There's a 1001 Photographs I Could Post to Capture the Past Four Days, But This One Brings Me the Most Joy, Because Most are Already on My Wall of Love

I can't believe it's Sunday already and that I'll be heading back on Amtrak on after 1 pm today. I have two more presentations this morning, and then pack up and go. What a joy to randomly walk into Matt de la Peńa - didn't even know he was hereditary (that was a blessing). Also, first people King and I run into this morning are Gholdy and Yolie. That love fest went on for quite a while, including the introduction of Dr. Tyana Velazquez-Smith who, as humor would have it, has been friend for years because the Syracuse-Rochester network have put us in touch on social media. It was hilarious when we discovered the name to the face and the random moments of bliss we shared before yesterday's festivities began. It truly was magical. 

All the session went well, but Tunga was locked out of the house when he arrived form Iowa, Pam came to the rescue, and my father had to be admitted to the hospital again. I also learned Jason is now in hospice. It's a lot of news to take in while being away, but that is the nature of the beast that is life.

It remains crazy to be that Yolanda, Gholdy, and I all came out of the academic gates about the same time and found ourselves in the careers we have. Those two are inspiration times a million, as is CWP's own Mr. King. It's always beautiful to be surrounded by the best of the best.

I need to head back to the convention center to steady the last two performances before rounding up the troops and heading home. Two nights in a row I lucked out by eating at Tuscan Kitchen. When an Italian restaurant gets it right it is all worthwhile. 

I'm very thankful to Penguin Random House inviting me to dinner and for celebrating the middle school writers. The stack of new books I carried home is remarkable. 

Okay, prayers up for a better day today for the family in upstate NY. I'm looking forward to seeing the kid and taking him out for his birthday. It's his last year of the 20s. Phew. That flew by quickly.