I'm trying to work. I have a proposal due for the last book in my contract - but it takes place in the southeastern part of Texas. Not exactly where our sisters are, but close enough to distract me. Having never been there, I'm surrounded by numerous printouts of weather, flora, fauna. Jennifer, Melinda, Pam, Roz, keep wandering through my story. Maybe lost on a sight-seeing trip.
I pull myself back to reality. Took a break to clear my head and met a friend to do Astoria's beautiful River Walk - Coast Guard Cutter, fishing boats, cormorants, Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagles, tourists. What I saw were our friends in their new clothes and shoes, wearing their pins by Cerella, giving away Sweet and Heartwarming bracelets, flashing Tory around and making friends on the San Antonio Riverwalk.
I came home and asked Ron what he wanted for dinner. "Chimichangas and Spanish Rice," he said. I have rampant Tex-Mex disease and he's caught it. Our chimichangas are the frozen variety and the Spanish Rice is Rice-a-Roni, but I understand there is Tex-Mex, barbeque, and contemporary Southwestern fare available at the many restaurants on the Paseo del Rio, the largest urban ecosystem in the country.
Stormy, a tabby cat, leaps onto my lap between me and the keyboard. Except for the fact that he weighs only 17 pounds, he has the attitude and the look in his eyes of a wild cat. He reminds me that the San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium, the nation's third oldest zoo, houses over 8500 animals of 779 species, and is the only zoo in the country with an area designated for visitors five years old and younger.
I set the table for dinner - two placemats, two knives and forks, two mugs. In my mind I see a sea of beautifully set tables, china, cutlery, and glass gleaming under the lights of an elegant dining room. In the crowd of conference-goers, I see a table of our buddies, looking glamorous, laughing and having a wonderful time.
Sigh. Liz, Cerella, Eleanor, and whoever else is home this momentous weekend, what are you doing and thinking about?
LOL. I was thinking about work, but you just ruined that! As overwhelmed as I get by big conferences, I always wish I was there anyway--especially this one because I've never been to San Antonio.
ReplyDeleteI know! San Antonio sounds like a wonderful place to visit. And I love the history. When I was about 10, I knew all the bazillion verses to "Davy Crockett." It's not that I'm jealous. (Well, maybe a little.) I'd just love to meet everyone!
DeleteThis was a great way to transport us to RWA, Muriel! I've been thinking about our Heartwarming friends there all week. I think Ron had the right idea. I may be making Tex-Mex tonight. :) There's always next year for us!
ReplyDeleteHi, Cerella. I'm just back with the dog and thinking seriously of Chimichangas for breakfast. Right. Next year.
DeleteI think that sounds like an excellent idea, Muriel! And btw, while I'd love to take credit for those AMAZING pins you mentioned in the post, I believe it was actually Anna who made them. From everything I read and the photos shared, she did a wonderful job. :)
DeleteThanks for straightening me out on that, Cerella. They sounded beautiful.
DeleteHi Muriel, Now all of you have me hungry from Mexican food. lol There are some nice photos of the conference on Seekerville.blogspot.com They make you wish you were there though.
ReplyDeleteHi, Sandra! Thanks for the tip. If I'm going to suffer conference-envy, I may as well go all the way. Is Seekerville why you're familiar to me? I checked in once at Liz's suggestion and seem to remember you moderating. Right??
ReplyDeleteI'm wishing I was there too. I've been a member for a while, but have yet to attend. This week work has been on the slow side so I've been reading tweets #RWA14.
ReplyDeletePlus this year at the Heartwarming Open House they're announcing the winners of the Write From The Heart contest of which I participated. I'm to get an email on whether I move forward before the Open House begins. Now that the day is getting closer, I'm on pins and needles waiting!
Good luck, Marcie! I have a friend who also participated and is waiting anxiously to hear. Whatever happens, just keep at it, but we're all pulling for you.
DeleteMuriel - I hope your friend made it to the next stage and gets to send in her Full! Unfortunately, I did not.
DeleteThanks for the encouragement.
I'm sorry, Marcie. My friend didn't final, either. But, now you have a full proposal you can send somewhere. And just keep trying. I finally sold my fourth book. It usually doesn't happen right away, and what one editor will reject for whatever reason, might be just what another one is looking for. DON'T GIVE UP!
DeleteMuriel, I'm home and rearranging my bedroom to make room for a writing space :) But I'd rather be in Texas.
ReplyDeleteApparently, so do we all. Maybe next year, as Cerella says. Good to hear from you, Syndi!
DeleteHi Muriel.love your post,, as always. This weekend I'm having a staff crisis, why does everyone leave in clumps. And I'm also trying to tell some hot and bothered horses that the sun is really nice -we aren't used to this hot weather in England. I'm also getting a bit jittery about finishing my re-write by the end of next week. Not so glamorous I 'm afraid!!
ReplyDeleteAlways one testy deadline or another - bummer when they come at the same time as personal crises. Better days coming. Have a good week, Eleanor.
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ReplyDeleteOh, Muriel, the only thing that would have made the conference better is you guys being there!
We think so, too! Hope you all had great fun and made good connections. Saw your photo on the Seekerville blog. You look great.
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