Thursday, January 14, 2010

Gangsta Librarians


I love train stations. That may seem weird since stations are so much like waiting rooms. It could be that I used to watch movies from the 1940's all the time (I still think that was the best decade for films) and everything important changed at a train station. People were always going off to war in Europe or waving them home from somewhere amazing while standing on train platforms.

Later on, I am taking a train from the Philly Amtrak station (see picture above) and I can't wait to take some pictures of the station. Here's another one:

Of course, my leaving the house has caused major questions from the kids because Mom only leaves to
a) work
or
b) get them food.

When I told them I was going to the ALA Conference in Boston, they wanted to know what our room would look like and if they got a day or maybe two off from school. "I'm not actually sure how much I like history," Emma reminded me, "and that's all like Pilgrim stuff, isn't it?"

They were stunned when I told them I would be back on Saturday night, and I was leaving and returning alone. These are kids who never even had a babysitter (I know, I know)

After the initial shock wore off (indicated by uncharacteristic silence), Philip asked me, "So are you like famous now or something?"

"No, it's just a conference."

He looked at me suspiciously. "You know what happened to Tupac when he became famous, right?"

I had that coming.

For years, it's been, "What? You ate a PORK HOT DOG THERE? Did you know they are associated with childhood leukemia?" "You forgot to wash your hands? WHAT? That's how the PLAGUE spread!"

You get the idea.

"Yes, I know what happened to Tupac. But these people are mostly librarians, people like that. They tend not to be violent."

"Maybe they are," he insisted. "They just cover it up."

"Gangsta librarians? The image just isn't forming, Philip."

They are coming with me all the way to the Amtrak station in Philly. Then I get to spend a day or so with a bunch of people who like books and reading and all that stuff as much as I do, probably even more. I'm betting I get over a hundred texts from my kids - and that will be within an hour of leaving the station.

But it's okay; I finally get to wave from a train - both ways.

11 comments:

Elizabeth Bradley said...

Sounds fun. In the movie Witness, weren't the mother and the little boy in a train station when they witnessed a murder...I'm just sayin

Hardygirl said...

The Book and the Rose is a cool short film with a great train station scene.

And, ALA?? Sounds like so much fun!! I LOVE conferences--especially big ones. Take tons of pictures. Your kiddos will be fine--your house will probably be trashed when you get back, but everyone will be breathing.

sf

Jemi Fraser said...

Have a great time!!

Watch out for those gangsta librarians - you never know :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Have a great time!! Just watch out for those gangstas carrying books - maybe they've got secret compartments :)

Bish Denham said...

I hope you have the bestest time! Watch out for those gangsta librarians who may foist books on you while threatening you with shushes.

I've only ridden on a train a few times, but enjoyed them all.

Christy Raedeke said...

Trains, librarians, Boston - sounds like BLISS!

Bish Denham said...

Anne, I've left you a little something on my blog. Just have to pass on the happiness!

Bish Denham said...

P.S. It will be up tomorrow, Tuesday the 19th.

Anne Spollen said...

Hey guys, thanks for all the wishes to have a good time! It was really fun.

Mary Witzl said...

Oh heck -- Elizabeth beat me to the Witness thing. I trust it you made it through safely, though.

My kids know all about trichinosis and salmonella. Nice to know I'm not the only one instilling paranoia.

Unknown said...

Anne,

Of COURSE it's a good review. I've made it a policy of mine to only review books I love. And love it I did. I ordered "Ferns" before I finished because I needed more.

Lisa