I spent last week in Pasadena (so hot! so sunny!) for a climate workshop hosted by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab. The workshop itself was great, with a refreshingly diverse pool of attendees. In addition to Science, highlights included soaking in the vibe from the Mars rover Curiosity landing, and getting to spend time with local writer friends. For the former, the general sentiment from the control room was “I thought I was going to throw up.” For the latter, I spent a most excellent day with Andy, who is a tour guide after my own heart, and Anthony, and later Andy’s wife Carol. And even later in the week, Kelly and Bradley! Great conversations all around.
L.A. had more character than I was expecting. I don’t have much in the way of photos, but I loved the southern California landmarks, burgers and beers at Venice Ale House, and watching the action at the Venice Beach skate park. I also wore shorts for the first time in five years, and I left with more freckles than I arrived. My only regret was I didn’t have the opportunity to go hiking. The hills were calling to me.
Next time!
On a different topic, I encourage you to check out this interview with Norton Award juror E.C. Myers, over at The Intergalactic Academy. The Norton Award is relatively new, and is geared towards science fiction and fantasy books for young adults–which I think is a really exciting genre. Many excellent books have been nominated in years past, such as Ship Breaker and Daughter of Smoke and Bone, and the award is definitely worth keeping on your radar.
Venice Beach
Andy, Anthony, and me
