Ivies Plus Conference

Who in their right mind would schedule a conference right after Easter! Well, never mind. I am happy to reconnect with people I haven't seen in awhile, even though it means driving to New Hampshire. This conference is small - around 40 people - and you get to know people better.

The helpful part is that they are all dealing with the same issues - tight budgets, repurposing staff, downsizing, balancing print with digital resources, managing unexpected demands. Its good to put our heads together and see how others are coping, learn some new strategies, see what is coming down the pike.

I was nearly to Vermont when it occurred to me that when my brother got married a bit ago, he moved in with his new wife somewhere in New Hampshire. Maybe he would be close enough that I could squeeze in a visit after the opening reception. I called him. Imagine my surprise (and his) when I discovered he lived only a mile or so from the hotel where I was staying!

We arranged for me to swing by after the reception. It was so good to see him again. My older brother, and only older sibling, and I got off to a bumpy start. He took a dim view of my arrival and managed to bop me on the head with a can of spinach and push me off the porch in my carriage before I got old enough to protest. Ah, well, I survived despite his best efforts, and we have a unique and precious connection that I do not share with my other siblings.

Pete and I can go for months without seeing each other, but when we get together, it is as if our conspiracy picks up right where it should. Though his true twin died at birth, I often feel as if we think very much alike. Pete is a wonderfully gifted and creative and thoughtful individual whom I have always respected and admired.

We chatted well after his wife retired. It was good to reconnect. The conference was excellent, helpful and brought me lots of ideas. But the best part of it was the unexpected blessing of getting to spend time with my brother! Its that just like the good Lord to arrange all that for my benefit! I am blessed indeed.