The Mother Lode

Things have been a whirlwind since Joanne and I returned from the Erma Bombeck conference this past weekend.  I wanted to share a few stories and some fun pics so here we go.

The first night we sat at a round table with folks and after introductions we all enjoyed chatting about who we were, what we write, that sort of stuff.  (Wow.  Admire that alliteration for a moment would ya?)

My ears tuned in on conversation to my right.  This unassuming fellow, Steve, was talking about the hit series “24″ and how he liked to write a recap of the program.  “I’m sort of embarrassed to say this, but they call me ‘The Amazing Steve.’”  Evidently he’s a fast writer and wipes out recaps quickly.

I had to tune into the conversation and offered, “Oh my!  On Dave Barry’s site there’s this fellow who writes these HILARIOUS recaps about 24!  They are SO STINKING FUNNY!  THEY MAKE ME FALL DOWN AND WET MY PANTS they are so hilarious!”  (Okay, I really DON’T wet my pants but women with bladder troubles- consider yourself warned.)

The other people that The Amazing Steve was talking to starting flapping their hands as though they were ready to take flight: “HE’S THE GUY!” they screeched.

I looked at this unassuming fellow again.  A computer guy by day he had told me.  And then he started blushing as I sucked all the wind out of the room, “OH.MY.GOSH!  YOU’RE the guy!  I read your column aloud to my hubby!”

I was gushing and he was blushing.  I can’t tell you how tickled I was.  This guy is a freakin’ comedic genius.  And you’d never know it to look at him.  (Which begs the question, what exactly does a humor writer look like?) Well, here….you look at these pics and you tell me:

This quiet guy is the comedic genius on Dave Barry's Blog?!

Then we argued over who was funnier. Not really, I just thought it sounded funny.

I decided that he was definitely more funny and left it at that. He is a great guy. I'd even say, "Amazing."

Now that I’ve told you about him, you simply MUST trot over to Dave’s Blog where the King of Humor himself mentions your need to read Steve’s comments.  And then buzz over to Steve’s blog and read his recap.  (And remember my earlier warning, ladies.)

Shifting gears now.  Another delightful surprise at the conference was the breakfast round tables.  There were little table tents stating the name of the person speaking and their topic.

Sam Horn- POP! Wow, I thought.  What an odd married name.  (I had considered being a Winn-LODE! at one time but it just didn’t work.) Joanne nudged me.  I think I know her, she said.  But I’m not sure, she added ominously.

She whipped out her phone and consulted with her hubby who is a huge reader and frequent conference attendee.

Joanne snapped her phone shut and said, “Daniel said we HAVE to meet this woman.  He said she is amazing!”

Wow.  Another Amazing person.  How lucky is this?

When Sam sat down, I knew we were in for a treat.  First, I learned her name was Sam Horn and the name of her recent book was, POP! That clears that up…

And we were off for the most power-packed, energetic course on public speaking I have ever heard in my life.  I want to be just like you when I grow up… (Gads, aren’t you glad people can’t see your thoughts floating above your head like in the cartoons?  But then again, I write waaay too many of my thoughts so there you have it.)

I want to write more about Sam tomorrow because she was, hands down, my favorite presenter at the conference.  I mean….she really rocked my world.

Here’s a pic of us:

Sam Horn is a wonderful person and dynamite speaker. She was my favorite presenter and I look forward to learning more from her via her book.

And that for now, folks, is a wrap.  The pool calls and fifty thousand other things after a very busy week! More on Sam manana.

Filed under: Just for fun, Personal notes | Tagged: 24, Dave Barry, Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop 2010, POP!, Sam Horn, The Amazing Steve | 1 Comment »