And so am I!
So I was flying from Denver to St. Louis (no direct flights from Albuquerque anymore) and tapping assiduously away at my netbook. The pleasant if somewhat nervous young woman sitting next to me finally asked, “Are you writing a book?”
And I had the supreme pleasure of being able to answer, “Yes, as a matter of fact, I am.”
When we landed and pulled up at the terminal, she asked, “Did you finish your book?”
And I got to say, “Yes.”
Of such small pleasures are a writer’s satisfaction made.
Stayed the last couple days with my dear friends Mike and Karla Weaver. Although I literally didn’t see Karla until this afternoon, briefly. She’s got a virulent stomach flu, which rendered her … not really eager for company. Also, as she explained, she didn’t want to infect me, and through me, Archon. Thoughtful of her. Much as I’ve missed her company, I definitely enjoy hanging with Mike. Which among other pleasures entails frozen custard at Ted Drewes, cruising, conversation, and breakfast at St. Louis institution Uncle Bill’s. Outstanding!
Former Archon co-chair John Novak, whom I’ve been pals with since my first Archon almost 30 (!) years ago, gave me a lift over. Had a bit of annoyance checking in. The hotels have apparently decided our money’s not good enough for them after all these years, and determined, successfully, to drive Archon off. Among their other moves have been banning room parties.
So when I checked in I was presented with a notice to sign whereby I was informed of the no room-party policy, plus told that when returning to the hotel I must go to my room and not bother other patrons.
I found this offensive and indeed obscene, When the young man who checked me in (who was himself perfectly polite and helpful) asked if I wanted to leave my email address so I could be sent a survey, I reflexively said no.
Then I thought for a moment. “Yes,” I said with my best crocodile smile. “Send me that puppy.”
Candidly, I was afraid that management, or ownership, would encourage staff to be brusque with us to encourage us on our way. But so far all the staff I’ve encountered has been conspicuously friendly and cheerful. Hope that continues, and good for them.
That aside I’m happy. Checked in, got my badge and schedule and program book Walked through a spattering of rain and had dinner at Ponderosa. Came back and hung out a while around registration saying hi to sundry friends and acquaintances, including our abidingly gorgeous Masquerade Mistress Sheila Lenkman, her husband Scott Corwin who’s co-boss of the operation, and their two small, vigorous sons.
Now I’m ensconced on the bed in my room, which is quite comfortable, with college football on ESPN while I type this and prepare to rewrite some more chapters before sleep. Which I suspect is going to overtake me before too long.
Prospects are good for starting Archon with a full night’s sleep: bonus. I’ll toss up my schedule tomorrow. I have a terrible feeling I’m supposed to do a reading at 1:30 in the afternoon, when it’s hard to imagine the con will even have started. If that’s correct attendance bids fair to fall well short of my four or so at Bubonicon (which low attendance our indefatigable co-chair Craig Chrissinger brought up at our last ASFS meeting.
So – time to get back to the rewriting. Then some taijiquan – do I have the energy to go downstairs and do it on the grass? Then sleep.
It’s going to be a good time. If you’re here, I hope to see you. If you’re not, I’ll miss you and you’ll miss the con, which is a shame.
Whatever you do, enjoy it. Really.
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