Hello, kittens! Sorry for the delay in writing. I have lots of excuses, but let’s just go with: the trip to BEA was so fabulous it left my head spinning and I’ve only now gotten myself pulled together enough to write. That’s not far from the truth because to say it was marvelous is an understatement.
I have loads to share so am going to keep it simple today and talk about my favorite part of the show, the bloggers! I finally met so many wonderful women I’ve known for years online that it was like the best high school reunion ever. Or like four days spent at Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory without anyone behaving so atrociously they were taken away.
The only sad part is that while tons of photos were taken they were on other people’s cameras and since I’m selfie-aphobic I only have a few faces to share.
This first photo is bittersweet because it is only three of the five Socratic Salon members. Monika and Jennifer were not at BEA and were sorely missed but this is me with April (The Steadfast Reader) and Shannon (River City Reading). April was my roommate during the show, which worked out perfectly (and could have gone so wrong) and I’ve known Shannon since 2013 and adore her blog. She’s my inspiration as a creative blogger.
Yup, we’re three brunette, eyeglasses-wearing booksters.
The first night in Chicago Julie Merilatt (Julz Reads) arranged a happy hour at a local club that played live music allowing a group of us to chow down on greasy bar food and drink Long Island Iced Teas. I got to meet Kim (Sophisticated Dorkiness), Kristen (Terminal Bibliophilia), Marisa (The Daily Dosage), Rachel (editorial manager at Book of the Month), Julianne (Outlandish Lit), Katie (Words for Worms), Janani (The Shrinkette), Shaina (Shaina Reads) and Emily (Books, The Universe and Everything). And I got to see Kerry (Entomology of a Bookworm) again after three years. I met her at BEA in NYC- she’s the first blogger I ever met!
Beyond that night getting together with people after the show was difficult- everyone staying in different places, some people needing to commute home, and the very real problem of introverts wanting desperately to socialize but finding their brains have shut down and their throats are raw from having talked more in one day then they normally do in a month. Still, there were the fortuitous moments of ‘I’m starving’ ‘So am I’ ‘Let’s go’ that provided a quieter space to get to know people better. One of the best for me was lunch with Shannon, April and Marisa.
I know it looks that way, but I do not only hang out with brunettes. It just so happens, they’re more fun. Shannon, Marisa, April and me after finding food and avoiding passing out while waiting in an autograph signing line. (apparently this picture appears upside down in some browsers- I have no idea why so let’s just call it ‘arty’)
So exciting to see so many book bloggers come together! And putting faces to blogs! Thanks for sharing. (PS. I laughed-snorted when I read “introverts wanting desperately to socialize”)
All my favorite book bloggers together in one place? Man, I’ve got to go to BEA one of these years!
Such a great time and wish we could do it all over again. Maybe throw in a spa day, more dinners and drinks, some shopping, whathaveyou. You are so right, though, that now I can see your face and hear your voice when reading posts and it makes me smile like a dork every time.
I don’t know if that photo is intentionally upside down, but you should leave it that way because it seems artsy. It was wonderful to finally meet you lovely salonnières, but I must admit I would have liked to meet the entire set at once. SOMEDAY!
Upside down?! Which one? Yes, we are that funky but I just checked and don’t see an upside down photo.
It’s the second one of the four of you. It appears upside down to me, too. 🙂 (I just assumed it was intentional!)
Thanks- I have no idea what is going on- it looks normal in WP when I edit and in Safari. It’s going to have to stay upside down!
Oh so awesome! I am glad you had a great time and met so m any people. I am so jealous. I could’ve used such an amazing trip. Now one of my bookish goals for sure!
I’m so jealous! I keep saying that I’m going to go, one of these years; maybe next year?!! Thanks for sharing this, Catherine!
Awh – I love it! And so wish I could’ve been there! Would ya’ll have accepted a somewhat blonde without contact lenses?!
Perfect!! You can be our token blonde!
Awww hearing everyone’s stories and seeing pics of you all together makes me so happy! I’m glad you had a great time!
You have definitely motivated me to attend BEA! While I’m jealous, I’m glad everyone who attended was able to connect with the others! Fantastic!! One of my friends who happens to own our local indie bookstore attended and is allowing me to borrow and read some of her ARCs and free copies! So, that’s a plus for me, but obviously no real substitute for meeting everyone!
Fun…love the photos.
Wish I could have been there to meet everyone.
<3 <3 I already want to go back!
I am SO SO SO behind on blog posts and general life (when am I not), but it was SO lovely to meet you! Heart eyes forever.
Ditto! I just wish there was more quiet time to really get to talk to people. Waiting in line is not conducive to real conversation. I get the being behind- I’m still trying to get back into some kind of “normal” schedule.