Sunday, March 15, 2009

My Return to Polite Society

Today I met up with some gal pals to attend a reading/signing by author Jodi Picoult. We had a fabulous time talking, eating lunch, and then foisting books on each other. My friend Trish brought her niece Jessica. Pictured above is Jessica meeting Jodi Picoult. It was great because Jessica was so excited to meet her as she loves her books. It was really great to meet a teenager who is so into reading and is such a lovely young lady. She also has her own pet sitting business! This girl is going places I tell ya!
I am currently reading Jodi's new book and it is very good.
Another exciting part of the day was meeting and hanging out with fellow blogger Patti! Her blog is Creative Cottage Dreamer. Patti and I have emailed and I think we have tons in common. It was so very nice of her to join us for lunch and the book signing. I loved meeting her and I hope that we see more of each other. We both like to stamp, read and cross-stitch; so it is not like we don't have lots to talk about! (Pictured above me, Jessica and Patti).

My dear friend Sharon joined us too which was so wonderful. Sharon and I met up early so that we could arm bands for everyone to have their book signed. Also, not pictured are my friend Joyce, her daughter Hannah (another young lady who loves to read!), and her sister. There is nothing like being in the company of like-minded people to really inspire you. I just feel so happy to have spent time with all of these wonderful gals.
Here are Trish and Jessica still basking in the Jodi glow! We are all going to try to get together in May for a reading that Elizabeth Berg is doing.

On the health front, my Mom is still in the hospital. It has been 6 weeks. The light at the end of the tunnel can be seen though. Her surgery is scheduled for this coming Tuesday afternoon. My brother and I will both be there with her. This surgery should take care of things and then she should be on the mend and ready to go home soon. Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, cards and flowers. It has really helped us to get through this time. I am hoping to get back to a regular blog schedule. I have missed being part of things.

8 comments:

beth said...

WOW....it's so good to see you out and about and to see trish {hugs to you sweetie if you're reading this}...and then of course to see patti up close and personal, who has become a blogging friend of mine, too !!!
WHAT a GREAT DAY you all had and how I wish I'd been there...did you hear that whine in my voice ?

I think we might be in chicago next week at the borders in oak brook for a book signing...and of course I'd try to meet up with you if it looks like it'll work !!

and e.berg is going to be here in may....yippee !!!

so many books and authors...so little time !!

Diane Duda said...

so glad that you're back and that things are looking up with your mom.
i'm sure you can't wait to get her home.
xo
Di

Patti said...

Hi Laura! What a great time!!! You and your friends were so welcoming and it was such fun! I tried so hard to NOT read the book until spring break next week but I could not help myself and I got started reading it and could not stop. What an excellent book!
Thanks again for including me in your day!

Relyn Lawson said...

Oh, I am so excited that you got to enjoy this wonderful day. I know you needed some down time and a bit of fun. I am still thinking of you and of your Mom. Also, I am feelign very jealous that you can just pop over to the Chicago Institute of Art. I wish. I dream. I plan. Maybe some day we can go together. Wouldn't that be lovely.

Kellie said...

I was so glad to see that your blog pop up on my google reader today. Hope your mother's surgery goes well and she is home soon.

I am a huge Jodi Piccoult fan.:) How neat that you got to meet her. I am anxiously awaiting the phone call from the public library telling me that her newest book is on the reserve shelf for me. :)

Glad to see you back blogging. :)

Babsarella said...

WOW, Laura it sounds like a fun fun day. I just started reading Jodi's books. First was Plain Truth, and then I just finished My Sister's Keeper. I really enjoyed them. My daughter is a reader too, although she hasn't read any of Jodi's books yet. Glad to hear that you are feeling better about your Mom. Hugs and prayers to you and your family.

Barb said...

I meant to comment the other day but I didn't...probably too tired to think.

That is so neat that you got to go to a Jodi Picoult book signing. I just bought one of hers for my daughter and will probably read it after my current reads are done.

Glad to hear your mom is on the mend. I was thinking about you and noticed you were absent from blogging. 6 weeks is a long time to be in the hospital!

Nan said...

And I've missed you! Did your mom have to get six weeks better before they could operate? Hope it all goes well, and that she can come home and be well soon.
Laura, I think you are one of those rare persons who have a gift for friendship.
I'm not a JP fan but Tom says his junior high students, well girls, are huge fans.