Oh, such fun I had at the ACFW Conference in Dallas last weekend! This was my 11th consecutive ACFW Conference, and it's become one of the highlights of my year. Partly because it's the one time a year I get to connect face-to-face with people with whom I usually only communicate on-line, including my critique group (clockwise from center: me, Eileen Key, Marjorie Vawter, Darlene Wells, Donna Schlacter, and Connie Stevens). They're a nutty bunch, but what would I do without them? :o)
This year, the chef must have gotten wind that I was coming because he prepared something special just for me. At least, I'm pretty sure it was just for me. Look at this...PURPLE mashed potatoes! No, I did not colorize those things--they really are PURPLE. I have got to find some of those purple potatoes for home consumption.
While in Dallas--as I told you last week--I celebrated the 8th anniversary of my healing. I always do something fun to celebrate ... something I wouldn't have been able to do prior to being healed. In past years, I've gone hiking, roller skated, stood on one foot while laughing hysterically, or just ran in circles. Since the conference is a pretty public place, I decided to stay low-key this time. There were a set of stairs from the lobby to the area where our classes and so forth were held. Before my healing, I went up stairs one at a time, holding to the railing and pretty much pulling myself up. I don't have to do that anymore, though, so I walked the 20 stairs several times as fast as I could without using my hands. I realize my hands in the air make it appear that I'm under arrest, but I'm not. I'm actually FREE, and I praise God for it!
The conference always goes quickly, and it's always a little sad to say goodbye to everyone. But look at this gorgeous Kansas sky that was waiting for me when I returned. I left behind purple mashed potatoes, but I was greeted by a purple sky. I think that's a fair exchange.
I've already got next year's conference marked on my calendar when once again I'll gather with fellow writers and aspiring writers. If you happen to fall into one of those categories, check out ACFW. You'll be glad you did!
God bless you muchly as you journey with Him! ~Kim
P.S. -- I promised a special package to someone in recognition of my healing, and that someone is MARY ELLEN ASHENFELDER. So, Mary Ellen, please shoot me your snail mail address to kim at kimvogelsawyer dot com and I'll get the Mountain Lake Trilogy sent off to you as quickly as possible. I hope you'll enjoy the books!
Loved reading the blog. And, loved seeing that I am the lucky winner of your trilogy -- how wonderful. Thank you so much :) I will send you my info.
ReplyDeleteGreat post today. Funny you should mention purple, though. We are looking to move to another location and one of the houses we looked at has a purple dining room. I immediately thought of you, LOL, evidently your purple preference is well known...
ReplyDeleteHave a great day.
It was wonderful seeing you again, sweet Kim! And I'm still smiling over those purple mashed potatoes--as soon as we were served, the folks at my table all said, "Where's Kim? These potatoes are for HER!" LOL ~ Thanks for sharing that Kansas sky photo with us---beautiful (and once again, the Lord's paintbrush at work*smile*). ~ Now that you're home, I feel certain you're giving Clyde (and the other kitties) lots of attention and treats *grin*. Hugs from Georgia, Patti Jo
ReplyDeletep.s. Appreciate continued prayers from my blog friends for my husband--am taking him to the dr. in an hour--in 30 years of marriage he's never been this sick...
Mary Ellen, I'll be putting those books in the mail soonly. :o)
ReplyDeleteMary-Louise, if you buy the house with purple dining room, you can expect me to come for supper! Ha!
Patti Jo (did you notice all the two-part names here?), I LOVE that y'all thought of me with the purple potatoes. Makes me smile! Clyde and Maizie have been fighting for lap-time since I got home, so I'm covered in cat fur, but I don't mind a bit. Yes, I will DEFINITELY pray for your husband! Keep us posted, please.
I believe the potatoes are a kind of potato that is grown that way. I've seen them in the store before. Loved the pic of all of you, you can tell how much fun you are having. Love the Kansas sunsets, I miss them. We always had one driving into Arlington from Hutch. I've taken lots of pics of them also. Glad you're home safe and sound.
ReplyDeleteHi Kim! Am a little late in seeing the posts for this week.We are in Singapore (I'm in the Northern Hemisphere finally! YAY! LOL!)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed your Writers Conference. I feel the same about our Nurses Conferences. I just attended one last week in Melbourne (Victoria),but it was more "full on" than we anticipated. I was only home for two days before flying to Singapore.It has been a good break but the weather is very hot and humid right now! Just call me a melting moment!LOL
Enjoyed your post Kim.:0)