Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Chipper and Laughing at All Write


Last week I spoke at the All Write conference in Warsaw, IN. Twenty pages of illustrated notes, great sessions and new friends made it wonderful. I will reflect more on the sessions soon, but I wanted to capture meeting some Twitter and blogging folks first.


I made my way up the aisle in the dimmed auditorium to get settled in to listen to Lester Laminack, All Write's opening keynote. I sit in front rows.

In the front row there are less distractions. In the front row, I don't need to wear glasses to see the screen.  In the front row, there is less chit chat from others. I can hear the speaker pause to breathe. In the front row, I can read the expressions on speakers' faces. I am a front row sort of person.

So, I settle in near the middle in the empty front row. I open the last zipper of backpack and slide my black sketchbook out from it's spot next to my laptop. I unzip the second zipper and fish around the pocket for my Staedler colored pencils-- the ones in the stand up case. I pause and look up the long angle to the projection screen. This front row is neck-crick close to the screen.

A woman behind me leans forward and says, "Hey! You're the other Lee Ann!"

"Oh my gosh, Leigh Anne!" Leigh Anne Eck was sitting just behind me. Of course she was an up-front sort of participant too. We originally met online-- on twitter, on our blogs. What a delight to finally meet face to face. Leigh Anne has already started blogging her learning from All Write-- I love how she framed her learning from my session as things she would take-forward into next year. 
Chiper (@chipten) photobombing behind us.

We started sharing bits from school and life. Suddenly, in leans another smiling face. "And I'm Jennifer..."

From YESTERDAY? Jennifer Laffin participates in  Slice of Life blogging hosted by Two Writing Teachers. I'd read her blog about her first trip to All Write just the day before. She wrote about taking the plunge to attend All Write alone four years ago and how braving the conference by herself changed her professional life. I commented and hoped to connect and as if by magic, or God's unseen, happy hand, here she was right behind me.

Jennifer Laffin and I at the Boathouse after All Write day #1

"And this is  Chiper," Jennifer said motioned to the woman sitting to Leigh Anne's left.
"Chiper? There must be a story behind that great name!"

"I was a chip off the old block and I'm always happy," Chiper said. As one who has been accused of farting rainbows and unicorns, can I just say I how it tickled me to meet Chiper.

Just like that, I found more members of my tribe:  happy learners who sit up front, take notes, talk teaching, laugh and write.

14 comments:

  1. Aww...this was such a great time, a time I will always treasure! And I am so happy to be a part of your tribe!

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  2. It was a great conference -- our first time. Thank you for sharing your slice -- it was so nice to connect with you in person as well.

    Clare and Tammy

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    1. Thanks Clare and Tammy! It was nice to see you again. Remember that wonderful Slicers gathering in Boston during NCTE: https://twowritingteachers.org/2013/11/25/highlights-from-ncte13/ Tammy, I hope that wrist heals well!

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  3. I love reading this slice. And since I've been in that auditorium twice, I could just picture you on the front row. And I love both Jennifer and Leigh Anne. Lucky you to meet the two of them so early in the conference. Chiper is new to me. Does she have a blog?

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    1. Hi, Ramona! Chiper does not have a blog (yet!) but she does have a wonderful Twitter account @chipten and she's a crafter who runs and Etsy shop: Chips Crafty Creations.

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    2. Hi Ramona! I'm Chiper ;) yes I do have a blog. It is my goal to get better at posting but life has been crazy. Lee Ann Spillane is an amazing person that I felt a strong connection with. We are on the same wave length. Check out my blog ;) https://principalspoints.wordpress.com

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  4. So, so happy to have met you and become a part of your tribe. You are a true gem!!

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    1. We are lucky teachers indeed. This is just the beginning. I look forward to seeing where Teach Write leads you!

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  5. It sounds like so much fun to actually meet everyone you've been blogging with face-to-face!

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    1. It really was-- one of those moments that just tickle you.

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  6. It was so nice to see you and attend your awesome session! I have more ideas for writing now! (Jennifer Sniadecki)

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    1. Good to see you again too, Jennifer. I appreciated all you and Kelly shared during the session. Your students are lucky to have you!

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  7. What a happy reunion for all! I hope to make it to All Write some day soon, too.

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    1. It was a great conference, Tara. Thoughtfully structured with engaging sessions-- not too big, not too small, terrific teacher participants--you'd enjoy it too.

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