I’m back from Austin and loaded with books. I spent most of the day on Saturday going to author presentations (Alexander McCall Smith was a hoot) and checking out the exhibitors at the book fair.I also attended two special lectures given in Spanish by Sandra Cisneros, Nina Marie Martinez, Mayra Montero and Liliana Valenzuela. Liliana even gave me two of her poetry chapbooks. Wasn’t that sweet?
One of the lectures was very poignant because it dealt with the horrific disappearances and killings of the women of Ciudad Juarez. I urge you to learn more about this. As one of the authors on the panel said, it’s very easy to feel like you can’t make a difference but we all can make a difference. If you create art, honor these women with your art; if you write poetry, write about them.
I thank the writers, Luis Alberto Urrea, Diana Washington Valdez, Alicia Gaspar de Alba and Cecilia Balli for their efforts in fighting back for these victims and their families. It was a pleasure getting to meet them.
On a much lighter note, I did see my friend Ginger and we had a great time with her. We went to eat at one of my favorite spots, Trudy’s, and finished off our evening at the Spider House. We sat outside listening to music, laughing and enjoying some delicious coffee and hot chocolate.
Before our return to Dallas, my husband and I couldn’t leave without a stop at BookPeople. It’s got to be one of the best bookstores in Texas without a doubt. We picked up a few more goodies here.
I have pictures to show so hopefully I’ll get those posted soon so you can see all the books I got. Plus, there are even pics of me with Alexander McCall Smith and Sandra Cisneros. Woo-hoo!
Have a happy Halloween tomorrow.
