Although my daughter has been to NYC several time, I have never been. I have never wanted to go. Cities overwhelm me, as do large (and even not so large) groups of people. If my life had a theme it might best be summed up in the words of Jane Austen: "There is nothing like staying at home, for real comfort." But, as suggested by the "goes social" portion of my blog title, I have been slowly, this past year or so, been trying to stretch the limits of my comfort zone. This trip will be a big stretch. But a book expo - could there be anything more persuasive? Perhaps the most surprising thing, to me, is that since deciding to go, I am actually getting excited about it.
If you've been to BEA in the past, I'd love for you to share any tips with me. If you're planning to attend this year, it would be fun to be on the lookout to say hello in person. And if you are a fellow wallflower, please, please, please wish me luck!
And in the meantime, I'm going to try to avoid the onset of any panic attacks by visualizing things like this:
Instead of this:
Good luck Ruth! I'm sure you wont regret it :).
ReplyDeleteThanks, Katie. I can be calm about it now while it's far off, but as it nears I will be a wreck.
DeleteI loved NYC the one time I visited, but that was back in 1998. :) I hate big crowds too, but I still go out into them when I find the motivation sufficient. This book thingy would be sufficient motivation for me for sure!
ReplyDeleteI guess you're right, it's all about sufficient motivation. I must stay focused on that!
DeleteWow! Sounds like a great trip. I am sure you'll have a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ellen. I sure hope so.
DeleteOh Ruth, it sounds wonderful! I am also shy, but a few years ago I decided to force myself to experience life more - I'm so glad I did. I loved my visit to NYC in 2005. It was primarily for a wedding, but we had a chance to visit some spectacular sites. As an author, I'm sure attending the BEA with be a blast for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement, Victoria!
DeleteI'm with you on the shy traveler part. Why is it so hard to be more adventurous. I finally made my first trip to NYC just a few months ago with the help of another writer friend who held my had the whole time. Its a big city, but it is just a city and you can do it. I hope you get a chance to go.
ReplyDeletectny
Thanks, Courtney. I should keep your words in mind. . .it's just a city.
DeleteI'm right there with you, Ruth. I hide out in a quite spot and love it. Noise and crowds and lots of tall buildings do not make me happy.
ReplyDeleteIf you go, I'm sure you'll love it, especially since you can share the experience with your daughter.
Yes, Lee, those tall buildings! The minute I see them my chest tightens. Must perfect some relaxation techniques before May. And you're right, having my daughter there will make all the difference.
DeleteI'm a hider too. I did go to NYC for a writing conference. It was a great experience, but it was also a relief to escape to my hotel room for introvert breaks. :) I hope you get to go!
ReplyDeleteIntrovert breaks, I like that, Coleen. =)
DeleteHome is my favorite place too, but I've never been to BEA (or NYC) and hope to someday do both.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to do both someday too, Barbara!
DeleteYay, that is exciting! If you do have moments of feeling overwhelmed, don't be afraid to retreat into your mind for a moment, maybe singing a favourite song to yourself - even just a few lines can put a smile on your face and help you relax and be ready to face things head-on!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Victoria-Lynn for the tip. I'm sure I will need it ;)
DeleteI've been to BEA twice, Ruth, and although I'm not planning on going this year, I can tell you it's a book lover's paradise :) And New York City is, well, it's New York City - there's nowhere like it in the world. Of course, I grew up there, so it's familiar territory to me, so not really a fair comparison for you, but go! have fun! visit the Met while you're there, and go to a musical on Broadway :)
ReplyDeleteJust your words, Susanna, the way you speak of NYC with familiarity puts me at ease some. Thanks for that!
DeleteGood luck, Ruth. :) I get the whole Travel Anxiety thing. But hopefully, the books will make it a dream rather than a nightmare. :)
ReplyDeleteKat, my travel experiences are usually nightmarish, which is one reason I prefer not to do much of it. I am ready for dreamlike for a change!
DeleteBest, best, best of luck, Ruth! I'm a wallflower, and I sometimes don't have much to say even when I'm amongst a small group of friends (like really small, 4 of us?) Take in the Goodness, and never mind the rest.
ReplyDeleteOh, I just read your review of Brightness Sailors, Ruth. Thank you so much for taking the time to read & write! I'm extremely honoured, and glad that you enjoyed the story.
DeleteGood advice from a fellow wallflower. Thank you for that, Claudine. And you are most welcome for the review. I loved the story and I know I will reread it often!
DeleteNew York City is a perfect place for shy people. I should know- years ago I used to visit it often, and I am one of the Shy Tribe. I felt much less exposed among millions of strangers than I do in a small town.
ReplyDeleteGo, Ruth, Go!
Oooo, I like that alternate perspective, Mirka. I will try to wrap my head around that while I'm there.
DeleteThanks for the encouragement!
It looks like I'll be at BEA this year (my first time) though I'm not sure what day yet. We'll have to keep an eye out for each other!
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, Anna, it would be fun to say hello!
DeleteI entirely understand how you feel. I too have travel issues. I've never been to the US even though friends say I'd love it. It's a plane flight too far for me I'm afraid. Enjoy your trip. It'll be good to have your daughter with you too.
ReplyDeleteI've not been to a book expot but have been to book festivals and loved every second of it. I'm not a person who likes big crowds either but if it's going to be a big crowd, there is nothing better than having a crowd of books around as well! If your feeling shy, you can always grab a book and pretend your reading it! LOL Anyway, my bet is you'll do great, have a lot of fun, and be really glad you went. However, it will still be great to get back to home sweet home!
ReplyDeleteThanks for lovely photos. I would have loved a visit to NY on our recent trip to US but for some reason we didn't go.
ReplyDeleteAll the best for your NYC trip.
Nas
I've never been to Book Expo but would LOVE to go! I, too, would have the same worries, though, about being amongst it all and traveling in a big, big city. So glad to hear you're stretching your limits. It will be a wonderful experience, I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best! I visited NYC for the first time ever last spring. It was wonderful and overwhelming, and even though I live fairly close now, I've never had any desire to go back. But seeing Ellis Island was very worthwhile!
ReplyDelete:D Ruth, you and I have sooooo much in common! Loved this: "There is nothing like staying at home, for real comfort." I admire you for making this effort. Stretching ourselves outside our comfort zone once in a while is a good thing. You go, girl!
ReplyDeleteI too am a travel wimp unless I have a companion. Sounds like a great adventure to embark on with your daughter. Keep us posted! :-)
ReplyDeleteI have never been to the Book Expo- although I would LOVE to attend! I have been to NYC many times- and though I don't like large crowds- it is a place you can easily blend in. Lots to take in! I think being with your daugher will make it better for you. :) Stay positive and I can't wait to hear about everything.
ReplyDelete~Jess
How exciting! I went to BEA last year. It was fun and exciting, and exhausting! Lots of people and lots of books. Bring an extra suitcase (at least) to haul freebie books home.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I worked in NYC for years. It's a great city. You'll have fun!
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Ruth, I hope you go. I was just in NYC for the SCBWI conference in February. It's nice your daughter will go with you -- that helps. The Book Expo sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteRuth, I am like you ... avoiding big cities like the plague, but if I had an adult bookish daughter like yours to go with, I'd do it in a heartbeat. I hope you go!
ReplyDeleteI hope you go for it! :D
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