Gippy, here I come!

That's right folks, as of Sunday I will be way way way away from my little town of Ivanhoe, heading down the Princes Hwy to Bairnsdale for a few days, then up to Sale after that for a couple of days. All of this is to give workshops to the kids out Gippsland way, and I am hanging for it, it is going to be a real adventure.
The car's been serviced, I have a whole truckload, well carload of books ready to take down for some sellin', and I am all good to go.
In between now and leaving on Sunday, however, there are still some times to be had.
First up I am out to Bangholme tomorrow for a school market, and then out to Ringwood Church on Saturday for a church market.
Then, after all that it is time for a little time out, and I have a big partay for one of my friends who will be getting married to one of my oldest and favourite friends in November.
So all very, very good stuff!
In the last few weeks I had a couple of school visits, heading out to Mount View Primary School, courtesy of my Aunty-in-law who teaches there, and I had a ball with all the grade 3s and 4s. They were awesome, and we had a whole heap of laughs.
I also went out to Haileybury College in East Brighton, which funnily enough is actually where I went to Kindergarten many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many years ago. But I spent an hour learning about creating eBooks, something I am seriously looking into, and then 50 minutes with a very cool group of grade 6 girls, who drew my pictures better than I do I think . Again, we had some great laughs and a really good fun time.
So that is me to now, and next week I will be out in green Gippsland having even more fun. That's what it's all about people. If you aren't having fun, it may be time to look for something else to be doing.
Have a great week, and keep living the dream.
Stay Gold.
Wally

I AM SLACK!

But I am here now. You can all relax, breathe easy, untense those shoulders, and get to reading this post!!! So much has happened since my last post, not the least of which was International Talk Like a Pirate Day! Did you do it? Did you talk like a pirate on September 19th? Yes? No? Well, it's every year so you have another chance next year, and I will be checking, me hearties, I will be checking!

What else? Well, I had a couple of great days out Werribee way, at Collins Bookstoer in Werribee Plaza. I did some drawing workshops and they were great fun, although one time I thought the evil laugh when I was reading Valerie's Vomit may have scared a few book browsers ... it was great fun though, and I am probably going to be back out there again next year to do some writing.

What else? Well, I had a few cool markets around Victoria, from Federation Square to Healesville and Murrumbeena, all of which served up nice people, great sales, and occassionally a downpour of rain!

I also spoke at RMIT Bundoora, to the graduationg class of 2009 teachers. A whole group of potential 2010 Primary School teachers, and I had a great time there too. I only spoke for around 15 minutes, but got some good laughs (always good when you're doing a talk on humour!), made some amazing sales, and met some amazing people. It was all organised by Erin (my step-niece!), Leigh and Liz, and they organised a fantastic day. Good luck to all of you next year in your very own classerooms! The kids are lucky to have you.

That's about it. We also remembered, on the 30th of September, a year since Bryan Portingale (my step-dad and Erin's Pa) passed away from cancer. He was a great man, and an inspiration to me in many ways, the most important to me being facing life with a smile and positivity, even in the face of crushing circumstances. I miss Bryan and it was nice to spend a day with family remembering him.

So I am done. I will try and get back sooner next time.

Have a great week, and keep living the dream.

Stay Gold.

Wally