Thursday, January 11, 2007

Humor me, Harper Lee!

I was HERE!

Last night will be a night that I will always remember. It will definitely by a spotlight from the "Montgomery years" that I will look back on with delight. I got to experience what every book-loving English teacher could dream of--being in the presence of her hero.

For more information about the event, click here and read a touching story of two schools merging, and Harper Lee making a rare public appearance.

In my elementary, middle, and high school years, two books really touched me, opened my eyes, and made me passionate about the world of literature and reading: Anne of Green Gables (and Avonlea to follow) and To Kill a Mockingbird. When I was in college and was choosing between two sororities, a fact that pushed me over to one side (with several others) was that Harper Lee had indeed pledged Chi Omega. Trivial, I know, but true.

Yesterday, at about 10 a.m., I found out that Harper Lee had planned to make somewhat of a last-minute appearance--which is an extreme rarity as she avoids the public limelight and lives a reclusive lifestyle--at a joint high schools' performance of her famous work. Lee's teachers and students were invited to this invitation only event compliments of the State Department of Education. I almost fell out of my chair, and I completely rearranged my day and night. My good friend, Britani, who shares a love of TKAM, was able to share this special event, and we were moved. The performance was excellent, and just seeing her was worth it. We did almost go borderline psycho with plans to follow her limo, or walk the streets of Monroeville and just happen to show up at her church with our copies of TKAM for her to sign. How convenient, right? But, alas, we refrained... (I also refrained from wearing my Chi-O jersey! :))

Coming soon are some pictures that we took from the event...

9 comments:

Jenny said...

I love how delighted she looks in this picture.

Cary said...

I read about this and thought about you. Guess I should have figured you would actually be there.

Jamey said...

I'm so glad you got to have such a great experience!

My mom would have loved to have been with you...TKAM is her favorite too. She teaches it every year and finds so many new things each time she reads it.

Lerra said...

One of my co-workers was there, too! That was all she talked about the next morning. She had such a blast.

Ashley @ pure and lovely said...

oh wow!!! I cant believe I havent heard about this one yet, personally! ha! congrats on such a special event! wow. i must say im a bit jealous! she rocks.

Jesse Faris said...

TOO COOL! Oh I can't wait to hear more about this. Pictures, please!

Unknown said...

Wow. That's incredible.

p.s. Tale of Two Cities=slow going at the start, but it is Dickens. Just please, don't pick Hard Times to teach your students for the Dickens selection. I have TWO teachers do that to me in my academic career!

Jenny said...

Please update. For me. Humor me, Kristy C. :)

Jenny said...

I beg of you, please update so that picture of the old woman is dropped down lower when I check your site. She's really depressing me.

Love,
Your friend and co worker.