Yesterday was three interviews, six or seven stock signings (they started to blur together at the end) and an evening event where people from all different phases of my life showed up.
But I’d really rather talk about the election.
I voted for Barack Obama by absentee ballot before I left on this tour. It was my proudest moment as an American. I figured that my job was done at that point. Most people I’ve met on tour have been supporting Obama, except for a guy who worked for the McCain campaign I ran into in an elevator, who made the mistake of remarking that I must be pleased about McCain’s choice of Palin as his running mate because I am a woman.
That was a fun conversation.
I figured that after yesterday’s hectic schedule, I’d sleep like a rock. I did not factor in how much I am worried about America. I woke up about every half hour, praying for Obama’s victory, for his health and safety and that of his family, and for the future of our country. I don’t think I have ever prayed in my sleep before.
Back to the Tour Updates….
Barb Landridge interviewed me for the Howard County Library system. The piece will air in February and will be available for purchase by teachers. Once I have the details, I’ll pass them on.
My other interviews were on the phone for radio stations. Not much of a visual in that.
The stock signing at an independent bookstore in Baltimore didn’t work for reasons I still don’t understand, so my Author Nanny, Tim, drove me around MD, DC, and VA signing stock at various Barnes & Noble stores. This is the one in the old power plant at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
It is a very cool-looking store.
With a funky fish outside.
As we drove from store to store, I kept thinking, “I’m in DC! I’m at the heart of our government!” But really, I was in the passenger seat of a car, and Nanny Tim and I discussed if we could trust the voice of his GPS. She spoke in a British accent. Very fishy.
Jama Rattigan came out to my evening appearance, she of the celebration soup.
So did Dorcas Dominico, who went to high school with me (and asked me not to post her photo), and this old friend, Judy, whose kids I babysat when I went to Georgetown.
Last but not least, the booksellers. This is Erin and Ramunda, who coordinated my event. The booksellers I met all day were fabulous.
TODAY’S EVENT: Not really an event, but you can catch me at my stock signing around 12:30 pm at Politics & Prose, Wash. DC, 202-364-1919
TOMORROW’S EVENT: Tomorrow is a school-visit day, but I’ll sign stock at BookEnds, in Ridgewood, NJ, 201-445-0726
I VOTED!
So wonderful (and surreal) seeing you last night!! I know what you mean about praying for Obama in your sleep. Safe travels for the rest of your tour.
i had the same problem, sleeping… i am going to be anxious until the results are in, i’m afraid…
I voted bright and early, and was #81! People are getting out to vote … let’s hope Americans make the right decision this time.
As an 18 year old voting in my first major election, I just wanted to say how happy it makes me seeing my favorite authors supporting Obama and encouraging participation in this race. It means a lot to me 🙂
Thank you for voting, and for supporting Senator Obama!
How cool to be in DC on the eve of Election Day.
Yes. I voted. But I remember the words of a woman who left Vienna in 1938, arriving in New York City on Kristallnacht, a woman who lost her sister and many other relatives in the Holocaust. She voted for the first time in 1948. Asked by her socialist son-in-law who she had voted for, she said, “I learned in evening school that in this country there is privacy of the polls.” Even if I think someone might agree with my choice, I’m standing with Olga Fischer.
“It was my proudest moment as an American.”
Me, too.
I linked to your blog today (hope that’s okay!) in my collection of photos and stories about people voting.
Voting
I’ve always felt it’s important to vote, even in our local elections, but I have to admit, I was more moved than usual today. I’m excited, and anxious, and every time I think about who is on the ballot and I see the lines stretching out the doors of polling places I am very, very proud.
Voting
I’ve always felt it’s important to vote, even in our local elections, but I have to admit, I was more moved than usual today. I’m excited, and anxious, and every time I think about who is on the ballot and I see the lines stretching out the doors of polling places I am very, very proud.
-Kelsey
http://mdwestmom.blogspot.com
I must be pleased about McCain’s choice of Palin as his running mate because I am a woman.
That was a fun conversation.
hah. I’ll bet.
I must be pleased about McCain’s choice of Palin as his running mate because I am a woman.
Really? REALLY? He said that? Really? I, just, I, um, I don’t know what to say.
But I TOTALLY wish I knew what YOU said to him.
Pre 30 warm up
Are you having fun meeting (30 year older) kids? I think its great that they are coming out of the woodwork to see you.
The best part is I know exactly how they feel.
j
I kinda feel sorry for the guy in the elevator with you. Did you gut him?
Extremely proud to be an American today–it’s really the voter turn-out percentage that gets me choked up. That people are really caring enough to vote is great–no more voter apathy!
–Lettie
…remarking that I must be pleased about McCain’s choice of Palin as his running mate because I am a woman.
That was a fun conversation.
Hahaha, I bet it was.
I voted for our new President!!!