The day was wet and rainy, but that didn't seem to dampen the spirits of any of you that I met. I was pleased to see many people sporting owl feathers in their hats and black orchids on their lapels. I gave a Neil "Scary Trousers" Gaiman neverwear.net sticker to everyone I saw with either, and if I missed you I'm terribly sorry.
In the excitement and the irregular rain, I never actually managed to take a picture of the panda's packaging, but I know others did; if you could contact me I'd love to post them.
UPDATE: Eden has posted a great series of three images of the RoboPanda Presentation. (I particularly like how my face is obscured. Partial anonymity secured!) And Holly sends this photo of Maddy's reaction.
FURTHER UPDATE: Glenda sends a link to a picture she took of
me holding the panda package. Between the brown paper, the twine, and the interior full of circuitry I was just hoping that none of the agents swarming the Laura Bush tent next door would ask to x-ray it.
Here is a cellphone pic I took giving a close-up of the Official Panda Handling Kit.
What I expect you're all waiting to see, though, is the video of the RoboPanda Presentation. Let me first say that I am a terrible videographer, and beg your forgiveness. Between the rain, needing to turn on the RoboPanda after it was unboxed, handing Mr. G the Official Panda Handling Kit, and having only the two arms the camera dipped down to the table quite a bit. Plus I was a little too close to get a good wide angle. Chalk it up to lessons learned. When I show up at his house with the armadillo I'll bring someone else to video it.
The RoboPana was presented to Mr. G, all sneaky-like, by Eden, who also brought excellent gluten-free cupcakes!
Labels: at least I remembered to remove the lens cap, national book festival, RoboPanda