Denver 2009

Aaron and I just got home from our whirlwind trip to Denver. Amid unpacking, laundry, cleaning, and boy-hugging, I'm taking a few quick minutes to whip up a blog post. I think I may have told you I'd write this weekend... Uh, sorry about that. We were having too much fun to worry about booting up the computer. Any-hoo, without further ado, Denver, in five photos or less (or more--we'll see how it goes).

The Christy Awards Ceremony

Though Summer Snow was a finalist in the Series, Sequels, and Novellas category, it did not win. The lovely Tracey Bateman won for her novel You Had Me at Goodbye. As cliched as it sounds, I was so incredibly humbled and honored to be considered in the same breath as Robin Jones Gunn and Tracey Bateman (both bestselling authors with an entire library of work under their belt) that the joy for me was in the nomination. Besides, I now have a rockin' medal (that my boys will probably use for dress-up), and I got to get all dolled up and be girly. The best part? Chandelier earrings and heels that tied around the ankle. He-he! Or maybe it was meeting Robin Jones Gunn, sitting beside the brilliant Angela Hunt, being inspired by Richard Foster, or watching two fellow Tyndale authors win Christy Awards. Obviously a toss up.

Posing for a pic with my stunningly handsome hubby.

Standing in-between the wonderful Robin Jones Gunn and Chris Fabry. Do I look serious to you? It's only because I'm silently thanking God that I didn't fall off the stage when I was accepting my medallion.

Breckenridge

On Sunday, Aaron and I drove out of the city and spent the day in Breckenridge. Wow. We lived in British Columbia for several years, but mountains never cease to take my breath away. We took a lift to the top of Peak 9 and hiked around on top of the world. So amazing. In fact, we were so blown away by the beauty and grandeur that we waxed poetic on how much we miss living near such sights... Until we headed back for Denver and found ourselves amid bumper-to-bumper traffic on Interstate 70. It took us nearly three hours to get back to the city! Needless to say, by the time we finally stepped out of the car at our hotel, we were very happy small town dwellers once again. Who needs mountains when you have the peace and quiet of the simple life?

Hiking around the beautiful city of Breckenridge.

At nearly 10,000 feet.

ICRS

This was my second experience at the International Christian Retail Show and it was as fun and furious as I remembered. Tyndale hosted a booksigning for four of their Christy nominated authors on Monday morning, and I had a ball meeting people from all over the country. Not to mention, getting free books! I love that about ICRS. And I love that there are such fantastic people in the publishing industry... I feel so blessed to get to be a part of it.

This was the line at the beginning of the signing. I'm the little-bitty person sitting at the table.

Hmmm. I can deduct two things from this picture. One: I like booksignings. Two: I really like my chandelier earrings.

From right to left: Chris Fabry (Christy winner), Randy Singer, Tom Pawlik (Christy winner) and me. I'm the one in the skirt (and chandelier earrings).

Well, I made it in seven photos. Not bad considering I have sixty-nine. :) Blessings to you this week!