Another early start, I woke up and wished I could stay in bed all day. I really didn’t want to see that onsite registration desk again. But I returned, as did all the staff. We were all a bit shell-shocked and had a hard time adjusting to the small amount of people who showed up this time. After the pace we went at yesterday, we hardly understood what to do with just one person at a time. We’re not sure if it’s because everyone registered yesterday or because the storm kept people away, but it was a slower day than usual onsite. Plus, we have a Dymo Dino now. heehee

Lunch was so different from yesterday. For the first time in days, I actually felt hungry (i.e. I felt something!). And it was enjoyable to be there without thinking about what was happening back at onsite registration.

And after lunch, I headed to the bookfair for an AWP tweetup. Only a few people showed, and some of them not at the same time. But I enjoyed meeting them and we’ll do a better job next time. It was definitely a nice break from behind registration, though.

I had another break not long after that when I was invited to go to a tribute panel. I’ve only been to a couple events over the seven years I’ve attended AWP conferences, but I’ve never been to a tribute before. It was wonderful and I’m SO glad I had a chance to go!

F226. A Tribute To Remy Charlip, 1929-2012. (Joshua Kryah, Erika Bradfield, Brian Selznick, Dan Hurlin) A celebration of the beloved author and illustrator whose books include Arm in Arm, A Perfect Day, and Fortunately. Writer, dancer, choreographer, director, and teacher, Remy Charlip was designated a Library of Congress National Treasure. A founding member of Merce Cunningham Dance, The PaperBag Players, the Living Theater, and the National Theater for the Deaf, Remy was the model for his friend Brian Selznick’s portrait of Georges Méliès in The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Friends and colleagues will remember Remy and discuss his groundbreaking and enduring legacy to so many art forms.

I remember several of the books they mentioned from my childhood, including, Fortunately and Handtalk. I got a wonderful sense of the man and the wonderful words and art he left behind. It was also great to see Brian Selznick, whose latest book, Wonderstruck, I just finished reading two weeks ago. He made me cry a little during his part of the tribute, but the other presenters gave humorous and touching remembrances as well. We really needed to leave the room and I would have loved to have talked with him properly, but I did manage to tell him how much I loved his books and how inspiring they were. I really do think his storytelling techniques are original, groundbreaking, creative, impressive, and beautiful. And I can’t wait to try to track down more of Remy Charlip’s books! I feel fortunate to have been able to go to this!

After closing, I went to get dinner at Tossed. They’re running out of certain ingredients, but my salad was still pretty good. Looks like tonight might be a night of relaxing in my hotel room with television and no responsibilities.