I have funny stories from my trip to Book Expo America to speak at its subconference, Book Bloggers Conference. However, as always happens when you return from a business trip at 10 pm during the work week, I'M DYING. So, tomorrow! In the meantime, please to enjoy some fuzzy, crappy pictures I took with my phone!

Horseless carriages. I SLAY ME!!!

Panel beginning to fill up -- it had great attendance, phew!

Book Blogger Convention co-founder Michelle Franz and my partner in bookish crime at BlogHer, Karen Ballum aka Sassymonkey.

Me, Jenny Lawson (The Bloggess) and Karen Ballum (Sassymonkey)

There is so a story behind this.

Also, Ray Bradbury died today. My tribute to him is on BlogHer.

I'm getting ready to take off for New York City to speak at Book Bloggers Conference, which is part of Book Expo America. The opening keynote is author Jennifer Weiner, and the closing remarks -- wow, is the world small -- are by my friend Jenny Lawson, also known as The Bloggess.

My session is on monetizing book blogs. I'm excited to meet and talk shop with my fellow panelists.

So You Want to Make Money?

Syndication, Monetization and Affiliate Programs for your Blog

Moderator: Scott Fox, ClickMillionaires.com
Speaker: Rita Arens, Senior Editor, BlogHer.com
Speaker: Ron Hogan, Beatrice.com 
Speaker: Thea James, Co-Founder, The Book Smugglers
Speaker: Sarah Pitre, Blogger, Forever Young Adult 

Though it's making me sad to leave for two nights, I'm beyond excited to wade in the deep end of publishing for a while day and a half. I WILL TAKE WHAT I CAN GET AND LIKE IT.

I'll be photoblogging hopefully while I'm there so I can take you with me. This is a huge conference for the publishing industry, and I have no idea what to expect.

BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS 

As promised, a photo gallery of the little angel's eighth birthday cake.

This was obviously not made by me.

I chopped off the top because it had her name on there and I'm still not into sharing that online. I'm bad with photos, but not that bad.

The number was made from white chocolate, I think.

Mr. Octopus sits on a bed of brown sugar sand. The entire cake was edible except for the toothpicks holding in the treasure chest. Note the suckers on the underside of his legs.

Coral and shells

The treasure chest was made from cocoa Rice Crispie treats.

Nemo. I know -- when she brought it over I just sat and stared at it for twenty minutes, asking her how she made all the parts.

Absolute best part: how much she loved it. Happy birthday to my sweet girl.

I'm still feeling pretty gross, so this is all I've got today. If you're a Kansas City local and are interested in contact info for my amazing baker friend, email me at ritajarens(at)gmail(dot)com.

Over at BlogHer my interview with Jenny Lawson (The Bloggess) is up -- Jenny's book comes out today, I think, and I'm so excited for her!