ArmchairBEA: I Imagine if I Went..

Wednesday, May 26, 2010


to Book Expo America..

I imagine stepping out of the airport, with my suitcase in tow and my purse on my shoulder. I will know exactly what to do and where to go, because I've spent the last week organizing my travel plans on a little notebook. I find myself reading them in my head, to myself, making sure I wouldn't get lost. I imagine texting my parents and best friends back home in San Francisco, trying not to freak out, shouting, "I'minNewYorkOhMyGoshICanNotBelieveI'm.." You get the point ;) Instead, I will contain myself and try to act like a normal person. I will simply tell them I made it to New York alive and well.

I imagine getting to the hotel, checking in. I imagine putting down my stuff, looking around the 'unlived' hotel room. After that, when I know I'm all alone, I shall let it all go and jump and down and do a little happy *cough, crazy, cough* dance around and around until I'm out of breath and I can't dance no more.

I imagine getting ready to go to Jacob K. Javits for the actual event! *happy dance required here as well* I will be so nervous, yet excited all at the same time.
When I get there, I already know the place and the people would definitely overwhelm me. There are so many things going on; Book signings, author events, discussion panels, publishing booths, speakers, etc.

I imagine bumping into one book blogger after another, finally having the opportunity to meet them in person! <-- This part would be pretty awesome, don't you think? With my tote bag that will be eventually be filled up with books, goodies, and all that lovely stuff, I will walk around until my feet hurt. The craziest thing is, I wouldn't really mind. I imagine feeling lucky to be at a place like this; a book lover's dream destination... eerrr, I mean, event. A place where we have the freedom to be the total bookworms that we are, as if it's the most natural thing in the world.
I imagine telling myself how crazy this is; that I have never been surrounded by so many book people before! I imagine smiling to myself, as Book Expo America, proves the great power of written art. Of books, words, and literature. I imagine it would be quite an unforgettable experience; one that I won't forget. One that I would want to repeat again and again. Perhaps.. annually. ;)

To those who are in NYC for BEA right now, I hope you are having the best time! :) And for those who were not able to go -- especially to the Armchair BEA participants -- maybe next year for us :)

19 comments:

  1. Aww that imaginary trip sounds amazing! I would do anything to go and definitely- maybe/hopefully next year for us :D

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  2. it really does sounds great!Hope that you'll have the opportunity soon!

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  3. Loved your post! You captured the emotions well...

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  4. Took the words write out of my mouth... er keyboard. But, there is always next year!

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  5. The Hi and Hello cups are so cute.

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  6. I fantasise about going to BEA all the time. But the more I do, the more annoyed I feel about not going. Oh well. Thank heavens for Armchair BEA.
    Great pictures, too. I WANT THOSE BOOKSHELVES. Or, I want those books. And bookshelves, to keep the books in...

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  7. Your trip sounds perfect! We all definitely need to plan on it next year, it's going to be a blast!

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  8. I think I would have to do lots of happy dances too!

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  9. Wow you are so good at imagining and describing! I want to go but besides the cost, I would be SO anxious!

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  10. Hopping in to say Hi. Love the post and your blog. Have a great weekend.

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  11. I couldn't make it to BEA this year but next year definitely! :)

    Let's do the Hop!

    My Hop is here.

    xx,
    E.J.

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  12. Great, fun post! Even imagined myself doing the same things as I read it! Here's to hoping for next year!!

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  13. I found you through the hop - Love your blog! We have a lot of the same tastes!

    Have you read the Sookie Stackhouse series? My giveaway for the latest book *signed* by Charlaine Harris is here.

    Have a great weekend!

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  14. Great post Jillian, love the pics!
    I need to go one year.
    http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/

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  15. I'm a new follower - found you via the hop. Happy birthday (belatedly).

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  16. Hi. I'm visiting via the hop. Good imagining on the BEA and I also love your birthday pics!

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  17. I like your imaginings! I'm sorry to have missed BEA, but I admit I am sorry that I haven't yet visited NYC! (although I did get the chance to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island)

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  18. @Sara: We should all definitely go next year. I bet we'd have the best time. Better save up now then.. ;) Haha.

    @Darlyn: Let's hope next year :)

    @Julie P: Aw, thank you! :)

    @Chris: Thanks, and yes, we should all definitely go next time!

    @Emily: Yes, I am definitely looking forward to next year! Do you plan to go as well? Better start saving up now.. ;) Haha.

    @Doret: Yes, aren't they adorable??

    @Tez: I get annoyed at myself actually, because I keep imagining. LOL. Next year for us hopefully!

    @The1stDaughter: Most definitely. Getting to meet book bloggers is definitely a must as well! It'd be so much fun.

    @Jen G: We can do a lot of happy dances together! :D haha.

    @Callista: Aw, thank you. And I believe book bloggers get in for free to the actual BEA. All you have to pay for is your hotel, transport, and food. Better save up now for next year right? ;)

    @Jan Von Harz: Thank you, hope you had a great weekend as well.

    @E.J. Stevens: Hopefully next year!

    @Tif: Thank you! And no, I haven't actually read the series. I should definitely check those out, because I'm a fan of True Blood. I heard they're quite different, so I'd love to check out the books. I'll check out your blog and contest as well :)

    @naida: Thanks, naida. It'd be fun if we all went. Meeting book bloggers would be a whole different kind of exciting on its own! :)

    @Helen Smith: Thank you for the greeting!

    @Ordinary Reader: Thanks so much :) I'll go check out your blog as well.

    @Valerie: Thank you! I went to NYC September09 but only four 4 days and for work. Even though I only got to see it for a short while, I think it's my favorite city :) We should all plan to go one year :)

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