Monday, November 04, 2019

Things That Are Making Me Happy

Pretty much all about Bouchercon this week. I did a panel with George on the birth of the paperbacks and another one on Writing Short Fiction. I love doing panels, especially if I can ask rather than answer questions. I also attended two of Megan's. One on unlikable women and I don't think a lot of the audience understand a complex character is usually not likable all that much of the time. And if you are not writing a series, this is not a problem.
I enjoyed lots of good food, some a bit spicy for me but delicious. Typically I did not do a good job in meeting new people. I never do. There were a lot of tributes to Bill. And his daughter, Angela had a party for him. Very nice. Bill did himself proud with that one. And her husband is a great guy too.
I attended about ten panels of varying quality. The best ones pick a real subject rather than just allowing the writers to talk about their work.
Very good work by the organizers, especially in having films of early Bouchercons, old posters, book bags, programs. Always something to look at. 
Went to the Book Depository. It was very moving to stand where LHO stood. I still don't quite believe he did it alone. And why didn't he have a place to escape to after the shots. He just seem to run wildly around.
Went to the art district, mostly to eat pie but it looked like a fun area. Dallas was lovely at night with many buildings outlined in various colors. I was impressed. On to Sacramento--but not me probably.

And what about you?

19 comments:

Rick Robinson said...

Seems you had a great time! Like you, I'm no social butterfly, but I always enjoy the conventions, for the panels, bookroom, and just hanging out.

Another no to Sacramento. Darn it. As more and more people say they won't go, we're less likely to want to make the two-day drive ourselves.

Rick Robinson said...

As for happiness here, we've had beautiful crisp Fall weather, though the leaves are pretty much gone now. It's quite foggy this morning. Cool weather makes for better sleeping. Barbara has been sick but is getting better. Both the Oregon Ducks and the Seattle Seahawks won.

The garden is shutting down, so there is the Fall yard work to do, but we do it a little at a time, and it's been nice out. Yesterday we cut back the Hydrangeas.

Steve Oerkfitz said...

Glad you had a good time.
This week I read to excellent novels-Night Fire by Michael Connelly and Dry County by Jake Hinkson. The new John Connelly up next.
Saw Jo Jo Rabbit in the theaters- I'd give it a B. The boy who plays the title character was quite good. At home I've been rewatching a lot of Martin Scorcese in anticipation of The Irishman. Mean Streets, Goodfellas, and Casino.

Lesa said...

Not going to Sacramento. I've been to 5 Bouchercons, and this one was probably my favorite. I didn't over-schedule myself going to panels. Instead, I caught up with friends, and met a number of new authors whose books I've liked. Just enjoyed it so much. Good barbeque & good pie!

Jerry House said...

Glad you had a good time in Dallas and got to meet up with friends, both old and new.

It's been cool here this week, which is good. But it was just a bit too cool for Sunday morning beach time. Grr.

Had a great (and quiet) birthday. Spent a lot of time snuggling Kitty on the couch, followed by pie (pumpkin, apple, and cherry) and ice cream with the girls. Yum!

Mr. Trump had a well-deserved very bad week, despite trying to rest his laurels on the killing of al-Baghdadi. Impeachment appears certain although conviction by the Senate will probably not happen. On the bright side of things, more and more evidence is turning up so the possibility has moved from no way in hell to well, maybe, just maybe. Anyway, it's nice to see him squirm. (As I typed this, Kellyanne Conway was being interviewed on Fox News and I just threw up a little bit in my mouth.)

On the grandkid front, Ceili is back from a week in Boston and it's so nice to see her smiling face. Amy, who moved to Boston earlier this year, has just finished her color guard season and had a great time with it. Mark is quietly having a good time at school and we're pretty sure he has not fallen off the face of the earth. Erin spent Halloween day dressing up the dogs and cats in Halloween costumes (successfully, for the most part; Happy the border collie had a hard time keeping his costume on; he's headed off to obedience school this week). Jack doesn't need obedience school; he's started trampoline lessons (I did not now that was a thing) and is bouncing all over the place; after making his trick or treat rounds, he spend over an hour handing out candy to other trick or treaters. All in all, a pretty good week.

Watched the second season of JACK RYAN. Not great, but pretty good. Enjoyed John Connolly's latest book, as well as the latest Longmire from Craig Johnson. Been listening to a lot of good music online; when I say good, I mean geezer-good, not some of the !@#$% that passes for music today.

Hope you have a fantastic week, Patti!

Jerry House said...

Lesa, PIE!

Gerard - who is not logged in said...

I enjoyed seeing all the Bouchercon photos from authors I follow online. Would have been neat to say hello and thanks to Laurence Freaking Block for all his novels over the years.

I had quiet weekend for once and have another one coming up. The local high school football and soccer teams continue to compete at the state tournament. The soccer team is in the semi-final game scheduled for this Thursday.

Boy #2 - in 8th grade - was selected for the Honors Band this year and has a evening performance this Thursday. The Honors musicians have had some extra practice times over the past couple weeks and they should put on a impressive show.

I drive down to central IL tomorrow to assist my parents in driving to St. Louis on Wednesday. My father has a doctor appointment and even though the appointment may last just 15 minutes we spend a full day getting everyone and everything together to do the 6 hours of driving.

Jeff Meyerson said...

We're almost home - just picking up a sandwich for a late lunch - from a mostly very positive week in Dallas. We spent a lot of time with Patti, including a number of meals, and yes, the pie. Yum. For the most part it was a well run convention, and I never felt crowded despite 1700 people registered. The hotel was nice. One problem was the lack of restaurants within walking distance. It was more than $50 plus tip for a taxi from the airport, but Jackie and I took the DART for $3 each way. It's a street level light rail.

pattinase (abbott) said...

The lyft was $35.
Lesa-stop for stopping by. Would have loved to meet you.
George Kelley has the world's nicest kids, in case he doesn't tell you. I am in love with both of them.
Jackie had the greatest apple pie ever.
Seeing Parasite this week--twice. I now see most movies twice because I am so grateful for people inviting me out, I can't say no.
Rick-how do you cut them back. I have taken most things down but am sort of mystified about hydrangeas,
Hope you can come to Minneapolis, Gerard, in 2022. If I am still alive, we'll meet up.
Jerry-you should come down to Treasure Island in February and meet me.

Gerard - who is not logged in said...

Dang, Minneapolis? That'd be a easy drive over.

pattinase (abbott) said...

And I have never been there.

George said...

Patti, thanks again for being part of THE PAPERBACK REVOLUTION panel! You were wonderful!

Todd Mason said...

Were the panels recorded?

Jeff Meyerson said...

Todd, I believe so.

pattinase (abbott) said...

Ii think so because I had to sign something. Not that I'd ever want to see it!

Todd Mason said...

I would! As I managed to miss not only the concurrent World Fantasy Con and Bouchercon (World Mystery/Suspense Con if only it made its way to Asia or Europe, or practically could) this past week, but also Saturday's PulpAdventureCon and the Samuel Delany talk at the Edmund Emshwiller film series the night before. As is my wont. I live a mile or so from the PhilCon hotel and have managed to forget to stop in.

But enough about that...thanks for the info, Jeff and Patti...now to go find out how to obtain them or where they will be posted...

Todd Mason said...

Not cheap...and, of course, not tapes: http://vwtapes.com/bouchercon.aspx

Margot Kinberg said...

I'm so glad you went to Bouchercon and enjoyed yourself, Patti!

pattinase (abbott) said...

Thanks, guys!