I seen to have a bit of a Rhinebeck hangover. Or I'm just getting a cold. Or, possibly, both.
The shameless promo first, just to get it out of the way: This month's column in the almost daily is about bedtime.
Now the festival:

I was not in acquisition mode this year. On Saturday, I bought a bar of soap. On Sunday, two measly skeins of yarn*. For me, the festival was more about restoring connections and making new ones.

This would be one connection resorted. College friends Doula Quinn, me and Nicknameless** Trish (plus a relatively new friend Karen who was a pleasure but not around when I snapped this) spent the weekend hanging out. It was just dang lovely. And, no, I have no idea what I was looking at.
I spent most of the event in the author's tent, where I had the best time talking with people about all sorts of stuff. Two women dropped by to tell me that they are starting their own epic projects on January 1. Several readers came just to touch Lana in person. Some were pulled over by Lana and wound up buying the book. "You're a real person," one woman kept telling me, surprised each time. It was charming. Also reassuring.
One of my current students - the one who always knits during my lectures*** - walked past the table, got about ten steps beyond, did a classic double take and came back to find out if I really was her THTR 100 prof despite being out of context. Heh.
New connections were forged. Old connections renewed. And, well, I'm not sure how to describe this connection:

This is Rachael Herron, who is even more gorgeous in person, wearing Mary Tudor. This is the first time we all were together in real life. I wish she lived closer. :(

This is Steven, who I met at Natural Stitches****. He finished his Rhinebeck sweater. Above is the photographic proof.

Finally, just a moment of thanks for whomever thought to layer pulled pork, BBQ sauce, mashed potatoes and cole slaw. It was yummy, if gross and wrong to look at.
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* more on those later, since I Have A Plan.
** I might have dubbed Trish with a nickname at some point but can no longer remember a) if I did or b) what it was. Anyone? Also, both of these women make an appearance in Sweater Quest, for those who are truly obsessive.
*** while I get bent out of shape if students text during class, I have no problem with them knitting.
**** The whole gang was there, I think. As were quite a few yarnheads from Bliss in Nashville. And Katy and Juno and Clara and dozens of others my brain isn't currently recalling.***** Like I said, connections, like a gathering of the distant villages of our scattered tribe.
***** also, Uma Thurman and Jim Jarmusch were there. Not together.