Where will Sylvia be next?

Camp Mariposa is a truly special place: a year-round mentoring and prevention program for youth ages 9–12 who are impacted by a loved one’s substance use. At each weekend camp, kids gather to laugh, learn, hike, make s’mores, and, most importantly, connect—with each other and with trained mentors who remind them they’re never alone.

If there’s one thing the Midwest does best (besides casseroles and kindness), it’s storytelling—and Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest was living proof. Hundreds of writers, readers, and literary dreamers filled the halls of the Harrison Center for two days dedicated to the words that grow right here in our own backyard.

The vibe was easy, the food smelled incredible, and the conversations reminded me that “community” isn’t just a word people toss around — it’s built one shared story, casserole, and driveway chat at a time.

McCordsville Elementary really nailed the “perfect fall evening” vibe. I parked myself next to the food truck—prime real estate if you ask me—and spent the evening surrounded by the smell of burgers, the sound of laughter, and a whole lot of kids running around like it was their job.

All day, people wandered in and out of my shelves, calling me “awesome,” “adorable,” and even “the cutest bookstore on wheels.” I blushed—well, as much as aluminum can.

Sketches, sneak-peek books, and a trailer full of would-be tenants—Holy Angels’ literacy night had it all.

Slime, sand, karaoke—and a trailer full of readers. IPS 55’s back-to-school bash proved that a good story outshines even the sparkliest slime.

I’m always sniffing out a good deal — call it thrifty, call it smart, call it “Sylvia knows how to stretch a dollar.” So when I got invited to park myself at yard-sale central on Washington Blvd, I knew I’d found my people. The street was lined with gorgeous homes, killer deals, and folks ready to haggle over a flower vase like it was The Price is Right.

It was a hot one. Like really hot. The kind of day where you question all your life choices by 9 a.m.

This past Wednesday, Sylvia spread her wings and rolled into the SoBro Farmers Market — and let me tell you, it was storybook magic (with a splash of rain)!

Yes, it stormed…puddle-splashing, tent-holding, hair-frizzing rain. But guess what? Not even storm clouds could stop this crew.