Thank You Wellington Square Bookshop and West Chester ACDA

I was in Pennsylvania yesterday, talking about my book at the Wellington Square Bookshop and at West Chester University, at a meeting for the local chapter of the American Choral Directors Association.

My God, Pennsylvania! I mean, first, check out the cookies below. I took this at the Wellington Square Bookshop where Donna McFadden had laid out these wonderful musical themed cookies (which were delicious). Wasn’t that an incredibly kind and thoughtful touch?? I felt so welcome and appreciated. Why didn’t I sneak some more in my pocket for the train ride home?? Seriously, they lit scented candles, made me tea, it was lovely. Thank you so much Donna and Wellington Square Bookshop.

Then, I didn’t know how I was going to get from the bookstore to the University, plus there were also hours and hours between events (an unavoidable scheduling issue). Well, Gail and Mary Lou, who came to the reading, live near the college and they drove me over!! And gave me a tour of the beautiful church where they sing (a centuries old converted barn)!! And I saw a baby deer!! And afterwards I went out to dinner with Gail and her husband Charles!! Thank you so much Gail and Charles and Mary Lou.

At the University, Erin Price and Mark were my next wonderful hosts. They’d just come from a big performance (they’re all music undergrads and grads) and they probably wanted to just kick back, but they came to my talk, and everyone who was there were all so funny and charming and relaxed (I think all but one of them also were part of the performance). I talked, they asked me questions, I asked them questions—the future singers and musicians of the world will be in good hands with them. Then Erin and Mark took me to the train and insisted on waiting with me until the train came (so polite). Thank you Erin and Mark.

I’m going to take it easy today, and maybe watch the EMMYS which I recorded last night.