What a wild week! I was truly nervous at the beginning, but I have thankfully found a rhythm with work. The season technically started last Sunday with the faculty reading at the Hall of Philosophy. The first authors to join us were Italian-Puerto Rican author and comedian Stephanie Ginese who presented excerpts from her poetry book Unto Dogs, and Irish-Italian author Annmarie Kelli-Harbaugh reading excerpts from her co-written memoir Here Be Dragons and some of her essays which have been published in magazines such as the New York Observer. After the faculty reading, I participated in my first book signing. Since it was the first of the season, it was calm and quick. I bought Stephanie’s book and got to talk to her and get my copy signed.
Poet Stephanie Ginese
These two wonderful authors were the workshop instructors for this week. I had the opportunity to be in Annmarie’s workshop: Wild Writing: Jumpstart Your Storytelling. It was such a fun time. She is a wonderful author and instructor. Her class was dynamic and engaging. It really pushed me out of my comfort zone as it got me to explore a genre I’m not familiar with, and to dig into my memories and feelings. It was truly healing. I also got to bond with my classmates as I got to learn about their lives, their experiences, and their own feelings. I interviewed Annmarie on Friday, and talking to her was wonderful. She’s funny and very inspiring, truly a wonderful person I’ll never forget.
Bianca and a coworker enjoy some down time!
I did many new things this week as well. Taking public transport for the first time (the trams and buses can be tricky), helping Stephine Hunt with a book signing in Hultquist Center, helping to host the CLSC’s Young Readers Program event during Play CHQ with my coworker Theo, and curating the weekly community poem with my coworkers to name a few things. Assisting Stephine helped me understand the rules and dynamic expected in all signings and allowed me to lead the team during this Friday’s CLSC Featured Author’s book signing as she placed her confidence in me and my new acquired knowledge.
As promised in my last blog, I’ll tell you all about the One Night Only concert with Kelli O’Hara and Sutton Foster. It was amazing. My ears were graced by their wonderful voices. An iconic, dynamic duo. I didn’t recognize any of the songs for the most part, except for Anything Goes and the songs in the 90s medley. The Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra played exquisitely, it gave me chills. I adore music so much. I think my jaw was ajar the whole time. I got choked up several times, and not because of the music being sad, on the contrary, it was pure euphoria and awe. It was beautiful and I’m so glad I got to witness the performance. (I’ll tell you a secret: Hugh Jackman was there. I still can’t believe it. No pictures though, sorry.)
To conclude my week, it’s been a whirlwind of emotions. Next week there will be new challenges. For one I have the morning shift instead of the afternoon so I’ll be waking up earlier than I’ve had to in almost three years. I’m taking two workshops instead of one, both topics unusual for me; and Wednesday promises a very busy day, my longest shift yet. I’m not sure yet what other events I’m interested in, so I’ll figure it out as I go. Wish me luck!