Tag: Philly

When I was your age, television was called books.

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I am determined to get this blog entry written before the end of 2010, and so here goes.

Philadelphia was a wonderful whirlwind. The reading at Moonstone Arts Center (aka Robin’s Books) was a small but enthusiastic audience. It was also broadcast live, so my kids got a chance to see their mama on the computer, which was a thrill for them back at home in Chicago.

I am grateful to Kyle Cassidy and Trillian Stars for their support, hospitality, and efforts to spread the word about the reading.

Reading at Robin's. Photo by Kyle Cassidy.

A big thank you to the folks who came. I’m so happy to have met you, and I hope to see you again in Philly. My only regret is that I didn’t get a chance to have my cards read by the lovely Amy. Next time for sure!

I nearly didn’t make it home due to blustery weather in Chicago that caused my flight to be canceled. As luck (or quite possibly by invoking the magical flight mojo of the infamous Lorraine) would have it, I was the last stand by called to board the final flight to Chicago. Came home to sick kids and snowy weather.Ā  Ah the glamorous life. šŸ˜‰

Then school parties, holiday parties, family gatherings. All lovely and filled with people I love. We decorated Casa del Lobos, baked cookies, wrapped presents, unwrapped presents, sang, danced, watched holiday specials and read holiday books.

Now a week of winter break remains. We’re planning a movie marathon with the kids for New Year’s Eve that includes some of our favorite 1980s fantasy films: Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, NeverEnding Story, Princess Bride, Ladyhawke, Muppet Movie. We’ll see what else is added to the list.

Suggestions?

If you’re off to Philadelphia this morning

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I flew into Philadelphia last night and arrived at Trillianstar‘s and kylecassidy‘s lovely home. I had a few blissful hours of Trillian all to myself to sip tea and talk about life, love, friendship, art. Ah, if only I could bring her back with me in my pocket to Chicago (but I fear that the cats and Kyle would protest too much). Then Kyle came home from the video shoot with Amanda Palmer in New York, and we stayed up too late chatting and eating a delicious veggie meatloaf. So happy to see two of my favorite people!

We woke this morning and drove out to Jenkintown, PA to attend a Ukrainian Winter Bazaar, and it was fun to be able to share this glimpse into Ukrainian American life and culture with Trillian. We ate varenyky and potato pancakes, drank borshch, bought a few holiday treats, and I declared her to be an honorary Ukrainian.

I also met with Ihor Bilynksy, the secretary of the Ukrainian League of Philadelphia (ULoP). He was selling his raw, organic honey and beeswax candles (they smell amazing!) and offered to sell my books at his table. He was also kind enough to email news of my reading to his members. We discussed my coming back in the Spring to do a reading at the Club (So it looks like I’ll be back again relatively soon! Yay!)

After theĀ  bazaar, we came back home, and I joined Kyle for a snack with LaurenĀ  of Fairytale Vegas. I was still full from my hearty Ukrainian brunch, but I enjoyed the company. After Lauren dashed of to Dr. Sketchy’s, Kyle and I returned back here to a house full of actors rehearsing for Trillian’s Christmas show. This house oozes and echoes with creativity. I love it!

Now a bit of downtime to catch up and prepare for tonight’s reading. There will be tarot, wine, and cupcakes. No doubt it will be interesting.