It was supposed to be a casual afternoon where people went to brunch, had coffee at Barnes and Noble and then maybe went to dinner. I was supposed to arrive and things were supposed to have been calm.
That was NOT exactly what happened.
See, while I was traveling, Simon was SUPPOSED to be keeping everything under control. And really, how hard could that be?
Apparently pretty hard, because not long after people arrived at Barnes and Noble, I got a call from Simon.
Simon: Erm, Frankie?
Me: Yeah?
Simon: We got kicked out of Barnes and Noble... (said in a chagrinned Scottish accent)
Me: WHAT? You got kicked out of Barnes and Noble!?!?!?
Simon: Erm, uh, the police actually are on the way. Talk to you later. Cheers!*
So I spend some time redirecting traffic to location #2, Cosi, via twitter. And after I tried to track down everyone in Philly who may have missed Simon at Barnes and Noble (including some who missed him while he WAS there) I relaxed on the train.
Then my phone rang.
Simon: Erm, yes, so that thing that happened at Barnes and Noble happened again at Cosi!
Me: WHAT?
Simon: They called us a fire hazard...chasing us out the door...OW! No don't do that--must go...CHEERS!**
So at last, these Writers Gone Wild having been evicted from two places within the hour ended up at the Irish Pub, which ironically enough (or not) was where we all met for the first ever Philly Lit Night.
The two location changes certainly made it interesting for those trying to locate Simon at Barnes and Noble, so I spent the rest of my train ride acting like Ground Control via blackberry. But at last, I arrived.
And am I glad I did!
Philly Lit Night (which was really more of a late afternoon/early evening) was probably the most fun time ever! I seriously am in love with all these writers I'm getting to know. The conversation was great (yes, CONVERSATION--I don't talk THAT much, Simon), the company was great. And I can't wait to do it again, especially because these relationships that were mostly formed on blogger and twitter are turning into real friendships. And I only made a few crude hand gestures. I think.***
So THANK YOU to all who came. I can't wait to do it again. And if you missed it, you'd better be there next time because the shenanigans that ensue are hilariously off the wall.
I only remembered to take a picture at the very end, so many people like K.M. Walton and Jessica Tudor and more are missing (although I think Simon has a pic of them), but here's me, Christine Danek, Kelly Lyman and THE Simon C. Larter.
Look out for the next Philly Lit Night--probably taking place in The Irish Pub, our new unofficial, official hang out, in March (squeee my birthday month).
Simon and I are putting together a mailing list--so if you're in the Philly area, let us know and we'll include you. We promise to only spam you bimonthly for meet ups.****
*Ok, so the police never came. I made that part up.
**So they didn't get chased out of Cosi....but they were called a Fire Hazard!
*** This does not include several of my dramatic reenactments of things.
****Plus you know we desperately need more people to send chain letters to so our wishes can come true at precisely 12:01AM.*****
*****Ok, no, not really.******
******Or not....
Sounds (and looks) like such a blast! I didn't have the least bit of trouble picturing Simon acting like a roustabout in B&N, but I am glad to hear he did not get arrested.
ReplyDeleteMatt-You HAVE to come hang out with us one day! And yep, pretty sure Simon was dancing on the table....
ReplyDeleteThis was so much fun. I could totally see you re-telling this with hand gestures. :) Can't wait for the next meeting.
ReplyDeleteThis is way too cool! You and Simon!?? I heart, Simon. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYes, well, in my defense....
ReplyDeleteUm, actually I don't have any defense. It's all true. Except the parts that you said weren't true. Not those. *shifty*
It was SO FUN! We shall do this again, for serious. This mailing list gets longer by the week, y'know. Soon we'll be able to form our own publishing company and take over the WORRRLLD!
*cough*
*grin*
@Christine, yay! Me too! It was so much fun!
ReplyDelete@Salarsen, Yes, Philly is very fond of Simon, except when he table dances.
@Simon, HAHA! Does this mean you're keeping the mailing list organized and I don't have to? SCORE!
Great group of people! Thank you again to you and Simon for organizing it. I am so there at the next meeting - and I WILL find everyone next time.
ReplyDelete@K.M., I MAY even slip you my phone number to avoid even less confusion *wink, wink*
ReplyDeleteWow! I didn't know they kicked people out of Barnes and Noble. Let me guess, Simon smuggled in vodka and spiked his coffee? Simon smuggled in vodka and spiked his latte? Simon walked in with an open bottle of vodka, set it in the middle of the table, and began taking shots?
ReplyDeleteSorry I missed it. Next time, I hope....especially if Mr. Rush makes a Philly appearance - I'd get fired to take part in that!
Glad you folks had a good day.
This is hilarious, Frankie. So happy to hear you all had a great time getting kicked out of various venues. It's always fun to hang out with other writers. Although it doesn't usually get that wild!
ReplyDeleteAnd if it doesn't snow and I don't have any family gatherings scheduled, I may try to make the next one.
@Paul, Haha, well Simon is a new breed of Barnes and Noble customer. You MUST come to the next one and we are campaigning for Matt to come!
ReplyDelete@Joanne, YESSS!!! Come! Also, Kelly and Christine and I are planning a get together soon at your place:)