Tempus Fugit...or something

Well, time has gotten away from me once again! I'll keep trying to catch it, but it's rather elusive. Always in sight, but forever out of reach!

Anyhoo, for those three of four people that read these sporadic blog posts here's a recap of Poe Fest International:

I managed to drive to Baltimore without getting into an accident or making a wrong turn, and checked into the gorgeous Lord Baltimore Hotel. As I prefer for all of my lodging, the amenities include several resident ghosts. Most of whom are poor souls who found the highest building in town in the 1930s to escape the Great Depression, though there are reports of a little girl as well. (Isn't there always a little girl?)

I had little time to unpack before the first event of the weekend, the Raven Reception. This took place on the very haunted 18th floor. Tasty nibbles and adult beverages were served while spooky tunes were played. After a brief presentation by the lovely folks of Poe Baltimore and a hilarious monologue by Chad the Bird, the evening's main entertainment began — movie night under the stars featuring Corman classic The Raven, starring the incomparable Vincent Price. I forgot how funny that movie is!

It was straight to bed afterward because first thing in the morning, it was time to set up at the street festival.

The weather was warmer than I care for in October, but all of us indoor writer types were shielded from the sun's blinding rays by the tent provided by the Poe B crew. I had a great time chatting with festival attendees and fellow authors and nominees, Matthew Mercier and Rachel Martens.

Then it was back to the hotel to get dressed up for the Black Cat Ball. It was enchanting to walk through the nighttime streets of Baltimore with a group of like-minded writers and Poe fans. Of course the streets were much noisier and probably less smelly than they were back in Poe's time, but it was enchanting nonetheless. After a four block stroll, we arrived at Westminster Hall.

Several tasty nibbles, adult beverages, and spooky tunes later.... Rachel and I meandered through the catacombs under the Hall and through the graveyard, stopping at Poe's original grave and ending at the newer monument.

Back inside, and it was time for the entertainment! A captivating dramatic performance of The Raven by Stephen Smith, and a Poe themed burlesque by Hannah Raven. And then, the moment we were all waiting for...the awards ceremony.

I truly felt that statement, "it's an honor just to be nominated", after I was nominated. I'm still thrilled about it! I'm not saying I wouldn't have loved to win, I would absolutely have been able to get even more excited. But, alas, it was not to be. There were so many stellar nominees! My tent mates were two of the winners, so I got to be excited on their behalf. Overall, it was a fabulous night and

We ended it with a graveside toast to Poe.

Sunday was another toasty day — temperature wise, that is. More fun with the festival attendees and writers and artist. It was sad to see it end, but as an introvert, my socializing battery was running low and I was ready to go home.