I'm Back . . . From Cleveland . . .
I'm still recuperating from the eight days I spent in Cleveland. Given that there was no snow on the ground nor a frigid chill in the air, I had a lovely time (smile). I reunited with a number of old friends, met some new ones and sold plenty of books. Next week, if all goes as planned, I'll share a few of the pictures from my various events.
I'd like to extend a special thanks to all of the folks who came out and supported my efforts as well all of the kind and generous people who hosted my events and assisted with publicity and promotion. The latter list includes the following individuals: Christina Dziak (PR & Events Coordinator, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Legacy Village); Mary Oluonye & Waly Sene (owners of SeneAfrique Trading Company); Elayne Jackson (Public Services Assistant, Cuyahoga County Public Library); Emanuel Carpenter (writer, reviewer and all-around cool guy) and Rhonda Crowder (General Assignment Reporter, Call & Post).
All of my Cleveland events included a discussion segment and in the coming days, I hope to share some of the comments and insights I gained, not only about my novel (After The Dance), but reading, readers and African American Literature in general.
Emanuel Carpenter, who did an excellent job of giving voice to "Carl" at the public library event in Warrensville, posed a question that I don't think I answered properly during the discussion portion of my library event. His question was, "What do you miss the most about Cleveland?" In truth, I could write a book about what I don't miss about living in Cleveland (LOL) and I think I said as much, BUT there a number of things I do sincerely miss about the area. I'll share exactly what those things are in a future post. If anyone cares to guess, feel free to give it a shot. But I doubt if you'll succeed or even come close.
For those with an interest in knowing where I plan to turn up next, check out the sidebar on the right where you'll find a list of my upcoming events.
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7 comments:
Hi Lori:
It was good to see you, Al and Aaron in Cleveland. Thanks for remembering your friends at East View United Church of Christ with your visit and donation of books to our book sale!
Hey Lori, Glad to have you back, I have missed your witting post! :-)
The only thing I would ever miss about Cleveland would be the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Do share your pictures and more info about your adventure when you get the chance.
@ Sharon J.,
It was great seeing you and my East View family. Glad I could be of some help.
@ PJazzy,
Hey girl! Sometimes it's nice to be missed (smile). I'm almost ashamed to admit this, but in the four years I was exiled . . . I mean, lived in Cleveland, I never got around to visiting the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I know, shame on me. (LOL) Maybe one day.
Lori,
Thanks for the compliments and kudos. It was really great meeting you in person and meeting your family.
I'm not sure what you miss about Cleveland but here are the things I love about living here:
1. Low-cost or free babysitting courtesy of relatives.
2. Most of my family and my wife's family live here so we don't have to travel for family reunions.
3. Cosmic bowling (when they play music and light up the pins) at Brookpark Lanes.
4. Sledding, snowball fights, and buiding snowmen. (One day I'm going to try skiing.)
5. No major traffic jams.
6. Good soul food restaurants.
7. Good barber shops and beauty salons for our folks.
8. The Cleveland Museum of Art.
9. Black radio.
10. Major stars come here for concerts and we have 3 major (basketball, baseball, and football) if we want to go to a game.
Having lived in Portland (Oregon), Oklahoma, and even Italy I can appreciate living in a major city. Of course, Cleveland is nowhere near pefect but it is definitely tolerable.
I am so happy for you and the success you are having. My wife and I both enjoyed the book so I will honestly say that everything you are experiencing is well deserved.
Let me know when you are in NY!
Hey Emaneul,
Umm, that's sounds an awful lot like a commercial. Don't you know my blog is ad free? (LOL).
On a more serious note, I'm sure had I more family in the Cleveland area, I'd feel a lot like you do.
For the record though, I absolutely, positively hated the snow & the cold, thought the radio programming, Blk radio in particular sucked to hog heaven, started wearing my hair natural after several bad experiences with hair dressers in the area, and the never-ending obssession with sports got on my last nerve.
I could add a lot more to my hate list, but I'm not trying to have folks greet me with bats upon my return (LOL). Like they say, one person's heaven is another person's hell (smile).
Keith,
I was just talking to one of my sisters-in-law just the other day about visiting the Big Apple. She works in NY and participates in a book club that meets regularly in the city. So, I guess I'm just gonna have to bit the bullet and do it one day (smile).
Glad to hear both you and your wife enjoyed the book. I sincerely appreciate the support.
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