The M word

Here is a photo of what was on my bed when I checked into my hotel room at Disney.

Speaking of the hotel--and its staff--- a distinguished editor---who shall remain nameless---said to me: "If one more person tells me to have a magical day, I am going to puke on their shoes."

Thursday evening I had dinner with a couple from Germany, and they, having just arrived here and strolled around a bit, said, "It's all very, ah, fake, isn't it?"

And that is true. It is all very Mickey Mouse. Kids probably love it (but if they do, why are so many of them whining and crying and sulking in the lobby?)

But forgetting all of that, the NCTE convention is always fun, largely because you see people you like and meet new ones you like. This time, because we did some events together, I got to know and like Kirby Larson, whose name I keep mis-remembering as Kirby Perkins, the Boston newscaster); and to be with Pam Munoz Ryan, whom I've known and liked for years.  Many other old friends as well, and I'll be with more of them at dinner tonight.

Despite the MM head-on-a-bed that greeted me in my room, the room is very pleasant. However I would like it better if the telephone worked (it is dead as a doornail),and if the toilet flushed. (It does, but only if I fill the wasterbasket with water and dump the water into the toilet).  Maybe this room should have been named for Goofy instead of Mickey.

But the weather is great, the people are fun, and the enthusiasm for books is invigorating. Three cheers for NCTE.  For DIsney? Well, have a magical day, Mickey Mouse. But please don't follow me home.

Comments

[Kelleemoye]

Lois,
It was so nice meeting you today at your Anderson's bookstore signing this morning. You are a bigger inspiration than you could ever imagine.
-Kellee Moye

[Jenny Knappenberger]

I got to meet you briefly at the conference you signed "The Giver" and also "Gooney The Fabulous" ...I read "Gooney" on the plane ride home and just loved it. I teach art and I think I'm going to read this book to my kids and have them draw pictures inspired by different parts of it. I was a little disappointed because you didn't seem happy to be signing books. I know it may seem old news to you but It was the first time I had ever seen you/met you (not that I really got to meet you). Maybe mickey's magic was getting to you? Anyway, I still love your books and will probably look into the other "Gooney" books! She is a very colorful character!