One thing at a time...

I'm actually so tired that I just typed 'One thong at a time' for my title, and then had to pause a moment to think about how just one letter made such a difference -- AND a better blog entry title. Perhaps another day...

Really, the title is a reference to my little over-commitment problem, but instead of harping, I think I'll just get down to it.

Friday the 13th turned out to be a pretty auspicious night this month, as we had our 'pass the baton' party for CWILL BC.


James McCann and I bid our respective positions as Prez and VP of CWILL good-bye, and we welcomed the new leadership in the form of Pam Withers and Crystal Stranaghan. A good time was had by all.





After the official event, a few of us hied off to a local establishment to finish off the evening in style. Lee Fodi, Kirsti Wakelin, Crystal Stranaghan, James McCann and self joined Kari-Lynn Winters (who took this shot) for some girding of the loins in preparation for Spring Book Hatching, 2008, which was to begin bright and early the following morning.








SBH 2008 took place on an uncharacteristically sunny Vancouver day, but the weather, somehow, didn't keep the crowds from out of the downtown branch of the Vancouver Public Library.








The place was packed, and as befit the setting, was filled with all kinds of wild and wonderful creatures,











including a crazed fairy in drag, (aka Dan Bar-El, author of SUCH A PRINCE).











With the SPCA in attendance as a sponsor, even the dogs wanted to come and be a part of the celebration. (Please note: This is a GOOD dog, who came to the event, behaved like an angel and was a total asset to the procedings. This public service announcement is intended as a break from all the usual BAD dog posts you'll find around this joint.)



And we didn't stop there for animal kingdom contributions -- we also had a couple of cute chicks on hand to help direct the crowds...












All in all it was a huge success, and a happy way for James and me to hand over the reins of CWILL to Pam and Crystal. That incredibly organized duo will spearhead the Fall Book Harvest sometime in September. As always, keep an eye on this space -- you'll read all about it here first.

Enough for tonight, I think, except to say...


Make sure to check out the latest SiWC blog post here -- a big shout-out to the dear and delightful Janet Reid, who said some mighty fine things in her blog this weekend.

Leap Day Happenings...

Spent the day wearing green frog legs as a testament to Leap Day, in a questionable attempt at communion with all the really tall frogs in the world. The greater part of the day passed at St. George's School, a private school for boys on the west side of Vancouver. The school is located in what was once a convent -- a heritage building of grey stone with gargoyles frolicking about the corners of the masonry.

Teacher Jody Unger was fantastic -- her boys asked GREAT questions and I was made to feel very welcome. Thanks, St. George's!

***

Congratulations to CWILL BC past-president Pam Withers, whose latest book, MOUNTAINBOARD MADNESS, launched on Leap Day. Pam held her launch at Christianne's Lyceum in Vancouver, and presented her new book to a packed house of delighted fans. You can learn all about Pam's amazing series by checking out her website: http://www.takeittotheextreme.com/

***

Meanwhile, back at the Vancouver Public Library, a huge crowd turned out to watch Bernice Lever and Ashok Bhargava be presented Lifetime Achievement Awards by the World Poetry Reading gang at their 7th Anniversary event. It was a stellar evening, and the place rocked to performances by Peruvian, Tibetan, Argentinian and Canadian musicians.

Bernice is a remarkable poet and teacher and has been a tremendous mentor to me. I was thrilled to be able to share this amazing evening with this wise woman.

~kc

Bright News for a Sunny Day

The sun is shining today in Vancouver, and that is reason enough for a lift in spirits. Let's ignore the latest stock market news and turn to something interesting, shall we?

Now that the new year is well underway, things are getting rolling for 2008 in the Lower Mainland writing community. A number of upcoming events are out there for the picking -- here's a sampling for you to think about today. Have a look to see which might strike your fancy...

The Vancouver Children's Literary Roundtable has a couple of exciting events coming up:

Authorfest on Wednesday, February 5th, 2008 will be a celebration of local writing talent in the form of four local writers who will discuss their craft.

Also, the Roundtable's annual Serendipity event this year celebrates First Nations writers and artists, and will take place at the First Nations Longhouse on Saturday, February 23.

Find out more information on both by checking out the VCLR's website at:
http://www.library.ubc.ca/edlib/table/events/events.htm




Also on the 22nd and 23rd, Northern Voice will take wing once more -- a very cool blogging and social media event at UBC for the fourth year in a row. It's taking place at UBC in the Forestry Centre. For more details, check out http://2008.northernvoice.ca/

An embarrassment of riches to help pass a dreary February in Vancouver for those who like to read, write AND blog. Take your pick.

In other news, I'd like to send out a big thank you to the Richmond Teacher Librarian Association for hosting writers James McCann, Pam Withers and myself at their meeting this month. It was great to get a chance to talk with this terrific group and spread the word about CWILL as an organization and the writers and illustrators who make their living in this province.

Special congratulations go out to Pam Withers, as her final novel of the 'Take it to the Extreme' series is hot off the press. MOUNTAINBOARD MANIACS is (remarkably!) prolific Pam's 13th novel, and as adrenaline-filled as all the rest. You can find out about all of Pam's books at http://www.takeittotheextreme.com/

Watched STARDUST this weekend with my girl, when she wasn't racking up new swim times at the Hyack Ice Breaker meet. LOVED this movie -- a sweet fairy tale with a stellar cast. It managed to have more than a little originality, and culminated in a happy ending that wasn't cloying. Very true to Neil Gaiman's story (in no small part due, I'm sure, to the fact he was one of the producers. SO satisfying to see a writer able to take on that role when his story moves to the screen...)

Highly recommended.

~kc