I am so sorry I didn't blog more while I was at the ACFW Conference in Indianapolis.  I had the best of intentions, but it was super busy, and by the time we returned to our room, we fell into bed!  I also missed "Recipe Friday" last week due to my travels, but look for a yummy new recipe here on Friday! 




Here we are at PF Changs Restaurant -- I'm sitting with my agent, Mary Sue Seymour, and standing are Mary Sue's other clients (left to right) Vannetta Chapman, Kelly Irvin, and Shelley Shepard Gray.  All Amish authors! 

We had a blast! 

















Cindy Woodsmall hosted an exclusive evening for Amish authors only!  A few had other obligations, but eight of us gathered together and had a wonderful time.

(front, left to right) Marta Perry and Cindy Woodsmall; (middle) Shelley Shepard Gray, Kelly Irvin, and Gayle Roper; (back row) Vannetta Chapman, Beth Wiseman, and Leanna Ellis.

What a great group of gals!














Me with up and coming writer Carol Voelkel! 






























I'm super blessed to have such a fabulous editor -- Natalie Hanemann. 

She is my editor, my friend, and a true gift from God.  I dedicated my first Land of Canaan book -- Seek Me With All Your Heart -- to Natalie.  She recognized my ability to tell a story through words that glorify God, and what started as an editor/author relationship evolved into a friendship that I will treasure forever.  














I'm also incredibly blessed to have my agent, Mary Sue Seymour.  She also recognized and found a place where my voice could be used as a tool for God.  When she read the first three chapters of Plain Perfect, she said she knew that I had found my calling.  I'm honored to call her my friend, as well as my agent. 

P.S. -- She likes to shoe shop as much as I do!















Mary Sue, Beth, Varol, and Vannetta before the Awards Banquet. 

We clean up pretty good, huh?



















Those who know me well know that it's all about the shoes! 

During the awards banquet, live bloggers were posting and taking comments.  Apparently, a few folks asked what shoes I was wearing.  Guess I am going to be known as the 'Shoe Lady'. 

So, no blog post would be complete without a picture of our shoes!

(left to right) Mary Sue, Beth, Carol, and Vannetta.













I didn't win a Carol Award at the awards banquet, but I was incredibly honored to be a finalist among some of the best authors in the industry.  It was a magical night that I will remember forever.





























And when I got home, my husband had cleaned our entire house, and he had these waiting for me.  He said I am always a winner to him...






To My Husband Patrick -- I love you with all my heart and soul.  You are my forever love.  xoxo




















I wish I had time and space to share the rest of the pictures, but I think this will give you an idea as to how much fun we had.  Great fellowship with old friends and new friends! 

Tune in Friday for a new Amish recipe, and have a blessed week!