faber, Ship's Boy, produced by Listen & Live Audio
Dooby Dooby Moo, produced by Scholastic/Weston Woods
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, produced by Listening Library
Skulduggery Pleasant, produced by HarperChildren's Audio
Treasure Island, produced by Listening Library
Live Oak Media for Jazz
Honors:
Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary 'Jacky' Faber, Ship's Boy, produced by Listen & Live Audio
Dooby Dooby Moo, produced by Scholastic/Weston Woods
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, produced by Listening Library
Skulduggery Pleasant, produced by HarperChildren's Audio
Treasure Island, produced by Listening Library
Michael L. Printz Award
Winner:
The White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughrean
Honors:
Dreamquake by Elizabeth Knox
One Whole and Perfect Day by Judith Clarke
Repossessed by A.M. Jenkins
Your Own, Sylvia: A Verse Portrait of Sylvia Plath by Stephanie Hemphill
The White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughrean
Honors:
Dreamquake by Elizabeth Knox
One Whole and Perfect Day by Judith Clarke
Repossessed by A.M. Jenkins
Your Own, Sylvia: A Verse Portrait of Sylvia Plath by Stephanie Hemphill
Coretta Scott King Illustrator Awards
Winner:
Let it Shine written and illustrated by Ashley Bryan
Honors:
The Secret Olivia Told Me illustrated by Nancy Devard and written by N. Joy
Jazz on a Saturday Night written and illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon
Let it Shine written and illustrated by Ashley Bryan Honors:
The Secret Olivia Told Me illustrated by Nancy Devard and written by N. Joy
Jazz on a Saturday Night written and illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon
Coretta Scott King Author Awards
Winner:
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
Honors:
November Blues by Sharon Draper
Twelve Rounds to Glory by Charles R. Smith, Jr.
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
Honors:
November Blues by Sharon Draper
Twelve Rounds to Glory by Charles R. Smith, Jr.
Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award
Brendan Buckley's Universe and Everything in It by Sundee T. Frazier
Schneider Family Book Awards
Best Children's Book
Kami and the Yaks written by Andrea Stenn Stryer and illustrated by Bert Dodson
Best Middle School Book
Reaching for Sun by Tracy Vaughn Zimmer
Best Teen Book
Hurt Go Happy by Ginny Rorby
Kami and the Yaks written by Andrea Stenn Stryer and illustrated by Bert Dodson
Best Middle School Book
Reaching for Sun by Tracy Vaughn Zimmer
Best Teen Book
Hurt Go Happy by Ginny Rorby
Alex Awards
American Shaolin: Flying Kicks, Buddhist Monks, and the Legend of Iron Crotch: An Odyssey in the New China by Matthew Polly
Bad Monkeys by Matt Ruff
Essex County Volume 1: Tales from the Farm by Jeff Lemire
Genghis: Birth of an Empire by Conn Iggulden
The God of Animals by Aryn Kyle
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah
Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
The Night Birds by Thomas Maltman
The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz
Bad Monkeys by Matt Ruff
Essex County Volume 1: Tales from the Farm by Jeff Lemire
Genghis: Birth of an Empire by Conn Iggulden
The God of Animals by Aryn Kyle
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah
Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
The Night Birds by Thomas Maltman
The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz
ALA Book Awards
I am *really* hoping our Monday Morning staff meeting doesn't overlap with this most exciting day in the children's lit year -- annoouncement of the ALA Children's Book Awards.
Awards to be announced today are:
Alex Awards for the best adult books that appeal to teen audience
Andrew Carnegie Medal for excellence in children's video
Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children
Coretta Scott King Award recognizing an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults that demonstrate sensitivity to "the true worth and value of all beings"
Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults
May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture Award recognizing an author, critic, librarian, historian, or teacher of children's literature, who then presents a lecture at a winning host site
Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults
Mildred L. Batchelder Award for an outstanding children's book translated from a foreign language and subsequently published in the United States
Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature
Odyssey Award for audiobook excellence
Pura Belpre Award for a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work "best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth"
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award for most distinguished informational book for children
Schneider Family Book Award for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for the outstanding book for beginning reader
I'm going to try to get in on the webcast and post the winners as announced. Later, I will add links and pictures to those entries.
Predictions? I am almost always wrong. BUT. I think Elijah of Buxton is Newbery-bound and I would love to see the innovative artwork in 17 Things I'm Not Allowed to Do Anymore acknowledged.
Awards to be announced today are:
Alex Awards for the best adult books that appeal to teen audience
Andrew Carnegie Medal for excellence in children's video
Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children
Coretta Scott King Award recognizing an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults that demonstrate sensitivity to "the true worth and value of all beings"
Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults
May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture Award recognizing an author, critic, librarian, historian, or teacher of children's literature, who then presents a lecture at a winning host site
Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults
Mildred L. Batchelder Award for an outstanding children's book translated from a foreign language and subsequently published in the United States
Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature
Odyssey Award for audiobook excellence
Pura Belpre Award for a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work "best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth"
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award for most distinguished informational book for children
Schneider Family Book Award for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for the outstanding book for beginning reader
I'm going to try to get in on the webcast and post the winners as announced. Later, I will add links and pictures to those entries.
Predictions? I am almost always wrong. BUT. I think Elijah of Buxton is Newbery-bound and I would love to see the innovative artwork in 17 Things I'm Not Allowed to Do Anymore acknowledged.
13 December 2007
sad news
This announcement was on Paul Kidby's website:
Folks,
I would have liked to keep this one quiet for a little while, but because of upcoming conventions and of course the need to keep my publishers informed, it seems to me unfair to withhold the news. I have been diagnosed with a very rare form of early onset Alzheimer's, which lay behind this year's phantom "stroke".
We are taking it fairly philosophically down here and possibly with a mild optimism. For now work is continuing on the completion of Nation and the basic notes are already being laid down for Unseen Academicals. All other things being equal, I expect to meet most current and, as far as possible, future commitments but will discuss things with the various organisers. Frankly, I would prefer it if people kept things cheerful, because I think there's time for at least a few more books yet :o)
Terry Pratchett
PS I would just like to draw attention to everyone reading the above that this should be interpreted as 'I am not dead'. I will, of course, be dead at some future point, as will everybody else. For me, this maybe further off than you think - it's too soon to tell. I know it's a very human thing to say "Is there anything I can do", but in this case I would only entertain offers from very high-end experts in brain chemistry.
Folks,
I would have liked to keep this one quiet for a little while, but because of upcoming conventions and of course the need to keep my publishers informed, it seems to me unfair to withhold the news. I have been diagnosed with a very rare form of early onset Alzheimer's, which lay behind this year's phantom "stroke".
We are taking it fairly philosophically down here and possibly with a mild optimism. For now work is continuing on the completion of Nation and the basic notes are already being laid down for Unseen Academicals. All other things being equal, I expect to meet most current and, as far as possible, future commitments but will discuss things with the various organisers. Frankly, I would prefer it if people kept things cheerful, because I think there's time for at least a few more books yet :o)
Terry Pratchett
PS I would just like to draw attention to everyone reading the above that this should be interpreted as 'I am not dead'. I will, of course, be dead at some future point, as will everybody else. For me, this maybe further off than you think - it's too soon to tell. I know it's a very human thing to say "Is there anything I can do", but in this case I would only entertain offers from very high-end experts in brain chemistry.
10 December 2007
How does one type a squeal of anticipation?
Okay, so Science Boy and I went to see The Golden Compass on Friday night. More on that later, if I can wrangle the time.
BUT... They showed, like, 57 commercials and previews before the film. Finally I leaned over and whispered to SB, "Y'know, I want to see a preview of Inkheart so badly and this would be the perfect film to them to show it before!"
No sooner had the words left my mouth, then...
I must have given a little yelp of excitement, because SB told me to settle down and I noticed a glare or two from our neighbors. But I don't care! Finally, a peek!
It looks good. Dustfinger, in particular, looks perfect to me and it seems there may be just a touch of humor, which is often a good thing. No release date given, just "Coming Soon."
If you want to see a preview of Inkheart, click here.
And, even better: Inkdeath will be coming in the Spring. Calloo, Callay!
BUT... They showed, like, 57 commercials and previews before the film. Finally I leaned over and whispered to SB, "Y'know, I want to see a preview of Inkheart so badly and this would be the perfect film to them to show it before!"
No sooner had the words left my mouth, then...
I must have given a little yelp of excitement, because SB told me to settle down and I noticed a glare or two from our neighbors. But I don't care! Finally, a peek!
It looks good. Dustfinger, in particular, looks perfect to me and it seems there may be just a touch of humor, which is often a good thing. No release date given, just "Coming Soon."
If you want to see a preview of Inkheart, click here.
And, even better: Inkdeath will be coming in the Spring. Calloo, Callay!
30 November 2007
lovely
I was just finishing The Aurora County All-Stars, Deborah Wiles excellent new book, and was struck by the beauty of this statement:
"It is hard to see inside someone's heart unless you have an invitation, and, even then, you must agree to come inside."
"It is hard to see inside someone's heart unless you have an invitation, and, even then, you must agree to come inside."
quotes o' the day
Wisdom from a couple of baseball legends:
"Life is not a spectator sport. If you're going to spend your whole life in the grandstand, just watching what goes on, in my opinion, you're wasting your life." (Jackie Robinson)
"Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on earth." (Roberto Clemente)
"Life is not a spectator sport. If you're going to spend your whole life in the grandstand, just watching what goes on, in my opinion, you're wasting your life." (Jackie Robinson)
"Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on earth." (Roberto Clemente)
10 November 2007
So Sad
Norman Mailer died today. He was 84 years old.
I am on my way out of the house and will re-write this post later, but just wanted to share the sad news that yet another literary light has dimmed. There's an article in the Chicago Tribune.
LATER: Okay, I am back and find I don't have much to add that hasn't been written, better than I could, by others. Among the many articles appearing online, The New York Times has a really good obit.
In 2000, we held an auction of card catalog cards at the library I worked for at the time. I wrote personal thank you notes after the auction to all of the children's authors who had contributed, as well as to my favorites among those who wrote primarily for adults. One of the people who wrote back was Norman Mailer, to whom I had written about my especial affection for The Gospel According to the Son. This morning, I dug through my "treasure chest" of letters and artwork from various authors and found his letter:
I feel very, very lucky to have this treasure.
One quote keeps running through my mind this day. It was not written about Mailer, but it may as well have been. It is from Shakespeare's Hamlet:
He was a man, take him for all in all,
I shall not look upon his like again.
Norman Mailer died today. He was 84 years old.I am on my way out of the house and will re-write this post later, but just wanted to share the sad news that yet another literary light has dimmed. There's an article in the Chicago Tribune.
LATER: Okay, I am back and find I don't have much to add that hasn't been written, better than I could, by others. Among the many articles appearing online, The New York Times has a really good obit.
In 2000, we held an auction of card catalog cards at the library I worked for at the time. I wrote personal thank you notes after the auction to all of the children's authors who had contributed, as well as to my favorites among those who wrote primarily for adults. One of the people who wrote back was Norman Mailer, to whom I had written about my especial affection for The Gospel According to the Son. This morning, I dug through my "treasure chest" of letters and artwork from various authors and found his letter:
I feel very, very lucky to have this treasure.
One quote keeps running through my mind this day. It was not written about Mailer, but it may as well have been. It is from Shakespeare's Hamlet:
He was a man, take him for all in all,
I shall not look upon his like again.
26 October 2007
Help Kelvyn Park win BIG!
Hi! One Chicago Park District Park has the chance to win $25,000 for park improvements. There are 14 parks competing for this prize. To vote, please go to http://www.staplesdreampark.com/.
I have worked with several of the parks competing for this awesome opportunity and I would ask that, unless you already have a strong preference for a particular park, you consider voting for KELVYN PARK. The staff at Kelvyn is very responsible and dedicated and makes sure children and their parents are actively engaged in programs. They have been a joy to work with and would no doubt do great things for their community if awarded this prize .
I have worked with several of the parks competing for this awesome opportunity and I would ask that, unless you already have a strong preference for a particular park, you consider voting for KELVYN PARK. The staff at Kelvyn is very responsible and dedicated and makes sure children and their parents are actively engaged in programs. They have been a joy to work with and would no doubt do great things for their community if awarded this prize .
23 October 2007
More Payton Raine
Science Boy and I went to meet Payton Raine last night. She is super tiny and *way* cute!
22 October 2007
In loving Memory: Susan K. Roberts
In 2003, I applied for a job as the Director of Youth Services at the Grande Prairie Public library. In many ways, it was a dream job. This was my library as a little girl! I remember when they were building it, how excited we were. I remember working on a giant latch hook rug in the children's room and looking for books with my friend, Sonal.
On October 6, 2003 Susan K. Roberts, the Library Director, called to offer me the job. I was thrilled and accepted immediately.
For the next two years, I was very happy there. (I left after Science Boy and I moved to the City and I found work closer to our new home.) The staff of that library was amazing. (And one of those staff members became my beloved Science Boy!) The camaraderie and love shared there was extended to patrons. The circulation department at the library remains the best I have encountered anywhere in the world. All of that was nutured under Susan's leadership.
Susan was a wonderful Director, especially in the way she was always looking forward to what possibilities might be explored. She always supported any new ideas I (or anyone else) wanted to try out, whether that meant remaining open for 24-hours on the first anniversary of 9-11, staying open to register voters until midnight on the last day to regster before the 2004 Presidential elections, or writing a huge, mulit-library grant for a Library-Palooza! celebration. (We didn't get that grant, but Susan still went ahead a few years later and put on her own Library-Palooza program.)
Susan was also a whiz at writing grants and seeking out new opportunities for library support and funding. She truly loved the communities we served and did her best to provide the very best for them.
Personally, Susan could be a lot of fun. She loved her staff, her family, her pets. She had a grea capacity for empathy and listened when you spoke. She had an opinion on everything. She told great stories and argued passionaltely against Bush and the war. (She may be the only person I knew who hated him more than I do and we spent a lot of time agreeing on why he sucks.)
Susan died this morning after a short battle with lung cancer. She was only 60 years old. She had only recently decided to leave Grande Prairie after many, many years as the Director after being offered a poition in a library that would offer new challenges.
Susan touched the lives of all who knew her. We shall all be a bit poorer for her passing.
Edited to add: The Library will be closed on Sunday in memory of Susan.
On October 6, 2003 Susan K. Roberts, the Library Director, called to offer me the job. I was thrilled and accepted immediately.
For the next two years, I was very happy there. (I left after Science Boy and I moved to the City and I found work closer to our new home.) The staff of that library was amazing. (And one of those staff members became my beloved Science Boy!) The camaraderie and love shared there was extended to patrons. The circulation department at the library remains the best I have encountered anywhere in the world. All of that was nutured under Susan's leadership.
Susan was a wonderful Director, especially in the way she was always looking forward to what possibilities might be explored. She always supported any new ideas I (or anyone else) wanted to try out, whether that meant remaining open for 24-hours on the first anniversary of 9-11, staying open to register voters until midnight on the last day to regster before the 2004 Presidential elections, or writing a huge, mulit-library grant for a Library-Palooza! celebration. (We didn't get that grant, but Susan still went ahead a few years later and put on her own Library-Palooza program.)
Susan was also a whiz at writing grants and seeking out new opportunities for library support and funding. She truly loved the communities we served and did her best to provide the very best for them.
Personally, Susan could be a lot of fun. She loved her staff, her family, her pets. She had a grea capacity for empathy and listened when you spoke. She had an opinion on everything. She told great stories and argued passionaltely against Bush and the war. (She may be the only person I knew who hated him more than I do and we spent a lot of time agreeing on why he sucks.)
Susan died this morning after a short battle with lung cancer. She was only 60 years old. She had only recently decided to leave Grande Prairie after many, many years as the Director after being offered a poition in a library that would offer new challenges.
Susan touched the lives of all who knew her. We shall all be a bit poorer for her passing.
Edited to add: The Library will be closed on Sunday in memory of Susan.
It's a girl!
It's a girl!
My brother, Will, and his wife, Darcie, welcomed Miss Payton Raine Kalweit to the family last night at 6:05 p.m. I told my brother, Jim, that the Bears would win and that Payton would be born during a spectacular, last-second, game-winning touchdown...
Did I call that or what?
Payton weighed in at 6 pounds, 15 ounces and is 19.75" long. Her big brother, Anthony, is enchanted by her. I am looking forward to heading to Munster Community Hospital tonight to meet the child and to assure her that I will *not* let her Uncle Jim call her Moose (after Muhsin Muhammad, who caught the TD). Yay!
Our beloved Grandpa Kalweit died 19 years ago yesterday. Having Payton join us on the same date gives us something to celebrate on October 21st! Huzzah!
(And, Bonus: Jim is probably coming to town next week. It's nice to have good stuff goin' on!)
This is Payton less than an hour after she arrived:
My brother, Will, and his wife, Darcie, welcomed Miss Payton Raine Kalweit to the family last night at 6:05 p.m. I told my brother, Jim, that the Bears would win and that Payton would be born during a spectacular, last-second, game-winning touchdown...
Did I call that or what?
Payton weighed in at 6 pounds, 15 ounces and is 19.75" long. Her big brother, Anthony, is enchanted by her. I am looking forward to heading to Munster Community Hospital tonight to meet the child and to assure her that I will *not* let her Uncle Jim call her Moose (after Muhsin Muhammad, who caught the TD). Yay!
Our beloved Grandpa Kalweit died 19 years ago yesterday. Having Payton join us on the same date gives us something to celebrate on October 21st! Huzzah!
(And, Bonus: Jim is probably coming to town next week. It's nice to have good stuff goin' on!)
This is Payton less than an hour after she arrived:
