Famed author Julie Morgenstern was recently in Washington, DC to speak at the National Book Festival. The National Book Festival is organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress and hosted by First Lady Laura Bush. Morgenstern was one of over 70 authors, poets, and illustrators presenting at the National Mall on Saturday, September 27, 2008.
Julie was speaking about her latest book, When Organizing Isn’t Enough – SHED Your Stuff, Change Your Life. She spoke at the Festival and signed books for the swarms of fans she has garnered since her NY Times Best Selling Book Organizing From the Inside Out made Julie Morgenstern a household name. To read Julie’s complete biography, please visit her website.
I meet weekly with two organizers, Judy Parkins of Gently Organized and Lauren Halagarda of The Organization Connection, as a mastermind group to develop ideas, problem solve, hold each other accountable for projects, and to simply chat about organizing. Judy had the brilliant idea to invite Ms. Morgenstern to dinner with the three of us while she was in Washington, DC. Much to our surprise, she accepted our invitation. We agreed to meet Julie and her assistant, Ellen at 5:30 PM so Julie could catch the 7:30 PM Amtrak back to her home in NYC.
Julie is a delightful person and a wonderful conversationalist. Although she wanted to know more about our businesses, we first inquired about her experience as an author at the Festival. Julie arrived in DC on Friday night to attend the gala held at the Library of Congress. The black tie affair was for authors, sponsors, dignitaries, and Washington socialites.
First Lady Laura Bush was the host for the evening, and even on the night of the first presidential debate, President Bush was in attendance. Julie commented how impressed she was he was there supporting the First Lady. The Festival, in its eighth year, is Laura’s baby and it was the last major public event she’ll host before Bush leaves office. So even after a day of discussions on the financial crisis and on the night of the debate, he was there to support her. Ok–I actually give him props for one thing–being a good husband. (My words, not Julie’s.)
We enjoyed hearing about how Julie began her day on Saturday with breakfast in the White House. I’ve been in Washington, DC for five years now and I’ve not yet been in the White House. I want to go on a spy mission and see if the President lives a cluttered lifestyle. Are Barney’s toys lying around everywhere? Do people have messy desks? Are there magainzes in the bathrooms? Is the Presidency for Dummiesbook on George’s nightstand? Anyhow, I digress. The brunch sounded beautiful and it was an event I’m sure she’ll never forget. She’ll never forget our dinner, either!