I have been out three nights since arriving to Philly in January (not counting nights with Craig). In January I went out for drinks with a few girls who were nice enough to invite me along. Then in April I had a date with best selling author, Jennifer Weiner. We met at the Continental, where I ate too many hors d'oeuvres and downed four diet cokes. Then we headed over to the Electric Factory to watch Rock Bottom Remainders (the band comprised of famous authors) perform. I might have just failed to mention that this "date" with JW was with about 40 other women too and she had generously bought everyone drinks and appetizers at the Continental and tickets to the show.
If you don't already know this about me, Jennifer Weiner is one of my favorite authors, and I have read almost all of her books. (I still have Little Earthquakes to read)
So last night I went to the Philadelphia Free Library to hear Jennifer Weiner's reading of her new novel, "Fly Away Home". JW was witty and engaging, I laughed, I sighed, I clapped. Then I stood in line with her new hardcover. The line started in a rather grand hallway that showcased an exhibit about quilts. I stood between two pairs of friends who vivaciously chatted and made future plans. I was alone so I read the blurbs about each quilt. Then I practiced what I was going to say to Jennifer Weiner. Something funny and witty of course. But instead I barely mustered the courage to say things like "saw you in L.A./my husband is at home babysitting/ have a baby named Max" (i know lame) and then JW signed my book and I walked home into the balmy night, past the Swann Memorial Fountain (which at night is beyond spectacular) and past all the bars and restaurants. I had a gait in my step. Philadelphia was alive last night and JWs talk was, as always, inspiring. Before I went to bed I read the first chapter of "Fly Away Home" and I'm already hooked. As I turned off the light and snuggled into my pillow I thought, "maybe I should take a quilting class."
You are too cute.
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