Lockdown lament
3 Lockdown’s ago I managed to squeeze in a book launch of my children’s picture book Jetty Jumping.
Alas most of the bookstore visits were re-scheduled or cancelled, though my local Mornington Peninsula bookstores Antipodes Bookshop, Farrells Books and Melbourne’s Hill of Content gave me a moment of glory (missed getting to Readings 4 Kids and The Little Book Room) as well as Instagram shelfies from mates and bookstore tags across the land.
No matter, I told myself – we always have Book Week.
Alas, Lockdown 4, 5, 6 came our way. And today, an extension, which inches closer to closing the door on face to face CBCA Book week and tonnes of other workshops, school visits and bookstore author talk events.
I am currently licking my writer wounds, re-scheduling my diary commitments, emailing fab folks for alternatives and revising financial plans.
I am also sharing that lament with mates who are supposed to be launching books and hosting writing workshops as well right now.
In comfort, I’ve penned a little homage to my favourite things I shall miss in coming weeks – author talks, school and library visits, workshops and word nerd gatherings.
This one’s for you authors, booksellers, school librarians and bookworms…..
You might need to put your Sound of Music soundtrack on to channel the vibe.
My favourite things
Workshops in libraries and show ‘n’ tells in classrooms,
Bright books in bookshelves and shelfies beside them.
Brown paper packages tied up with string,
these are a few of my favourite things.
Guest author readings, and questions from readers
Story times and assemblies where you’re welcomed by leaders,
Book Week in costumes with glitter and wings,
these are a few of my favourite things.
Students in uniforms with school shoes so scuffed,
wriggling bottoms when they’ve had enough.
Visiting writers encouraging grins,
these are a few of my favourite things.
When the lockdown extends,
when the restrictions sting,
when I’m feeling sad,
I simply remember my favourite things,
and then I don’t feel so bad.
Meeting the author visits with kids who are smitten,
bright brilliant book covers with clues that are hidden.
Student-made gratitude cards tied up with strings
these are a few of my favourite things.
Cheese platter book talks surrounded by bookworms,
authors and sellers and big book launching nerves.
Wild questions flowing from readers all gathering,
these are a few of my favourite things.
Book buyers all eager to add to their stashes,
words that soon settle on our mouths and eyelashes.
Black texta scribble at every book signing,
these are a few of my favourite things.
When the lockdown extends,
when the restrictions stings,
when I’m feeling sad,
I simply remember my favourite things,
and then I don’t feel so bad.
re-purposed by Andrea Rowe
With acknowledgment and writing apologies to Songwriters: Oscar Hammerstein Ii / Richard Rodgers / Oscar Hammerstein
My Favorite Things original lyrics – Warner-tamerlane Publishing Corp., Spurburn Music, Bike Music, 13th Planet Music Inc., Lovolar Music, Williamson Music
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While launches and author visits are on hold
You can always support an author and a bookseller by buying a book!
Grins and jetty spins for sunnier times,
Cheers,
Andrea