Last night I had the privilege of being able to pick up the fabulous Patricia Polacco from the train station near Madison. I was so excited to meet her and she had that huge bun on the top of her head so I could pick her out right away. She was soft and squishy like a little grandma. I was nervous she would be private or tired from traveling and we would have this quiet, awkward car ride back to Madison. To my delight, the evening was just the complete opposite. Patricia was warm and friendly and immediately greeted me with a big bear hug. I wanted to squeeze forever and never let go! We piled into her car and headed back towards Madison. She just talked and talked the entire ride, sharing wonderful stories about her life as a writer and her family. She is a great conversationalist and the words flow right out of her mouth like they were made for the page. I could have sat and listened to her for a lifetime! 
We arrived at the hotel and Pat Wende, my genius librarian, who accompanied me on the drive asked if she was interested in a nightcap! We helped her unpack in her room and then she was in the mood to celebrate having just finished her brand new book, a 100 page pictorial story which sounds amazing (out in stores in September). She said, "Let's hit the hooch!" She is hilarious. SO....we went to the bar and she treated us to drinks all night. She was hungry so then invited us to dinner! It was the best 4 1/2 hours of my life. Full of amazing conversation. I loved hearing about her writing process and her family. She asked about how I met Casey and was full of questions about Cooper. We told tales of motherhood over drinks! It was the most pleasant evening and such a treat for me to have met the woman whose books I pour over with my students on an almost weekly basis! 
We arrived at the hotel and Pat Wende, my genius librarian, who accompanied me on the drive asked if she was interested in a nightcap! We helped her unpack in her room and then she was in the mood to celebrate having just finished her brand new book, a 100 page pictorial story which sounds amazing (out in stores in September). She said, "Let's hit the hooch!" She is hilarious. SO....we went to the bar and she treated us to drinks all night. She was hungry so then invited us to dinner! It was the best 4 1/2 hours of my life. Full of amazing conversation. I loved hearing about her writing process and her family. She asked about how I met Casey and was full of questions about Cooper. We told tales of motherhood over drinks! It was the most pleasant evening and such a treat for me to have met the woman whose books I pour over with my students on an almost weekly basis! 
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