I was just in Houston to attend a council meeting of Connect America, one of First Book’s nonprofit partners.

The flight from DC was late getting into Houston, so I missed attending an Astros baseball game sponsored by Shell Oil. But there seems to be plenty of baseball in Houston. Our hotel, across the street from the baseball stadium, featured a baseball motif. Were those really little baseball stickers holding the end of the roll?

The meeting, held at the United Way of Houston’s beautiful offices, was very informative. It included a presentation by Mayor Bill White of Houston, a truly dedicated and caring individual with both corporate and federal government experience. I now understand why Houston’s response to Katrina’s displaced victims was so successful — he is a “make it happen” kind of guy.

John Hoffmeister, US President of Shell Oil Co. charged us with listening to both donors and potential donors and provide them with projects they are interested in supporting. He said there is great wealth, but nonprofits have to be smarter and more persistent about seeking it.

The reception at Neil Bush’s home was changed to a later time and I had to skip it in order to catch my flight to Memphis. But then I got stuck in the Atlanta airport because all flights to Memphis were cancelled due to severe thunderstorms, complete with hail, wind and tornados. I knew it was too good to be true! That’s the story of my life.

Next stop: Memphis, for a book distribution and Meet & Greet.