Present in spirit...

First a quick prologue to set things up...
I'm currently working on my next novel and am approaching the homestretch. I WISH I were on the homestretch but I have a ways to go yet before I start that last completely wild, insane sprint.

Okay, now for the heart of this post...
This past weekend was the weekend out of each summer that I usually meet up with a group of writer buddies in Idaho for four days of brainstorming, fellowship, spiritual renewal, eating, laughing, more brainstorming, more eating, more eating, a quick walk, more brainstorming--
You get the picture...

But due to our family's move this summer from Colorado to Tennessee, combined with my next book being due (and how life just interfered in my writing schedule and timeline), I just couldn't justify going to the "retreat" this year. But ooooooh I wanted to be there!

And I guess I was...in spirit!

These are some of the pictures my buddies sent me over the weekend. Made me feel as if I were there, sort of. Just without all the eating. ;)

To the left, our "group" picture:

And below: This is supposed to be a picture of me eating but let me tell you right now... NO WAY is that plate full enough!




















And finally, I exercise (bike or walk) nearly every day so, in my honor, they stuffed me in someones smelly shoes and took me along. True friends...

RITA pics...

As promised, here are more pics from the RITA awards ceremony held in Dallas this past Saturday, and a few from prior to that night at the RWA National Conference.

Below:

Me with my editor, Karen Schurrer, who was also honored for her collaboration on Revealed.

Above: Me with authors Judy Baer and Deeanne Gist (Dee writes for Bethany House, and she won the Christy Award this year). Judy and Dee were nominees along with me in the Best Inspirational Category, and both are friends as well as colleagues. I'm honored to be named with them.

Below: Judy Baer, me, Deeanne Gist and my mom, June
(My mom and I had such fun girl time this past weekend. She's such a blessing to me, and to share this with her was extra special.)

Above: Dee and me clowning around after the RWA RITA and Golden Heart finalists reception on Friday afternoon.

Above: Me, Deeanne Gist, Allie Pleiter, Brenda Coulter, and Allison Pittman (all of us were numbered in the Best Inspirational Romance category)

Unbelievable Night in Dallas...bringing home a RITA

I'm still not believing it! Revealed was honored with a RITA on Saturday night! My head's still spinning, and I'm stunned and thrilled, even as I'm a bit bleary-eyed from the party afterward.

Here's a sneak peek picture, and I'll post more on Monday.

(Wouldn't you know it...my camera died right before the award ceremony started.)

Karen Schurrer, my wonderful editor at Bethany House (who was also in attendance and who was honored), took a few. So I'll share those as soon as I have them!

I appreciate RWA and the RITA judges for this honor! What an encouragement. (And yes, the chocolate at the dessert reception following, was delicious!)