I've been trying to recap BEA10 the best I could, at least pictorially (as few words can describe the experience), but these are the pictures I have left over. This picture is of my little brother's dog MJ (not for Michael Jackson). She is the terror dog that I mention sometimes on Twitter (we don't get along — see how she's always in my way).
My awesome badge!
The steps leading up to the Exhibit Hall (SO COOL).
When I wasn't at author events, BEA, or sleeping, I was most likely found with Sheila in Central Park either getting lost or reading. During my time in NYC, Central Park became a haven for this small town Midwesterner. Plus, I got a ton of reading done! Finished every book I had brought with me to read (two!).
I went to the Harper Collins Book Blogger Reception and met some fantastic people!
I met Pam — and stole this photo! This girl was a hoot, a complete hoot!
Amanda and I — from The Zen Leaf (I stole this picture too). We are new BFFs.
Alix and I — we decided we were sisters because we look so much alike (obviously).
And I finally mustered the courage to go up and formally introduce myself to Kristi and Cat. These girls are amazing (and funny!). I really enjoyed talking to them both.
The whole time I was showing off my battle wounds from BEA10. It doesn't look that bad right now — but boy did it hurt! Next time I will come better prepared!
After the reception and a quick supper, it was off to bed for me. I had to leave at 4am on Thursday to catch a flight home for a wedding (not MY wedding — my best friend forever's wedding). While in the ridiculously small elevator for the last time, I took a picture of this. I found it completely ironic that that they were advertising Jamestown, North Dakota in NYC. But maybe that's just me. I guess, now that I think about it, having lived in Minnesota and South Dakota my whole life — I didn't even know this "famous" buffalo existed! Road trip!
But New York wasn't done with me yet. I had asked the hotel to call me a taxi in advance, when I got out of said elevator I saw this:
I immediately panicked! I definitely could not afford this! It was like a mini-limo/government car! I stepped back saying, "I asked for a taxi." And the very polite, well dressed young man said, "Yes, this is for you." I double checked to make sure they weren't going to charge me more, and after deciding that this car actually was for me and no mistake had been made, I was on my way home!
BEA10 was a fantastic experience. I made so many new friends and connections, and yes, I also received a lot of books and SWAG. Maybe it's easier for me to say this now as my boxes of books are in transit, but I'd say the new friends I made were definitely the highlight of this vacation. Granted, I'll be the first to admit that NYC isn't the place for me, but I'll definitely be back next year (I already checked to make sure school was already out). Stay tuned later todat for pictures of my graduation and my best friends wedding (I'm in a pictorial mood lately) as well as a HUGE IMM post next Saturday (I decided to do one big post since one box got here before the other).
