Turkeyville in Marshall, MI

This weekend I was surrounded by a sensory paradise: turkeys singing, swings squeaking, mini horses pulling a wagon, the sun on my shoulders. Everywhere I turned, there were sounds of children laughing, people chatting, and the joy of talking about my books.

Coincidentally, it was National Coloring Day, which gave me the perfect excuse to hand out coloring pages and crayons. But really, it was all about making connections. One story that resonated most with visitors was my simple sign that read "Not a Hugger." That tiny detail sparked conversations about why a porcupine, and almost everyone knew someone who could easily be imagined as a porcupine character themselves.

Another highlight of the event was seeing the joy on people's faces as they discovered little moments of creativity and curiosity—whether coloring, sharing stories, or just soaking in the lively surroundings. Those connections, big and small, are what make these weekends truly unforgettable.