(urth) chicago event

[Daniel Petersen]

Dang.  My heart just literally ached in my chest.

-DOJP

On Sun, Mar 18, 2012 at 12:13 PM, Marc Aramini <marcaramini at yahoo.com>wrote:

> I am at the hotel in Chicago now getting everything ready for my flight
> back to Vegas, and I noticed a little computer in the lobby (my phone is
> low tech - for calling) so I figured I would give a brief summary of
> events.  I will expand more later after I arrive home.
>
> AWESOME event.  Valya and the coordinators did a wonderful job getting
> together a very interesting and entertaining evening.  The atmosphere and
> weather were wonderful, and the estate was amazing, with the highlight (of
> the facility) being an 8000 pipe organ that was masterfully played by their
> organist, from coin operated boy to Star Wars.  The Toy Theater story
> adaptation was perfect for the setting, and as James Wynn commented, the
> estate was a steampunk's dream come true, probably the best way to describe
> it.
>
> I got to meet James Wynn, Michael Andre-Druissi, Nick Lee and his date,
> and Jensen and his wife from the list (if they don't all post actively,
> they have at least frequented it).  I have probably mispelled the even
> names.  I have to admit that a priori in my mind I harbored the idea that
> we must be somewhat nerdy, but we are actually a pretty sharp bunch even
> when it comes to appearance.  I had never gone to a con or anything before,
> and this was well worth it. It was a much more handsome and dignified group
> than I expected from the Urth list, both women and men.  I enjoyed speaking
> with all of them.
>
> Craig, I didn't see your email before I drove up to Vegas and have not had
> access to a computer until now, I apologize.  The personal stories related
> by Neil Gaiman and Lawrence (was it Sarrantonio?) the guy who adapted the
> Toy Theater were profound and touching.  Michael Swanwick had some great
> things to say as well, as did David Hartwell.  Patrick O'Leary and his wife
> were sitting at my dinner table with James Wynn, and they were also great.
>
> I will try to get some photos online Monday; I still have to fly back.
>
> Gene's acceptance speech was hilarious and touching.  It went into the
> reason for his style (four kids and a wife hollering if he wanted bacon
> while he was trying to write in a small place), his reasons for writing
> (easier than repairing stuff around the house), and said he wanted to make
> sure to personally insult every friend who came.  He is a wonderful
> speaker, and there is a sharpness and energy to him that makes the years
> fade when he starts to talk.
>
> I will post more later, but it was a truly great evening and one of the
> highlights of my life.  Gene has always been a kind and brilliant man, and
> he still is.  I really enjoyed getting the chance to meet everyone there.
>  I will post more later.  Some pics to come!
>
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