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