In the aftermath of Sandy.

My heart goes out to those affected by Sandy.  Seaside Heights' park suffered extensive damage.  Still finding out about the effects on parks like Gillian's and Coney Island and Storybook Land.  Prayers and white light to all.

Kiddieland Sign Restoration Ceremony tomorrow evening!

Our beloved sign.  Photo taken on opening day of its last season: April 17, 2009.

Attention Kiddieland fans!  If you're near the Melrose Park area tomorrow evening, why not stop by and take a gander at our beloved Kiddieland sign in its new home: the Melrose Park Library!  There will be a restoration ceremony at the library tomorrow night, September 28, from 7 to 9 PM.  I'll speak for a few minutes about my book and how Kiddieland shaped its writing.  I'll also have some copies of my book available for purchase; what's better than a personally autographed copy I ask you?  The library is located at 801 N. Broadway in Melrose Park.

The sign (well, I hear MOST of the sign; it's not the entire sign) will adorn the exterior of the library, reminding passersby of the wonderful little park that once was...

The Tattered Cover Bookstore in Denver will be carrying "The Cotton Candy Road Trip"!!!

Have you ever visited this store?

Lovely historic building, the main location for Tattered Cover.

  If you're a Denver, CO local, you most likely have.  The Tattered Cover's been around since 1971.  It's huge, it's beautiful, in an historic building, has a great catalogue of books, and did I mention it's a Denver mainstay and lots of HUGE authors have signings (like that guy whose last name is uncannily similar to mine, minus the "l') there and it's a big deal for them to agree to carry my book?

It is, and it is, and it is.

Look at this place!  It's beautiful - a REAL bookstore!

There's a process you go through to have your book carried there if you're self-published.  Last week when we visited Denver, I marched right in, armed with a copy of my book and my media kit and a horrible cold that was rather off-putting.  But I just got word today that either the book is that good or my red, flaky nose wasn't TOO off-putting.  Or both.

I'm so happy that folks in the Denver area will be able to sidle in to Tattered cover, take a look at my book, and bring home a copy.  A real bookstore.  And not just any bookstore.  Here's some specs:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tattered_Cover

Its one of the largest independent bookstores in the United States!!

And read more about them on this Tumblr page.  Interesting stuff this:  http://tatteredcover.tumblr.com/

Revisiting old friends in Colorado.

In just a titch, Ben and I will be stepping off our plane at Denver International Airport and spending several days in our Other Home (nad, hopefully, Future Home): the Greater Denver area.  My mother-in-law, who I call Jeanmom, will be celebrating her 70th birthday.  And, because she's not one to stop a celebration short, she's adding a recommitment ceremony to her husband of 30 years to the mix.  I'll be singing "Simple", a simply beautiful song by k.d. lang - and will try not to blubber through the lyrics.  It will be a sweet and simple gathering in their backyard.  I'm sure God will be smiling down on them that day; he's been shining down on them for over thirty years now.

Later in the week, we'll be visiting some other dear ones: the folks and reindeer and llamas and The Jolly Bearded One himself at Santa's North Pole Workshop near Pike's Peak.  I visited the park for my book back in 2009.  This summer, their future was in peril due to the tremendous wildfires that ravaged the area.  I promised myself - and well as made an on-line declaration -  that I would visit the area very soon.  I'm making good on that promise.

Plus, I really need to have a convo with St. Nick about Christmas gifts.  Not really the ones I want for me, but the ones I want for others.  Turns out, three out of my 6 numbers for Powerball came up, but that only nets me seven bucks.  I'm sure the Jolly Old Elf will figure out a way for a big win by Christmastime.  I have lots of people to help.  And that includes a number of vintage parks.

Ben and me at the North Pole Workshop in September, 2009

The Garden of the Gods, Pike's Peak's Cog Railway and Manitou Springs are also on the itinerary, as is a visit to Denver's Tattered Cover Bookstore to drop off a copy of my book in hopes they'll approve it for inclusion on their shelves. And Ben's got a coaching lecture in the city as well.  All in all, a busy, bustling, exciting trip!  Can't wait to see our old friends again.

And that means you two!  I'm counting on you to remember me and looking forward to our heartfelt reunion!

Bought a piece of Conneaut Lake Park ...

Well, a part of the boardwalk, to be precise.  I'm thrilled to announce that "The Cotton Candy Road Trip" is a proud supporter of the refurbishing of the Conneaut Lake Park boardwalk, the lovely walkway beyond the park, on the lake, near the historic Hotel Conneaut.

I visited CLP three times during my Road Trip and was ecstatic to see the progress made on this lovely park.  A shout out to Lisa, part of the park crew, for taking this photo for me.

If you're interested in donating to help the park get even better, please follow this link and give generously:

http://www.conneautlakepark.com/contributions.html

Take a listen to an interview I did for WDCB!

A few weeks ago, quite early in the AM (you can hear the sleep in my voice), I was interviewed by WDCB, the jazz statio out of College of DuPage.  Click on the link below and enjoy.  And while you're listening, gaze at the photos beneath of our Road Trip to South Dakota (which I mention in the interview)!

http://soundcloud.com/wdcbnews/roadtrip-lf

Chicago Tribune article about Santa's Village Azoosment Park - and a bit about "The Cotton Candy Road Trip"!

http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-santas-village-amusement-park-20120814,0,6360507.column

I'm so excited I could leap over candy canes, spin around the North Pole, and make a general spectacle of myself in front of Santa Claus himself!

Last month, Chicago Tribune feature writer Steve Johnson interviewed me at Santa's Village Azoosment Park in East Dundee, IL as part of an article about the resurgence of this beloved area vintage park.  I've been holding my breath for weeks now, but I can finally report the article is out and it's fantastic!  It features interviews not only with me but, even more importantly, the park's general manager Don Holliman, and Phil Wenz, who helped revive the park and compiled an Arcadia Publishing "Santa's Village" historical picture book!  And, I just learned, a writer named Christopher Dearman self-published a book called "Santa's Village Gone Wild!" comprised of stories from the folks who worked there over the years!

Azoosment Parkpalooza!!

Enjoy the article and make sure you pay Santa's Village Azoosment Park a visit this season!