15 February 2012

did you know it was the National Year of Reading??

Greetings all,
This post is dedicated to beautiful Felicity from Gifts of Serendipity blog who is not only a teacher & raising 3 wonderful children, but she nurtures her followers to
Vive Le Livre too.
 I was invited by author Tania McCartney to the National Year of Reading launch, at The National Library of Australia.  We arrived early to eyeball the Handwritten Exhibition from Berlin.  WOW.  To view the handwriting of Michelangelo, Galileo, Dante, Einstein, & to read the wit of Napolean first hand + handwritten music of Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms (& dozens more) . . . huge treat.  There were manuscripts dating back 1000 years, i want to find 'monk font' as their penmanship was perfection!!   
 I suggested we sit behind the VIP seating & da dah - the Prime Minister sat in front of us.  I could never be a celebrity, the flashing lights were migraine inducing!!  Ditto for yet another white/ cream/ off white jacket for our PM.
 I didn't watch the news but guessing i was in the background of some footage.  I had a very sparkly sequined Alannah Hill cardigan on - right back at you bright lights!!  The PM, Arts Minister & Education Minister all gave inspired speeches on reading.  I married an avid reader, most military men are, like my papa, it's their escape.  My children all devour books, not so much my 3rd girl, she'd rather be crafting, like her mama.   
 Dishy William McInnes is the NYR patron, here with Children's Laureate Boori Monty Pryor who had those school children thoroughly engaged with his stories & imagination.  The lights kept dimming, to total darkness (during all speeches, including the PM) it was completely bizarre & after the 10th time, really funny.  I learnt afterwards, the media folks were leaning on the light switches & over riding the main NLA remote controls!!   
 Now for my How To Have Your Photo Taken With A Celebrity master class - it's easy, just be polite, friendly & camera ready.  I called out "William, would you have a photo with my friend please" & he obliged.  Totally made Tania's Valentine's Day!!
Ditto with Jennifer Byrne . . . "may i take your photo please Jennifer" & look at her, beaming, such a delightful lady.  You might know her from her First Tuesday Book Club or The Project, she was a fantastic host of this "3 Minister Supported Event".
 NYR local Ambassador Tania - enthusiastically tackles colleagues.  I love being available for these events, housewife one day . . . high profile events the next!! 
I headed off to school with the contents of the event goodie bag for our principal, who was thrilled about getting her hands on the not-yet-released merchandise.  It's who you know people!!  Now get reading & spread the word, it's Australia wide, check out the Love2Read events at your local library/ city/ state or territory all year, love Posie

15 comments:

Hot Fudge said...

I am suffering from Tania Envy, posing with the delicious William McInnes.

Felicity said...

Yet again Jennie - you make my mind spin with your incredible life!

I was listening to Radio National on Monday where they were promoting NYR and I thought "Wowzers how amazing that we've begun 'Vive le livre!' this year too?!?".

Thank you for the mention, I'd love to have some Posie Patchwork readers join our get together on the firs Tuesday of March...turn those pages ladies!

xx

Becky said...

We love reading here too. Looks like you had a lot of fun :)

ThePassionateShopper said...

Ooh I didn't know it was year of reading, but I have committed to get back into reading & read 26 books this year!

One pair of Hands said...

What a great post Jennie. William McInnes - yummy.
Can't imagine a world without books - hope it never happens.

Mum on the Run said...

What a great day.
We're big readers here too (Well, Magoo and I)so we're in for a great year.
Looking forward to getting my class involved too.
:-) x

Anonymous said...

I also have one child who is not a reader, unlike his two brothers. Every Xmas they get at least three books. Last Xmas he begged me not to give him any books, though I said it was too late I already picked one for him. I couldnt understand the complaining as I used to walk into town to buy my own books as a child. He got "2012 Guiness Book of world records" and I explained that he would have 'incedental' reading. Well everyone took turns reading about gruesome facts, strange animals etc, and my 2nd son read facts to me in bed at night. His younger 11 year old brother said " Your right Mum, there is incedental reading". Not sure if he knew what it meant but I did have a giggle at his comment. It is so much about the right books at the right time. So glad my eldest grew up with "Harry Potter".

posie blogs Jennie McClelland said...

Thanks Anon - about 6 years ago a darling friend introduced my eldest to the Guiness Book of Records too (i grew up with them so they were familiar but wow, what a fantastic book for children, especially on long drives!!) The 'incidental' reading & trips around the world to weird & wonderful places & people were amazing. We've had a few more volumes since.
My crafty girl is just like me, maybe she will grow up to be a scientist/ crafter also, so she can continue to 'do' & keep those hands busy. Her twin sister just re-read the entire Harry Potter series of books, in January, not bad for a 10 year old who read them first aged 7/ as they came out. Long live Harry Potter!! What a life changing book series, like what Enid Blyton was to us, love Posie

bron @ baby space said...

I did not know, thanks for telling me! Event sounds so great and that William is indeed dishy -- lucky.
My eldest is not book-inclined but the middle one just soaks them up, it's awesome.

ally said...

I didn't know about it being NYR - hope William comes here to launch something ...would definitely get on that list!!
We're all readers...all the time...am so happy to see my children embracing it with such love.
Currently reading HP #1 to the 7yo and the 3yo - the big girl is re-reading them to herself for the 3rd time :-)

Sally said...

Oh that does look like a fun outing. Wish I could have tagged along.

Unknown said...

Miss Posie

I would have loved your sparkly cardi. Wished I saw it.

Love jennifer byrne and loved her book club show thingy.

Hope you are all well and life is chuffing along well

hugs

x loulou, hereiamloulou blog 

Tiff said...

Awesome! You can never start reading too early or read too much!!! Wish I was there too! X

Kirsty @ Bonjour Quilts said...

No, I didn't know. I thought it was the National Year of the Farmer. I'm confused by all these 'Years Of' I can't keep up with it. At least the cyclone naming system is alphabetical!
Sounds like you had a great time, it would have been great to attend and I always love a freebie bag. Yippee!

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