RUTLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

AUTHOR VISIT

FEBRUARY 12^th 2004

I have now learned not to make any appointments just before an author visit, it’s much too stressful. During the winter months our visits to Kelowna are limited, so we try and make the most out of every trip.

Several weeks ago I made an appointment to see our family doctor for refill of my prescription. Making sure, when I called, that the receptionist knew I had an author visit at a set time which I could not be late for. As is the case with any trip to the doctor, we ended having to wait as he was running behind schedule. 

My uncle once told me, he had informed his doctor that he was going to send him a bill for keeping him waiting because his time was just as valuable as the doctor’s. I doubt the doctor ever paid my uncle. 

While waiting, I couldn’t help but notice a sign in his office, which stated there would be a charge for any missed appointments. I wondered if I could send him a bill if I had to leave before he came in to see me.  Somehow, I doubt it. 

But enough of that, I saw the doctor and got to the school with minutes to spare.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff, our visit at Rutland Elementary School. You’ll remember back in November when we visited South Rutland Elementary School I explained that technically the school is in Kelowna and Rutland is part of the larger city.

It was during a trip to Kelowna in January when I stopped in at Rutland Elementary instead of phoning as I usually do. Being able to speak with Librarian, Donna Rubadeau, I inquired about visiting some of her classes. I left a copy of my books along with our website and the e-mail address and she said she would be in touch.

I didn’t have to wait long before receiving a very nice e-mail stating that she had read both the children’s books and enjoyed a delightful bit of research through our website. After scheduling a day and time for the visit, we were all set.

Mom and I are getting very good at setting up, we each have our own tasks and it hardly takes us any time at all.

Good thing too because shortly after the bell sounded, the children started filing in to the library. I always enjoy watching their faces as they come in and discover some of the original illustrations displayed on the table. The nudges usually start as they’re getting settled on the floor and they spot the rocking chair.

Soon, Mrs. Benson, Ms. Richards and Ms. Rotariu grade one classes were ready for what ever we had in store for them. Once settled, Mrs. Rubadeau introduced me saying in part that they were fortunate to have “a very special guest” with them today in the library. Who would have thought when I was growing up that anyone would ever refer to me as “a very special guest?” Not me, that’s for sure.

However, I do feel special and very blessed to be able to visit so many children in so many schools. It is the ultimate reward to be able to write stories and then share them with children who enjoy meeting me and hearing my stories.

After my regular greeting I told the children a little about myself, then I read The Rocking Chair Rescue. While reading today, I stood, finding this much easier than sitting in the rocking chair and trying to hold the book so the children could see the pictures, bifocals will do it to you every time.

I’m getting more comfortable while reading and as a result I was able to watch the children’s faces a little more this time. Every child paid very close attention, what a great audience.

I finished to a wonderful round of applause from students and teachers alike. Now for my favourite part -- the questions. We began with many of the usual questions, how old were you when you wrote the story? When did you write the story? How old were you when this happened? And of course my favourite question, how old are you now?

I answered by saying, “If I tell you how old I am then will you tell me how old you are?”

The young man who asked had no problem telling me his age. Then a few children said they thought I was older than I said. I suppose that’s not so bad, after all when I was young someone twenty was really old to me.

One young man was quick to point out that he thought I was younger than I had said. I told him that was a good answer and to remember that when he got older. After all, what girl doesn’t want to hear that she looks younger than she really is?

One question was, “How do you write with your hands the way they are?” Great question!

My answer, “I use a computer,” and I showed the class the two fingers I use for typing with. I also mentioned that I am fairly quick as a result of all the practise I have had.

A few questions were concerning our illustrators and someone asked who had done our ShortHand logo that we display. I explained that Fawn, who illustrated Lost & Found had also drawn the logo on the sheet. However, I neglected to mention that it was our first illustrator who had designed our logo in the first place.

The chair’s colour was discussed and how it had changed from when Davey and Kathy had first rescued it.

One of the teachers asked how long it takes from the time I start to write a story to get it to its present state. Good question!

I was also asked whether I had been teased about my hands when I was young.  I explained that when I was young my hands looked just as anyone else’s my age and that it wasn’t until my teen years when they started to disfigure. Mom mentioned to me later that she felt like reminding me that I had a picture of my disfigured hands with me. I wish she had spoken up, as I had forgotten  

When I was growing up I remember my Mom often saying, “You learn something new every day.”

Sometimes, when we get to our thirties and forties it may seem as if there’s not much more we can learn. However, if you ever think you have nothing left to learn – spend some time with children! I don’t think I have done a visit yet where I didn’t learn something new from them.

This visit was no different. One young man made a comment that in the first picture Davey was big and in another picture he was smaller. Boy, talk about being at a loss. I tried to explain that Davey appeared smaller in the one picture because he was further away. I’m afraid my explanation wasn’t very clear.

Later that night it came to me, I was trying to explain depth perception. How do you explain that to a six or seven-year-old? I hope someone will ask the same question again some time because I’m ready with a better answer now. I will have them come and stand in front of me and I’ll hold a picture or book real close to them. Then I will back away and show them that as I get further away, the book will seem to be smaller. 

At one point I noticed a young man standing at the front of the group with me. I looked to Mrs. Rubadeau and she quietly said that he was there to thank me for coming. What a great job he did!

Then Mrs. Rubadeau also thanked me for coming to spend some time with the children. In her closing remarks she mentioned how lucky they were to have someone visit them that had been teased and had lived with a great deal of pain during their youth. She also said that it was admirable that I had not let that deter me from writing books and sharing my brother’s and my adventures with others.

I had never thought of it quite that way before. She made a very good point and I believe I just may include that aspect during my next visit.

As usual the visit ended all too soon to suit me, but end they must. I’d like to thank Mrs. Rubadeau for inviting me to visit their school and for taking the pictures during the visit. I’d also like to thank all the teachers and last but certainly not least, my wonderful audience; you really know how to treat a guest!!

So until next time, read lots and be well! J

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