Just got back from Calgary last night/early morning. Actually the plane landed at 12:30 am. Didn’t get home till past one.

I had to do two presentations in two libraries in Calgary.

It’s always fun to meet librarians, but this time was particularly a pleasure because a teacher at a private school in Calgary, who’d organized a skype visit, invited me to dinner since I was in town.

Her husband is a chef!

For appetizers we had a salad roll, in a rice paper with a sesame dip. Mmm.

Then we started with this little salad and a cake of feta cheese that had been grilled or something. And underneath it was a balsamic vinegar reduction.

Followed by an entree of salmon, asparagus and roasted potatoes.

And finally creme brulee for dessert!

It was lovely! And the conversation was even better!

The next day I got ready bright and early for the first presentation. We ended up having plenty of time.

Then I suggested we go to the second venue and set up the LCD projector and my laptop before we went for lunch.

I’ve had too many experiences where lunch went on a bit too long and then I rushed to set up while the audience was already seated!

When I’m in other people’s hands I don’t necessary worry about being on time. They’re driving, I’m at their mercy. But still.

Sure enough, we lingered at lunch a bit too long.

The kids were already seated, with their heavy jackets still on from the bus, when I rushed in.

The presentation went over without a hitch and the nicest thing that happened was the librarian said that she’d seen many authors present, they often got Canada Council grants to bring authors in for these kinds of events, but my presentation had been the best she’d ever seen.

So that’s the third librarian who has said so.

And it warms the cockles of my heart!

I know it’s silly, but I can’t help it. I really do aim to be the best. It’s not to denigrate other authors, it’s just to be outstanding!

Now I’m working on arrangements for me to go to Orlando, Florida for the International Reading Association convention where I have to give a talk. The very next day I have to go to New Brunswick to do four presentations before attending the Hackmatack award ceremony in Halifax, insha Allah, on May 13th!

Oh boy! This year’s really shaping up to be full of travel!

At one point they had me coming back to Toronto on May 10th then heading out to St. John’s New Brunswick and arriving around midnight!

Yikes! Did that just now, only at least it was coming home where I didn’t have to get up early the next day!

We’ll make some new arrangements. Might have to leave Orlando on the 9th right after my speech. We’ll see.

I’m going to work on making that speech outstanding too!

It may be harder though.