Friday, March 28, 2008

Spring Reading Thing

I'm a little bit late getting on board with the Spring Reading Thing, but better late than never, as the old saying goes! There's a theme to the books I've chosen for this time around -- they're books that have, for one reason or another, been shoved off other reading challenge lists to make way for other books. It's your turn in the sun now, little books!

1. "My Name is Russell Fink" -- Snyder

2. "Black Sea Affair" -- Brown

3. "In Perfect Balance" -- Condie

4. "Mary, Martha, and Me" -- Olson

5. "Pages from the Past" -- Arnold

6. "The Pilot's Wife" -- Shreeve

7. "Skeleton Man" -- Hillerman

8. "Silent Patriots" -- Arnold

9. "Shadows on the Sea" -- Harlow

10. "Jennie" -- McCloud

11. "16 in No Time" -- Rowley

12. "Seasons of Salvation" -- Mangrum

13. "Diamonds are Forever" -- Mangrum

14. "Almost Sisters" -- Littke, Anderson and Morris

Keep your eyes on my sidebar for updates and links to the reviews -- I'll be posting said reviews on Families.com.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Before You Send Out to Readers . . .

So you've gotten your manuscript ready to go out to readers. You're excited because you know how close you are to being ready for submission . . . you'll get this feedback, you'll make the suggested changes, and you're finished, right? Well, pretty close. But don't think this step is going to be a piece of cake. That's a mistake a lot of writers make -- they hurry and get the manuscript out to readers before it's really ready.

Here are some tips to help you get that manuscript as ready for readers as you possibly can -- keeping in mind that if you take out the glaring problems now, your readers will have an easier time spotting the more complex problems.

1. Go through and do a search for "was." Most of the time, when the word "was" is used, you can change it to more of an active voice. Instead of saying, "She was sitting on the porch," say "She sat on the porch." This brings your reader into closer contact with the story, and it eliminates the repetitive use of "was."

2. Go through and do a search for "that." Most of the time, "that" is used when it's not needed. "She thought that he'd be there to pick her up at three." Take it out and see what you've got ... "She thought he'd be there to pick her up at three." It's the same thing, but "that" gets repetitive and makes your sentences wordy.

3. Go through and make sure all your punctuation is still there. I've noticed when I edit for people that as they take out words they've been told to take out, sometimes the punctuation gets taken along with it, erased accidentally by the cursor being in the wrong place.

4. Go through and take out fully 3/4 of your adverbs. Keep only the ones that are absolutely needed -- most are indicated by the context, anyway, and aren't necessary.

There you have it -- four steps to help make your manuscript ready for readers. These aren't the only things to watch out for -- there are many -- but these are the most common mistakes and the most common detractors from the story. With these things out of the way, your readers will be able to concentrate on the things that remain and help you polish the story until it shines.

American Idol . . . I Know Nothing . . .

We had the Pinewood Derby in our ward tonight and I didn't see any of the performances save one -- we got home just in time to see David Cook. Has that guy got guts or what? We also saw the recap, and I must say, I'm not so sure about Brooke this week. Odd choice of song and way to sing it. Beyond those insufficient comments, I am powerless to say more, having missed the show. But, it's my church calling, and I had a son competing, and what am I supposed to do???

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

LDStorymakers Writers Conference and Whitney Awards

My brains are finally starting to settle back in my head after a wild and wooly weekend. Let me just say, if you weren't at the conference, you really missed out on a fabulous thing.

Candace Salima and I ran Boot Camp both mornings, which is a hands-on writers workshop. Then we had classes all day, with great speakers, great meals, and great fun. Teamed together again, Candace and I taught a class on blogging and promotion. I loved seeing old friends again and creating new. This time of year is my favorite in all the world.

Some highlights . . .


Me with Autumn Ables


Me with Don Carey


Good friends Shari and Karen

Every year, I come away from the conference ready to hit the computer again. It fills me up and gets me revved for whatever life has to offer next.

Sometimes, life offers the opportunity to don a costume . . .



I was the Easter Bunny this year. (Someone had to do it . . . why not me?) Photo courtesy of Karlene.
Here's an even better picture of the Bunny, courtesy of Don

After the conference festivities came to an end, we got ready for the Whitney Award Gala Dinner. I had the fun of being a live blogger -- we kept up a running commentary the entire evening. You can check it out here.

Then, wonder of wonders and miracle of miracles, I got to meet Shannon Hale. Here's proof:


Yes, this would be me with Shannon Hale. (Did I mention this is Shannon Hale?)


I also got to see my favorite Kerry Blair. Here she is with Candace:



And here she is with me:



I know I'm not giving the weekend justice -- it's all still swirling around in my head -- so here are some links to what others thought about the conference. Enjoy!

Candace Salima

Don Carey

Karlene Browning

Michele Paige Holmes

Annette Lyon

Heather Moore

Julie Wright

Josi Kilpack

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Interview with Rebecca Talley

Click here to read the review Rebecca Talley posted on the ANWA blog. Thanks, Rebecca!

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Live from the Whitney Awards

Are you wishing you could be in attendance at the Whitney Awards Gala this Saturday night, held to honor the best in LDS fiction? Well, you can be there in spirit, and you can also be there electronically. Saturday night starting around 6:00 pm, come to the Whitney Awards blog and read live blogs posted from the scene. Matthew Buckley, Jaime Theler, Hilary Blair and I will be bringing you minute by minute accounts of the entire evening, so you'll be among the first who know who will take home the coveted Whitney awards.

Dancing with the Stars

Yeah, okay, so I have two favorite reality shows. I don't recall there being a limit on favorite shows. I'm entitled!

It does get a little difficult when you're trying to watch both shows at the same time, but the networks have been working together to avoid as much overlap as they can.

Here's my take on this year's Dancing with the Stars competition:

Elizabeth Shannon -- okay, but not much beyond that.

Priscilla Presley -- really surprised me. She's in her sixties, but did some stuff out there I wouldn't have expected from a forty-year-old. I don't think she'll win, but I think she'll give us consistently good performances.

Steve Gutenberg -- he's charming. And that's about all I have to say.

Marlee Matlin -- despite being deaf, she pulled off a great performance. She's going to be around for a while.

Monica Selles -- she's a good tennis player. Moving on . . .

Marissa Jaret Winokor -- looked like she was having fun.

Kristi Yamaguchi -- impressed the bejeebers out of me. She's definitely going to be one to watch this season.

Penn Jillette -- is huge and looks like a bear. Dances like one, too.

Adam Corolla -- is funny, but not much of a dancer.

Jason Taylor -- when I first saw that we had another football player on the show, I was really not sure what to think. I didn't love Jerry and Emmett like everyone else did. But Jason -- wow!! He can really move.

Cristian de la Fuente -- did a reasonably good job.

Mario -- again, surprised me! The youngest in the competition, he's got some serious moves.

Predictions: If things continue the way they began, we're going to have Mario, Jason, and Kristy in the finale. My guess to be eliminated the first round: Penn.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

American Idol, Again

So, when Rob challenged me to not only comment on my favorite contestants but to predict who would be going home, I immediately felt intimidated. Rob's got a really good track record with this kind of thing. He somehow plugs his brain in to that of America -- it's kind of freaky, but cool. I took his challenge (with some trepidation) and I now proceed with my thoughts.

My favorite of the night was David Archuletta. Not just because he's Mormon and not just because he's a cutey, but he really did a great job tonight.

In my #2 slot was David Cook. I don't care of Simon does think he's getting predictable -- I can predict that I'll enjoy what he does. He's amazing.

Michael Johns sits at #3. Rob thinks he's going to be a goner, but there's one thing I don't know if Rob notices, being a guy, but Michael is seriously hot, and all the women in America are smitten with him. We're not going to lose him for a while, if ever. Tonight wasn't his best performance, but even at that, I love his voice.

Carly Smithson was #4 for me. She's awesome. Her voice is true, no matter what she does with it.

Brooke -- Brooke struggled tonight. I love her voice and that didn't change, but she was more pitchy than she's ever been and it was just really awkward. Still love her, though.

Next I would have to say Syesha. I know the judges were just lovin' it, but her runs were a little shrill for me.

Amanda probably did what she did well, but I'm not a fan of hard rock. Plus, it's all starting to sound the same to me. She could have performed the same song every week so far, and I wouldn't know the difference.

Tonight was rough for Jason. He had the whole "trying to learn French" thing, and that part was all right, but Paula had a good point where she said the song was starting to sound like a polka. It was very polka-like. I really enjoy Jason's singing -- I hope he gets a chance to redeem himself.

Kristy Lee did a little better this week but I still didn't like it.

Chikeze -- well, I don't know what that even was. I'm hard put to make a comment on something when I can't even tell you what it was.

Ramiele -- she's the cutest girl and she has a nice voice, but it just didn't come out tonight.

There's my listing, in order. And without checking Rob's blog to see what he said, or if he has said anything yet, I think that it will either be Chikeze or Ramiele to go tomorrow night. Probably Ramiele.

Oh, and just 'cause I want you to know this, I had no idea David Hernandez worked as a gay stripper until everyone was talking about it after he left the show. I don't watch the news very often . . .

Elimination Night: Wow. I was not expecting Carly to be in the bottom three tonight. Sure, the song wasn't her usual thing, but she did it so well. I just don't understand what America was thinking. She was proclaimed safe, however, and we went down to two remaining, Kristy and Amanda. In the end, Amanda went home. I can't say I'm disappointed -- the girl gave me a headache every week. I am disappointed, though, that my prediction didn't come to pass. However, I am somewhat vindicated -- Rob's didn't come to pass, either.

Monday, March 17, 2008

A Review of My New Book

Candace at Dream a Little Dream with Me posted this nice review. Thanks, Candace!

An Interview with Tristi

Marsha Ward at Writer in the Pines just posted an interview with me on her blog. Go check it out!

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Shaking My Head

I have recently employed the use of Google Alerts. This is a great tool to help track items that are of interest to you, and it's also a great way to find out who's talking about you, and to see if it's positive or negative. I've found a couple of reviews on my books that I didn't know existed -- thankfully, they were positive. All you do is go to Google and click on Alerts, and then put in the search terms you're interested in. Right now I have "LDS Historical Fiction" and "Tristi Pinkston." Once a day, I get a list of all the sites and blogs that have mentioned one or the other of these terms.

What's making me shake my head is how often lately I've seen bloggers state that the LDS Church is fiction. (It comes up on my list because of the words "LDS" and "fiction" in my stated search parameter.) I'm good with people having their own beliefs and stating them. I love freedom of speech. But what cracked me up the other day was a blogger's assertion that there's not one speck of archaeological evidence that the Book of Mormon is true.

Shall we take a little look-see . . .


Book of Mormon Authorship Revisited: The Evidence for Ancient Origins

Who are the Children of Lehi? DNA and the Book of Mormon

Visualizing the Lands of the Book of Mormon

Sacred Sites: Searching for Book of Mormon Lands

MesoAmerica and the Book of Mormon: Is This the Place?

Decoding Ancient America: A Guide to the Archaeology of the Book of Mormon

Echoes and Evidences of the Book of Mormon

The Little Book of Mormon Evidences

These are just some of the many, many books that have been written detailing items that have been found in Mesoamerica that tie directly to events mentioned in the Book of Mormon. In First Nephi of the Book of Mormon, the prophet Lehi has a dream of a tree filled with fruit. He goes into great detail in his account, and archaeologists have found a stone carving that depicts Lehi's dream in the smallest detail.

There are things in the Book of Mormon that an ignorant farm boy from New York in the 1800's could not possibly have known, or for that matter, for anyone at that time to have known. They didn't have the Internet back then. No one could have hopped online and said, "I wonder how they graft olive trees in Israel," and then written out the parable of the olive tree. If you read Keith Terry's novel "Out of Darkness," you'll discover that people in America didn't know anything about the grafting of olive trees until years after the Book of Mormon was printed. The information simply was not to be had in America at the time Joseph Smith brought forth the book. How could he have invented it in such great detail and then just happen to be right on the money?

Skeptical blogger, there is much evidence, archaeological, DNA, cultural and otherwise that all indicates the Book of Mormon is true. I think what you were trying to say is that you don't believe that the evidence that has been found really shows that it's true. I'm okay with that. But to say that nothing has been found is a little sheltered. Get out there. See what there is to see.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Oh, Happy Day!

This morning I got the phone call I've been waiting for. BJ told me that my books were ready to be picked up. An hour later, I loaded all my frisky kittens into the van and off we went.

Twelve boxes later, we drove off, the children somewhat squished but okay with that because they sensed my excitement. We went straight to my dad's, where he was privileged to receive the first copy out of the box.



This means so much to both of us. The ancestors in this book are his great-grandparents, and we have looked forward to this day for a long time. Additionally, a poem of his is included toward the front of the book.

My third published novel, but this one is by far the most personal. I am so excited to have it in my little paddy paws at long, long last.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

American Idol Smackdown

My esteemed colleague, Robison Wells, has thrown down the gauntlet. Every year he keeps a running commentary on the American Idol performances and makes predictions on how the votes will go, and he's pretty good. He predicted Jordan Sparks' win last year weeks before it happened -- that's impressive.

However, he's choosing to disagree with the selection of Michael Johns as my #1 choice. Now, my favorites list isn't about who I think will win; rather, it's about who I like, which is totally different. Yet, the gauntlet has been thrown.

You're on, Mr. Wells! Each week I'll blog my opinions right after the show and we'll see how they stack up to your predictions. I can take the heat!

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Basic Human Rights

There are certain human rights that we have simply by virtue of being alive. We have the right to love and be loved, to be treated kindly, and to choose our attitudes regardless of our circumstances. There are additional rights outlined by the Founding Fathers, most simply, those of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We have the right to free speech and the right to bear arms.

Today, however, I would like to talk about a more fundamental right, one that is so fundamental, in fact, that it goes overlooked.

I refer to the right to go to the bathroom.

I have four children. They range in age from eleven and a half to three. They are homeschooled, and so, they are home throughout the day. I set them to their various tasks, and then I walk toward the bathroom. Unerringly, without fail, with startling predictability, someone will have a problem just as I disappear from sight, necessitating my return. Sometimes the problem is of an academic nature, and I can politely ask them to wait for five minutes. Other times, the problem is more of a my-brother-has-me-in-a-headlock-and-is-tweezing-my-eyebrows-with-his-fingernails sort of problem. Those I can't delay solving.

On those rare occasions when I actually do succeed in walking into the bathroom, like the sun rises in the east each morning, I hear the echoes of screaming within about forty-five seconds after my departure. Then I hear a voice outside the door. "Mooooom! He says he's going to eat me for lunch!"

I reply, "Is it possible for him to eat you?"

"No."

"If it's not possible, then why are you upset?"

"Because he said it. Tell him not to say it."

I love freedom of speech. It's what gives me the ability to say whatever I want to on this blog. I love our other basic human rights. I believe they are inspired and we should fight to preserve them. I just have one request -- that the right to use the bathroom, without interruption, be added to the list. If it were ever put to a vote, it would win by a landslide. Frazzled Parents of America, unite!

Sunday, March 09, 2008

Waiter, There's a Worm in my Tequila

There's one thing that puzzles me about my recent trip to Arizona. As Kerry and I were leaving the Botanical Gardens, we went out by way of the gift shop, and I saw a display of tequila-flavored suckers that proudly announced that they each contained a real worm. I picked one up, and sure enough, there was a real worm in it. A little crispy, as I imagine is only natural because the sucker liquid is boiling hot when it's poured into molds, but a real worm nonetheless. I said to an employee standing nearby, "Why is there a real worm in here? Do these actually sell?"

"My grandson loves them," she replied. "He says it tastes like chicken."

I just don't understand. I really don't.

I also don't understand why the Salt Lake Airport gift shop sells stationery made from recycled elephant poo. Why poo? Why elephants? Why is there no recycled water buffalo paper? And who in their right mind would send a letter written on recylced poo? Probably the same person who would sit and eat a tequila-flavored sucker with a worm in it while writing the letter.

Saturday, March 08, 2008

Happy Birthday, Tristi!

Today's my birthday. That's right -- I've reached the ripe old age of 32. Some days I'm amazed I've lived this long!

It's been a fun day. I went to our stake Women's Conference this morning and heard some wonderful talks which gave me hope about this whole motherhood thing that so baffles me from time to time (like, every minute of every day) and talked with some great women from my ward. I went on some errands and bought myself an early dinner at a real restaurant, and drafted out the next several scenes in my work in progress while waiting for my food to arrive. Then I came home and watched a movie while eating my birthday cheesecake. It was a great day.

My kids were awfully cute. My daughter decided that, as a birthday surprise, she would teach my toddler how to drink out of a cup. She used her own money to buy him a cute cup and a sticker chart. Every time he drank out of the cup for this whole last week, she put a sticker on the chart. I noticed this going on but didn't know it was my birthday surprise. It was so precious, I didn't have the heart to tell her that he actually does pretty well with a cup already.

My nine-year-old gave me a vending machine ring, my six-year-old gave me a kiss, and all my kids gave me cards. Even my toddler drew in his, and can I just say, he can really draw! He drew Steve and a handy dandy notebook (from Blue's Clues) and a cookie and a monster (although not Cookie Monster).

I've always enjoyed spending time on my birthday reflecting about the last year, the progress I've made, the areas in which I haven't done so well. This year is no different.

I've finally gotten to the point where I can be myself without worrying what other people think about me. I realize that there will always be people who don't like me, and that's okay. I don't have to try to make them like me or to try and "fix" the problem -- certain types of personalities just clash and if someone doesn't like me, it doesn't make me bad and it doesn't make them bad. It just means they don't like me. I've never been socially shy, but now I feel a little more free to just be me. (I can hear those of you who know me groan -- yes, this does mean more costumes, more dancing in grocery stores, more outrageous behavior of all kinds . . . )

On the other hand, I find myself getting too distracted by the mundane and not being focused enough on the eternal. I really need to realign my priorities here. I'm not really a Mary or a Martha -- I'm the third sister, Betty Sue. She wasn't preparing the food and she wasn't listening to Christ -- she was running from thing to thing, checking her e-mail (or whatever the ancient Israeli form of e-mail might have been) and fully meaning to go sit with Mary, or help Martha, but she had to change the laundry first, and then sew on a button, and . . . and . . . by the time she got into the other room, the meal was served, everyone had left, and she was standing there with her mouth open, wondering how time could have flown like that. Definitely something to work on.

I'm excited about this new year in my life. I think a lot of things are going to change for me this year. The wind has a different sound to it right now and I think it's preparing to send new things my way.

So, happy birthday, me! I'm going to go soak in the tub and just listen to it be quiet for a little while. Truly something to celebrate.

Thursday, March 06, 2008

ANWA Report -- Sunday, March 2nd

Our great weekend was drawing to a close, sadly. Kerry and I took Kathy to the airport, and with a few hours to kill before my flight, Kerry took me to the Desert Botanical Garden, which is near the airport. Wow -- the terrain and the flora are so different from what I'm used to in Utah.

Check out this bad boy -- it's an octopus cactus.



After walking through the funky plants, we came to the butterfly pavilion. Okay, that was really cool -- hundreds and hundreds of butterflies flying around loose in a huge mesh tent, and we got to walk right in amongst them.



This butterfly is riding on someone's shoulder.



This time spent with the butterflies was some of the most soul-filling, peaceful time I've had in . . . I can't remember how long. There was one little teenage girl who obviously thought she was so cute and kept catching the butterflies, after we'd been told not to touch them, and I could have tackled and strangled her, but aside from those murderous impulses, I felt so relaxed and just enjoyed it thoroughly.

After bidding adieu to the butterflies, we went back to the airport and had a great lunch near my terminal, and then came the hard task of telling Kerry goodbye and leaving. This was such a wonderful weekend. I learned so much, I had a wonderful time, everyone treated me so well, and I didn't want it to come to an end. But I did miss my little family, so I boarded the plane and came on home, and the flight was really great. The landing was the best one in history, too.

Home I returned to a three-year-old who wouldn't talk to me for a full hour, but since then has shown me all sorts of affection. I think my family benefitted from me being gone -- learning appreciation is always a good thing -- and I think I came back a better mother. I sure hope so.

Thanks for letting me share the highlights of my trip with you.

ANWA Report -- Saturday, March 1st -- The Conference

Saturday was gorgeous -- warm and balmy. Kerry, Kathy and I got up and got ready without too much fighting over the bathroom, and we were out the door. We drove to the nearby town of Gilbert to Eagle's Aerie School (what a cool name is that!) and met up with the other members of ANWA.

My class was in the first block, and I didn't get any pictures of that, but the coolest thing did happen. Dan from Thoughts on LDS and Autumn from Autumn Ables were both there, and I got to meet them. They're both just as cool in person as they are on their blogs! This was a definite highlight of the weekend for me.

This is Kerry with her props from her class on structuring a scene. I hadn't ever thought about it before, but everything she said made total sense.

Taking a picture of Marsha, who's taking a picture of me.

I got to meet fabulous author Liz Adair, who has been an Internet friend but I've never met her in person until that day.

Lunch buddies Linda and Heather, and the gentleman to the right is Dan. Heather has her own line of scrapbook products, how cool is that! About halfway through the meal, we were joined by Sarah Hinze, another favorite author of mine. And yes, I was seriously having fun.

Kathy presented on "Line Upon Line" and also on "How to Stay Out of the Slush Pile." She gave me a lot to think about and they were both great classes.

Here I am presenting my second class. It was supposed to be the same presentation I gave in the morning, only to a different group, but my pages got out of order after the first class and what with everything else going on, I never did have a good chance to get them all put back. When I got into the second class, I discovered that I really didn't have anything in the right place and did a lot of ad-libbing, but apparently each class got what each class was supposed to get -- people came up to me after each class and said they'd heard exactly what they needed. Go figure! Dan and Autumn both had nothing but nice things to say about me . . . I'm blushing!

After all the presentations were done for the day, we met back in the main room and had a book signing. I met so many wonderful people there, and I bought a book from a new Covenant author named Sandra Grey. Her book, "Traitor," is so amazing, she seriously scares me. No one is going to want my books after reading hers. I'll give a link to the review when I've written it so you can see in detail how much I loved this book.

I looked around for Autumn -- I wanted a picture and to say goodbye, but she had to leave and I didn't see her again. She's coming to the LDStorymakers Conference in a couple of weeks, though, so she will definitely have some posing to do then.

After the conference, I went out to dinner with the ANWA presidency. I'm serious, I was fed more good food this weekend, and I realized that when I'm at home, I really don't take the time to feed myself regularly. Then back to the apartment, getting ready for bed, and packing up most of my things to fly out on Sunday. It had been such an incredible day -- I didn't want for it to come to an end.

More later . . .

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

ANWA Report -- Friday, February 29th, Evening

After we left the Phoenix Zoo, Kerry took Kathy and me over to the Mesa Temple.

It was right at sunset, and the way the light hit the temple was breathtaking.

I think this type of art is called bas relief -- correct me if I'm wrong on the term -- but Kerry says the pictures represent the Gathering of Israel.

Then, I was treated to one of the greatest moments of my professional career. I got to pose with The Frog -- that's right -- The Frog -- from Six LDS Writers and a Frog. I have loved The Frog for a very long time, and to actually get to pose with him, was just something else. I got to take his picture several times throughout the weekend as well -- I was a Frog Photographer! And no, I'm not about to fall over -- I was standing on a little hill leading up to the tree, so the right side of me appears higher up than the left side. Didn't notice that until I uploaded the picture.
The temple grounds smelled so wonderful. Flowers were everywhere, citrus grew on trees right there on the grounds, and the feeling of peace that pervaded was so refreshing. The highlight of this excursion to the temple was going into the Visitors Center and seeing a photography exhibit called "Reflections of Christ" by Mark Mabry. This incredible collection touched my heart deeply, especially one picture that depicted Christ lying on the ground at the edge of the Garden of Gethsemane. Even now I hesitate to mention it --the feelings I had were so strong, and so sacred, I don't want to spoil it by talking about it.

After we left the temple, we went out to dinner at Serrano's, where I had a nice chicken chimichanga. We sat and talked for a long time and really enjoyed ourselves, then went back to the apartment and got ready for bed. Amazingly enough, we actually did go to bed and I actually did go to sleep. I don't usually sleep so well away from home, but Kerry is a wonderful hostess and she did such a good job of making me feel comfortable and the feeling of the Spirit was strong in her home, so I had no trouble dropping right off.

More later . . .

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

ANWA Report -- Friday, February 29th, Morning and Afternoon



For those of you not familiar with ANWA, it's an organization for LDS women who write. It stands for American Night Writers Association, and it was started over twenty years ago by Marsha Ward. I was invited to come down and be a presenter at this year's conference, and I was delighted to go.

I flew out on Friday morning, bidding my cute little ones farewell with much sadness and angst. It was made worse when Benjamin, my three-year-old, grabbed my hand and tried to pull me back into the car. I was trying to hide the sniffles and forgot to tip the sky cap, for which I'm truly sorry. Sky cap, if you're out there, I didn't mean to short change you!

The flight down was pretty good, a little turbulence but nothing terrible. The landing was a bit rocky, but this person who hates flying survived just fine.

I was collected along with my baggage by the lovely ANWA vice-president Janette Rallison, who braved miles of traffic in order to fetch me. She narrowly missed getting stuck in a huge jam caused by a semi catching fire on the freeway, and we saw the aftermath and the clean-up as we left the airport.

We wended our way to Chili's, where we met up with the rest of the ANWA presidency and other guests for lunch.

Janette, looking lovely, and me, looking somewhat worse for wear

Joan, Connie, and Lorna - ANWA members and presidency

Kerry, Marsha, and Kathy





After a delightful lunch during which I ate a bacon cheeseburger that was so tall, I had to smash it down to get it into my mouth, I moved my stuff from Janette's car into Kerry's and she and Kathy and I drove off to the apartment where we were staying. Kerry is one of Covenant's bestselling authors, and Kathy is the managing editor at Covenant, so I was surrounded by the creme de la creme of the publishing world.

After unloading our stuff, we grabbed cameras and headed off to the Phoenix Zoo, which has been rated the third best in the nation. Space doesn't permit me to post every single picture I took, and believe me, I took a passel, but here are some of the highlights:

Kathy and Kerry on the zoo train.

A sleeping lion. Okay, so it's from the back, but it's still a pretty good picture, right?

What's black and white and red all over? A zebra in Arizona!

We went into a huge cage where the monkeys ran around loose right in front of us. I've never gotten so close to monkeys before -- it was awesome.

Me and the hippo, feeling like long lost cousins . . .

Attempting to kiss the frog, although I already have a handsome prince. He took the day off work to stay home and take care of the little tadpoles so I could go on this wonderful weekend.

Tristi by the flowers on the way out of the zoo.

This was such a fun experience. We saw all kinds of animals we'd never seen before, saw the caterers set up for a wedding reception to be held there in the zoo, and chatted like magpies ourselves. Kerry and Kathy were so much fun to hang out with. The weather was warm and the breezes were delightful. It was a great afternoon.

More later . . .

Monday, March 03, 2008

I'm Baaaaack!

The trip to Arizona went well and I'm safely returned. I'll tell you about my weekend a little at a time, starting tonight -- I would start right now, but I came home to an empty fridge and bills to be paid, so I'll be playing catch up all day. But tonight, I'll have pictures and everything. I bet you can't wait!
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