etc.

That’s me reflected in the bean in Chicago. I was in Chicago for a couple of days last week, at a conference, and wow, I can’t wait to go back.

I’ve been reading a few tidbits about personal branding and online presence lately and, I have to say, it freaks me out just a little. Although, perhaps this blog wouldn’t be as badly neglected as it is if I had, you know, a Publishing Policy and I paid more attention to the way in which I Brand & Represent Myself Online.

Is there any way for those words not to sound slimy? Is it just me?

So, the last time I was here I talked about going to Charlottetown for a quick conference presentation. The conference was swell, my talk went well, Charlottetown was tiny and quite nice, my luggage didn’t get there with me so I hit a couple of stores on my way into town to get enough stuff to get me through 2.5 days. All I ended up needing was a couple of things from the drugstore and a stop into the first clothing store I saw (where I scored a cute skirt, yay emergency purchase) so I wouldn’t have to present in my totally comfortable and utterly presentation-unworthy cords. I got some sort of perverse delight in knowing that I could get by in a strange town with not much more than a laptop and a small grocery bag full of essentials.

Despite that perverse delight, last week in Chicago was much more civilized. My suitcase got there when I did (I cringed a fair bit over checking it in the first place, but it turns out that I don’t own any luggage that is suitable for on-board travel, plus the whole 3-1-1 thing causes me some stress), the closing plenary I spoke at was loads of fun, I got to meet a bunch of brilliant and fun librarians I previously only knew online, and Chicago charmed the pants right off me. Truly. I’m taking the mister right back there, someday soon. A scant collection of pictures is here.

So now I’m back, staring down a couple of months of NO TRAVEL, about which I am delighted. Project No proceeds apace, although I have made a couple of minor exceptions for really local talks that I should be able to pull of with minimal stress.

Also? I’m reading some good stuff, knitting another pair of socks (with this), picking lilacs off our tree out front, swapping yarn leftovers thanks to Brainylady, anticipating a concert, and generally enjoying the daily plug.

How about you?