But I headed down to southern California a day early to visit The Getty Museum for the second time. Architecture and landscaping aren't forms of art that usually impresses me. But this place is unbelievable!
Whether taking a panoramic shot or close-ups, the whole place is beautiful.
This painting of a playful cupid was JoanMarie's favorite when we visited The Getty for the first time.
This time, I found a painting of cupid kicking some major butt!
At the top of that same painting is an angel. I was completely mesmerized by the way it appears to be both leaping and flying (which is what it feels like whenever I fly in my dreams).
But the next day was the main attraction! Gilbert South H.S. used Thirteen Reasons Why for its first One Book One School program, and when I came into the library, the whole place was decorated around my book.
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Almost everyone who came to hear me speak had read my book, which always makes it more enjoyable for everyone...including me!
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A few librarians from neighboring high schools also came to hear me speak, including writer/illustrator/librarian Tommy Kovac.
Melinda, the president of the G.S.H.S. book club, presented me with a blown-up cover of my book surrounded by hilarious and heartfelt comments from students.
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This school visit was especially fun because it was arranged by Jennifer! I mean...it was arranged by Mrs. H.
Mrs. H and I go way back. Her mom and my mom were best buds in high school. And then her mom's brother married my mom's twin. So my cousins were cousins with Mrs. H (at the time, Miss F), so Mrs. H has always felt like a kind of cousin to me.
So from Getty to Gilbert, it was a wonderful couple of days!