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My ACFW roomies!

Posing with Jody Hedlund’s debut novel, The Preacher’s Bride.

The lovely Erica Vetsch! Yes, I’m holding chocolate. It’s a weird story.

Saturday evening lunch!

Saturday evening lunch part two!

Hanging out at the hotel bar on Saturday night.

How much fun are these two ladies? Way fun!

The lovely Cathy West.

My wonderful agent, Rachelle Gardner.

After the banquet!

And now for some fun….

Jim Bell was the speaker for the early-bird workshop. Can I give you some advice? If ever you have the opportunity to hear this man speak, GO! Not only does he know his stuff, he’s quite funny and inspiring. Plus, he’s written three amazing craft books and numerous novels.

So, Jeannie and I are sitting at dinner on Friday and Jim’s sitting at the table behind us. We want a picture with him, but he’s engaged in conversation and I have to admit, we’re a little star struck. So we get our own kind of picture. Later that night, at the bar, we get another picture. And then another. Can you guess who’s in the background? Do you think it’s accidental? You don’t want to know (and neither does Jim) how many pictures we managed to take with him in the background. I did get an actual picture with him, thanks to Keli Gwyn. He’s seriously an awesome guy. Genuine. Humble. Funny. And a good sport! If you don’t own his craft books yet, what are you waiting for? Get theself to Amazon pronto!

I’m either laughing or in severe pain. I can’t tell. But Keli’s laughing. By the way, if you don’t know Keli, you really should. Talk about a sweet spirit and a smile that lights up the room!

Who’s tiny head is that in there? Jim, is that you? Why yes, yes it is.

This time, Jim’s aware the camera is pointed at him.

Question to Ponder: What are your cares, concerns, and celebrations today?

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Wow. A whirlwind weekend followed by early morning driving. Back to Iowa. I cannot wait to see my family. Cannot wait to squeeze my boy. Cannot wait to smooch my hubby. That’s what I’m excited for. But everything else? The “back to life” part? That doesn’t excite me so much.

The only problem about going to an amazing conference like ACFW, is that for three glorious days, I’m surrounded by crazies who totally get me. Writers pursuing the same dream. Writers filled with the same passion. We get each other. The whole place buzzes with this uncontained excitement. This sense of hope and anticipation. Like for three amazing days, the publishing industry shifted out of neutral and into drive. For three amazing days, these dreams I’m chasing are possible and real and close. For three amazing days, I’m in it. Things are happening.

Then I go home. Back to life. Back to reality. (Who’s got the song in their head?) Back to work. Back to waiting. Which is a wonderful thing, because God is truly in the waiting. It’s just a hard transition.

I’ll post pictures on my Friday 3 C’s! I met SO many awesome people!

Question to Ponder: What transitions are hard for you?removetweetmeme

Cares:
I’m in Indianapolis right now for the ACFW conference!

Concerns:
I had a very traumatic experience involving directions and a very mean valet guy. I’m talking, very mean. The meaner he got, the higher my decibals my got. He finally realized he was giving me the wrong directions and turned nice. Somebody needs to tell that man that if he’s talking to a slightly hysterical woman who’s lost in a big, foreign city with lots of construction – that he needs to be extra, extra nice, and extra, extra patient.

Celebrations:
I’m hanging out with Cindy Wilson and Jeannie Campbell right now! We’re rehearsing our pitches and having some fun girl time. They both ROCK!

Question to Ponder: What are your cares, concerns, and celebrations today?removetweetmeme