I pulled the trigger & did not even know it was loaded...

Everyone has their trigger: that word or movement or item that brings a memory back so fresh. It almost always is unexpected, especially when that trigger knocks us back into moments that took us by surprise to begin with. Tonight I found myself packing an overnight bag, collecting some books, arranging my iPod and I wrote down the date on a CD I was burning for my sister… I am going to Atlanta this weekend to see Nina, Keith & the kids for Nina’s birthday. I am going by myself so that Marcus can get some work done, plus they are going to Camden for the Fourth so he will see everyone then. My hand shook when I set the pen down and I got so nauseated. I found myself just sitting there and it took a few moments to register…it was the date that did it. The last days of June…

A year ago I took the same trip. Packed the same bag – even some of the same clothes; I went by myself last year too. Last year Stacie met me in Atlanta on her way down to Camden. It was a great trip – we celebrated my sister’s birthday, ate some yummy food, the kids finished up swim team, Nina & I were bouncing off the walls ready for New York, I was excited about seeing them the upcoming Thursday for the Fourth. The repetition is eerie due to its repetition, but I realized a moment ago that last year I wrote a blog entry when I got back from Atlanta all about the weekend and the fun we had…that blog entry is the last entry I made until August 2nd – the day we should have been in New York. I did not make a single entry in July 2008.
2 weeks after the Atlanta trip I was screaming my head off and terrified out of my mind. For some reason that fear hit me tonight like a brick wall. I just sat down beside my bag and just cried. You would think I had watched the saddest movie or read a tear jerker book. I could not & still cannot stop the tears. For a minute I just was trying to quit sobbing. I cannot imagine what people go through when they are hit with the memory of a loss but for me this was a loss that for a second I could not explain the grieving, but that is what I have done for the last 30 minutes – grieve. I grieved for a part of me that I had not even realized had died. That part that had always been excited about unknown weeks ahead & adventures yet to come, but also that part of me that plans extensively. Marcus has noticed that when we plan a trip lately I don’t come home within three days with “travel book”. So far I have waited until the week we are to go on the trip to compile information. Fear of the unknown and fear that if I plan and put my heart into it the world will just rip the plans away.

It physically hurts to be afraid of the rest of the summer – yes ridiculous isn’t it, I am afraid of the upcoming weeks. Terrified of repetition. I even threw in an odd shirt in my bag just to really mess it all up :o) Laugh at the pitiful girl – trust me I have to. Sorry for a bummer type of entry but blogging is my personal therapy. This is a new thing for me. I mean I have my fears but the unknown has never really been one of them. I tend to run head first, thinking later about the unknown. But in the last year, I have been more cautious and have tried to be more self aware.
Anyway, tomorrow I drive. I loaded new songs to the iPod, I have my camera for new pictures, I may buy a few new clothing items this weekend or something, I just know that mixing it up a bit in even the littlest way will help. Here is to a great weekend and an amazing rest of summer. Hopefully the repetition will be the comforting kind and the unknown will be the extraordinary kind. :o)

Sleep - Eat - Swim - Eat- Swim - Sleep - Eat - Swim - Eat - Sleep.... ah summer.

We went South last weekend to Camden for Father's Day. We were quite tired when we arrived but some wonderful Chicken Salad on Croissants, fruit, fruit dip & chips were waiting for us... goodness it was so good we woke right up. Well we at least woke up enough to slip into the pool for a few hours. :o) The water was so warm it was like a huge hot tub set on just the right temperature. Mom, dad, Marcus & I just floated and talked. It was so nice. Saturday was a warm, cloudless day. The water was still warm but cool enough to be refreshing. By 9 a.m we were an hour in and stayed until around noon got out, ate, went back in, got out around 6, ate, went back in. Do you see the pattern here? lol.

We had so much fun. Eric, Mindy, Coy, Colton & Hannah all came down and the kids had fun playing in the pool. It is always so nice to see them. The boys are growing up so fast! Hannah is just a little doll. She is so sweet & really coming along with the swimming. They all asked if we would be there the 4th. It is a wonderful feeling being loved by your nieces & nephews. I never really had that type of relationship with my parents' siblings. My dad's were so much older than him & my mom's just were not close geographically. This time though, I get to spoil them rotten. I get excited every time I get to visit with them and sad when it is time for them to go.

The summer this year is a whole new kind of HOT. I mean what is the deal? Every day I walk to my car at lunch, every day I grimace at the temperature of 105, 111, even 121 last week that my car is at. Then as I try to enjoy my lunch the lowest it goes is 99. Dude, what is the deal???? It would not be so bad if say it were end of July or August, but um, middle of June? Way too hot, too early.

So as I type this I realize that there is still so much summer left. So many more days of sauna like heat and steamy afternoon storms; but there are also beach trips, volleyball games in the pool, sales, family gatherings, reunions, books to read, books to write, cool evenings inside, good food to eat... so the balance is quite in my favor. I hope your summer is a hot one with loads of entertainment. :)

Whirlwind weekends...

So we slipped away last weekend to see Robert & Ramona.

It was a lot of fun. A whirlwind, but a lot of fun. We needed the escape. Though we travel a great deal of the time we find that the trips aren't always 'relaxing'. This one was actually quite relaxing. We spent the day in Galveston at the beach on Saturday then that night we relaxed under the stars in a hot tub. It was quite nice.

We ate some Shrimp Kisses at Fish Tales on the beach - YUMMY!! Butterflied shrimp with a pepper cheese on top then wrapped in bacon.... oh yeah. :o)

By the way Robert & Ramona have pets... not a dog or cat.... birds. They have birds. Okay I love to see birds eating the food in my backyard that I put out. Nothing is cuter than a parrot on a tropical island... but these are birds that randomly land on your: shoulder, leg, arm, chair, table..or head. Yes I was the victim of Sugar's love for blonde hair.

Then Tazoo bit Marcus while I took a shower. No worries though Sugar decided she liked both of us. Tazoo stayed in the cage for most of the visit. It was very different. I have to say though Robert & Ramona are very taken with them & it is obvious the birds are quite fond of them as well. It is a cool set of pets, just different for us dog owners. :o)

Sunday we found time to do some shopping and I found an adorable dress and purse. LOVE THEM!!! Then we caught a plane & found ourselves back in T-town. What a crazy weekend!

Memorial Day... Pensacola Beach 2009

Oh we had a wonderful Memorial Day at Pensacola Beach. The first day was a bit sketchy high winds (like 20 mph gusts) and rain threatened to create a very enclosed weekend but by mid day the winds were becoming slower & the sun was glowing through the clouds. The waves though... wow! I am not sure I have ever seen the Gulf with such high crests! It was beautiful!

We sat on the beach and sunned a little then on Sunday everything was as it should be - GORGEOUS beach weather. Oh it was wonderful. Regan & Riley loved the easy access pool & hot tub.
The waves were calmer than the day before but also still very high. It was a yellow flag day so everyone hit the water carefully. It was clear - no jellyfish or seaweed - and cool. John (Mike & Rhonda's little boy) was buried in the sand. I don't mean like sitting down or lying down I mean standing up buried to his chest. It was hilarious. Eian dug the hole & dropped him in it. Then they just filled it in! Crazy.

Marcus & I were staying with Robert & Ramona at a beautiful home on the beach called the Tiki House. It was HUGE; fully equiped kitchen, gigantic living room, game room (big screen with a bunch of game systems) then a traditional game room (air hockey, pool, ping pong & foosball), private pool, hot tub, and fenced in back yard. It was awesome. There was 21 of us staying in the house. Ramona's family had come down from Utah, Kansas & Tennessee.
We had some wonderful cooks in the house & the meals were great. Marcus & I of course made time to head to Peg Leg Pete's... twice. :o) Rob, Regina & the girls stayed as well & we had some great times swimming, playing cards, ping pong, just relaxing. It really was a great time. I did somehow manage to NOT blister my face, shoulders & chest, but somehow DID blister my legs... very bizarre. It usually is a trial to get a good tan on my legs but for some reason Sunday's beach time gave me the red of a lobster. lol Today though it is a deep dark brown so I am happy - even though it was painful to get to this point.
We so wanted to stay and play in the sand for longer but our Nutter was in Camden & we missed him. So we headed to mom & dad's to get our baby & get home. Marcus developed a summer cold after the trip & we are still fighting through it - he also has given me the sniffles... darn him.

Oh & by the way.... TWILIGHT won 5 of their 6 nominated awards at the MTV movie awards on Sunday. But the MOST important part was the sneak peek of NEW MOON! If you are interested, scroll down a good ways and you will see the video player. Enjoy.

Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert

Eric, Mindy, Marcus & I went up to Pelham to see Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert & Lady Antebellum. It was a fun night out! All 3 were a lot of fun to see on stage!

Miranda was a ball of energy on the stage!

I love the pink guitar!

Then to the delight of the crowd her boyfriend Blake Shelton came on stage & performed with her.

Then of course there was Kenny.....

Mothers Day, Birthday, Swimming, = FUN!

This past weekend was Mother's Day & my father's birthday. We headed to Camden of course - both moms are there. My sister & her family were coming in from Atlanta & wouldn't you know we each arrived about 15 minutes apart.
Yep so rather than getting us in two chunks where the kids might calm down a bit or we get settled.... we all arrived together. Mom & Dad were a bit flustered after about 5 minutes of 3 dogs, 4 kids & 4 more adults infiltrating their home. :o) But they love us so no biggie... right mom? *wink*wink*
After we all got settled, fed our faces and shipped the kids over to my brother Eric's house; Nina & I began to make Dad's birthday cake. It was a strawberry cake recipe I got from Paula Deen's show. OME! This cake is so yummy. It is real strawberries, no food coloring, yummy cream cheese/strawberry icing and just plain good!!
You have to puree a lot of strawberries & well we were missing some rum or else we would have had some awesome daiquiris! No sprite either so the virgin kind was out the door as well. Bummer.
Nina & I proceeded to peruse the internet for a bit then we both began reading on some books I had brought home. It was late into the night that we switched off the lights and all crawled into beds.
Saturday a.m. came bright and early. Earlier than I expected really... Nina had lost a crown on her tooth on Friday & happened to have called her childhood dentist (the one my mom still sees) and he VERY nicely agreed to meet us in Selma to put it back on - no charge and the office is closed. It is so great to be from rural Alabama. :o)
So we scooted about an hour above Camden and in 10 minutes her tooth was fixed and we headed to the mall for some last minute shopping. I had fun because I would just bring Nina dresses and make her try them on - it was like Life Size Dress Up Barbie. I loved it! lol We found 3 dresses on the clearance rack - $25 each. These are $100 or more dresses!! She got two I got one. IT WAS GREAT. We also found some last minute birthday/mother's day gifts.
Once we got back to Camden around 11:30 a.m. it was: LET'S GO SWIMMING TIME. So everyone slipped into bathing suits, we got the kids back from Eric, and dove into crystal clear water in my parents' back yard. The sun beat down and we played & played. Dad, Eric, Keith, Marcus, Jeremy - all the guys fixed Cajun Blackened Catfish & Fried Catfish for lunch. IT WAS SO YUMMY! Dad was thrilled with all of his presents and the cake went over beautifully. Erica & John even made it out to swim and eat. The 23 of us had a wonderful time.
Saturday night Marcus & I headed to his mom's to spend the night. We sat up talking for quite sometime, catching up on all the Camden news. Then on Sunday we fixed a big elaborate lunch: Steak, Salmon, Grilled Onions & Squash, Green Beans, Salad, Corn on the Cob & Coconut Custard Pie. OME! Just relisting all this stuff makes me gain 5 pounds!!! lol
The weekend was wonderful. I am so glad that we were able to spend it with family. I was surrounded by mothers. My mother is one of my closest friends. My sister - an amazing mother - is another of my closest friends. Their guidance, their generosity to their families, their view of life is so precious to me. I see my nieces/nephews and am proud everyday that they are mine. I cannot imagine if they were my actual children.
My brothers, my sister and I were raised by a mother who allowed us to be curious, to explore our own interests, to understand that differences do not define you and that love is the most important emotion in life. She gave us a reason to want hugs and a need for companionship. She instilled in us that lessons are learned from mistakes so don't fault yourself into thinking that regrets can control you or should be allowed to influence your decisions. She taught us that a switch/tree limb is not just for fruit or leaves to hang off of. She taught us that closing doors while the air conditioning is running means she won't be hollering at you later. She taught us that when you are married you do things for your spouse - not because HE/SHE is your spouse & it is expected of you but because if you love someone you do the little things for them without question, without reservation. You do it because you want to. Life often puts us into categories, little slots, but mom never did. I am thankful everyday for her and I pray that more people are as lucky as I am. This world needs more mothers like mine.....

Monuments, Injuries, & Duff oh my!

The past few weeks have been a flurry of activity. After I returned from Arizona I found myself more excited than ever about certain ideas for my life. Again the move towards actually completing them is the actual issue I find myself dealing with. But for once I have been able to actually wrap my head around the possibilities and can see the promise.

Work has been busy & good. It sent me to Washington D.C. this past weekend. I had a 3 day conference (Sunday - Tuesday). The conference took us on a few tours and they were wonderful!

One was a cruise of the Potomac, with food and everything! It was a beautiful site to see old Town Alexandria, the base, and the beautiful homes that are down the waterside.
Oh my gosh, the International Spy Museum has this awesome attraction: Operation Spy that you can do as well as just tour the exihibits. It takes 12 people and you get to interact with a "Covert Agent" in the field as he/she is trying to discover who stole a nuclear weapon & whether or not our contact is a double agent. You run up stairs, you hit the floor, you crack a safe, you listen & decode conversations... for about 1.5 hours. It is so much fun! There is nothing like 12 adults acting like 10 year olds. I thoroughly enjoyed this attraction. The museum is neat too, really did you know that they really did use the transmitters in the bottom of their shoes in the 70's or that the KGB hollowed out umbrella stems for documents or that women would line their dresses with important documents? There are also some quite disgusting ways that history shows us information was transferred, but I will let you visit the museum yourself to discover those...
Though I have been to D.C. many times before there is never enough time to see everything. It would take months to see all the museums and sites. With the changing exhibits it would take even longer! This trip though I was able to see some things that I have never seen, like this monument dedicated to Columbus. It sits at Union Station. Three poles hold the American flags and represent his three ships. There is also a monument to the Liberty Bell right behind it.
At the museum of Natural History this Colossal Head sits and watches everyone who passes. It is huge and the only remains of some temple ruins. The tulips at its base make it much more cheerful than it really is.

There are so many memorials here. The WWII memorial is absolutely beautiful, the Vietnam & Korean Memorials elicite erie otherworld type of feelings, but majestic is a word that describes the below 4 memorials.
The Lincoln memorial yields a view of the river and the path way down the Mall. Its huge columns & state seals definitely create an imposing structure. It is said to be the most visited monument. I believe it. People are everywhere at this one, climbing the huge steps, standing in small repose beside the huge state of Lincoln. It is beautiful!

The Jefferson sits over the water and cast a gorgeous reflection, it is a very striking building. All of them bring thoughts of Roman & Greek historic architecture.

The Washington Monument is just so tall! You can see it from everywhere. They even have a law that a building cannot be built over 9 stories tall or at least it cannot be the height or taller than the Washington Monument. 899 steps to the top... or ride the elevator. :)

One of the interesting things to me was Fords Theater (where Lincoln was shot) and the house where he died. The theater is literally 45 steps fromt the house across the street. Did you know that there was really only 6 people in the room with him (the room was so small) and that he died while laying diagonally on a small bed due to his being so tall that he would not fit lying on it from head to foot?
I met some great taxi cab drivers from all over the world. Everyone was so nice. D.C. is not exactly known for being cordial, so this trip was quite surprising. All the times before when Nina & her family lived there we did not have bad experiences per say with the people of the District, but they are definitely separated from the south by more than just the bridge! :)
I saw these tulips at the Australian Embassy. They were everywhere & I thought of New Moon. The flowers were just gorgeous. Tulips were everywhere in D.C. but the Australian Embassy is the only place I saw the two toned.

Even though the conference was well worth my company's time & experience and I learned a great deal more than I did know there was a downside... you know me....clumsy me...I fell down, quite hard, got to tour a local medical station in the Georgetown area.... X Rays, blood, VERY sprained ankle. Nasty swelling, pain medicine, wrapped foot & lots of pain. YEP. I have to laugh.

The first day when I arrived in D.C. my taxi driver from the airport was so nice. I inquired as to whether or not he knew where Charm City Cakes was in Baltimore. He said yes. He had customers before me who had wanted to go there just to take a picture of the door. (they won't let you in unless you are a real customer). For those of you unfamiliar with Charm City Cakes: Duff is the Chef; he has a crew that makes some of the most extraordinary cakes you have ever seen. He has a show on Food Network: ACE of CAKES. The CakeWrecks blog also has featured some of his wonderful creations on her SundaySweets blog entries.

Anyway, I had set up for the same driver to pick me up to take me to the airport. So I mentioned again that I would love to just have a picture of the door and see where their workshop is. He said it was only about 10 minutes from the airport so it would be no problem to get there before my flight. Mind you I am seriously hobbling due to my injury so my driver, Randy, was like: I will help you get a picture however I can.

So we get over to the location. It is exactly as it looks when you see it on t.v. So Randy & I get out of the taxi & proceed to try to get a good shot. I notice in my peripheral vision someone walking across the street from a little hole in the wall diner. At first I don't even pay attention, but then the person gets closer.... IT IS DUFF!!!! I whisper to Randy: Holy crap that is HIM! THE GUY - DUFF!! Randy then calls out: Mr. Duff, hey, this girl came all the way from Alabama do you think she could have a picture?~ (please forgive the horrible pic of me - no makeup, travel clothes, crazy hair...yeah he probably thinks southerners are crazy people!)I almost pass out. Duff laughs, smiles, and says sure! SO as I am still laughing over the whole moment, Randy takes the picture & we also get one of Duff in the doorway of his establishment. I realize that he is holding an empty plate with a fork. So I guess that Diner might house some good food. :) Anyway, he was a doll & very kind to have posed and spoken with me for a few minutes. What luck? WHAT TIMING. Crazy. So even with my blue & green foot my luck comes in spurts...so who is to say what is lucky & what is not...

Project Book Babe: A picture is worth a thousand words and a million memories...

Yesssss..... I was in Phoenix, Arizona a mere 7 hours ago. I sat in an airport and watched the sun come up over the mountains. To be honest I sat bewildered and in shock. Only last night I walked amongst such talented people as James Owen, Shannon Hale, J.S. Lewis and others - including the amazing and so down to earth Stephenie Meyer.... I am ahead of myself...

On Friday afternoon I boarded a plane in Birmingham and flew to Phoenix. I landed early that afternoon and was greeted by Lori. She was in a Dodge Caliber - though at the time we weren't real sure what kind of car she was driving. (Lori's flight from BHM had arrived about 4 hours before mine). She is an explorer by nature so Phoenix was quickly becoming a familiar city. Though it is convenient that the layout is basically a giant square. We drove out to the Desert Bontanical Gardens, we explored the mountain range and then headed to Old Scottsdale for Dinner and some browsing. Dinner lended some great chipotle infused salsa, a rockin chimichanga and the best carne asada I have ever tasted! The locals were kind the weather was bizarre. Hot desert sun in midday with sweet cool breezes in the evening = wonderful!
After dinner we trespassed a little bit - all for the sake of some spectacular photographs! We purchased some essentials for the hotel room and then headed back to the room to laugh and prepare for the next day...

With the time change we were up early for Arizona time but fairly normal for Alabama time. We headed down past the hotel pool and wandered into Chef Charlie's wonderful breakfast world. Note to everyone - Embassy Suites does cook to order complimentary breakfast for its guests. SO YUMMY!!!! Seriously some of the BEST hashbrowns ever! The sweetest Chefs too :) SO after filling ourselves up with some yummy food we headed to the Desert Botanical Gardens. Okay if you get the chance to go out to Phoenix before May 31st of this year - make sure you visit the Gardens newest exhibit Chihuly. The artist works with blown glass and intersperses it throughout the natural setting of the desert landscape. It is eye catching, colorful, breathtakingly beautiful. I was speechless during many of the stops. In most of the below pictures you really cannot tell how huge these works are - the first one (the colorful yellow ball is more like 18 feet tall and almost triple that in width) most average 6 -8 feet in height when nature calls for it, some are low to the ground mimicking the fantastical shapes that cacti form as they grow.... well see for yourself

Don't forget that this is GLASS - Hand Blown GLASS!!!!

After the Botanical Gardens we wandered towards Sky Harbor International again to pick up Lucy, Lori's sister. I have got to shout out to you two I need to develop nicknames for both of you the Lucy - Lori is so close I had to catch myself more than twice! :)

Lucy was ready and excited - she had a relaxing first class flight to Phoenix... Ah how nice.

We headed to grab her a quick bite then to the hotel to prepare for the big event. Lori promised to remind me to breathe for the rest of the day.

After deciding on outfits, getting our tickets together & making sure all cameras were ready we hopped in the car and headed to Marcos De Niza High School.

Once at the high school my heart began to beat and my breathing was definitely a questionable action...The line snaked around towards the courtyard, then they announced that Platinum tickets could move to the front of the line. Platinum - that was us.

As we rounded the corner we saw the black and red tables, the volunteers with Save the Book Babe t-shirts and I started realizing that I really was going to see & meet Stephenie Meyer. This woman who has catapulted friendships, inner confidence and sparked a new reading frenzy. Along with her were some of my favorite other authors... I was beginning to hyperventilate again.

After purchasing raffle tickets, getting the platinum wristbands, and receiving the card for entry to the reception you slipped through the doors.

When you entered the auditorium there were artist that would sketch your favorite characters from any of the books of the authors or even some comic characters, really you could just ask if they would do anyone. They were sketching for 700 people. There were 7 of them. Difficult task - but I came home with a sketch :) Alice, Edward, & Bella in the stylings of Tony Parker.

Then you made your way into the theater. 800 seats lead up to a classic stage. On the stage was a band set, a few mics, and some stools. People were milling around in their sections, people were chattering, the excitement was building and we all were anxious. But then when Shannon Hale stepped up to the mic it was an eerie and beautiful reverence that overcame the audience. This woman should seriously be in stand up! She is a riot. Her books are wonderful, but even her talented written word cannot stand a chance against her natural ease & personality. Some opening remarks were made and she brought out the reason we had all really joined forces: Faith Hochalter. This woman is battling breast cancer, these authors, publishing companies and strangers all came together because she has touched so many lives. She was really overwhelmed. I was lucky enough to meet her backstage. She is a delightful woman and so sweet in demeanor. Truly the Book Babe.Faith spoke about this journey and how all of this came to be. She is a beautiful person inside and out. My prayers are with her as she continues her battle.Brandon Mull came out to read a quick poem:

Roses are Red

Violets are Blue

Cancer Sucks

After Faith & Brandon, the comedic antics continued with J.S. Lewis & Shannon Hale as they announced that there was "some dress" up for auction... (Modeled here by Dean Lorey - he was escorted by the handsome PJ Haarsma)Then the pair introduced the first musical performance. The acoustic talents of Adam Kump. Adam played with his best friend. These two young gentlemen have a beautiful career ahead that is already growing. Then the authors took to the stage again, only this time it was more of them and they felt that we needed even more musical entertainment.... This was one of the funniest moments of the evening. I spoke to Shannon Hale about this at the reception and mentioned that I was expecting the talents of Adam Kump & Adam Watts Band (I had looked them up online before the trip), but I told her I was NOT expecting the musical stylings and dancing talents of the group of authors. She laughed and then confessed neither had they - it was totally impromptu. Well it was improv at its best :)

Then came the second Adam. The Adam Watts Band played. These guys are amazing. I mean truly awesome music. The lead singer, Adam, had a special story to share. His mother is a two time cancer survivor. He wrote the song Blink for her. I was so touched by their music. I am often overcome by music; especially honest music. Their sound is one of those sounds that just sweeps you up into the melodies and takes you on a trip. Truly talented & so up my alley in style. :o) When you get a chance go look them up online... http://adamwattsband.com/ .....I um happen to have a signed CD by all the guys... I'm just saying :) Also a few great pictures.....

Then Shannon took the stage to introduce all the authors...and we all clapped then held our breaths as Shannon mentioned everyone but "her"..... Then as the laughter subsided: STEPHENIE MEYER!!! *and the crowd goes wild- HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA*

The panel answered questions about their writing processes, their inspirations, their styles, their characters, their lives - a plethera of answers bounced across that stage for all of us to hear. They answered honestly, seriously, jokingly and encouragingly. As someone who hopes to see her name in print, their answers were a special gift in itself.

The panel then concluded the question answer section of the day and on to the craziness! RAFFLE & AUCTION!!!

The raffle items were extraordinary! Signed full sets of Twilight, Original Artwork by James Owen, a complete & edited manuscript by Dean Lorey, a collection of books by Janett Rallison, books by Laini Taylor, art by Chris Gall... the list is just wonderful. Though I purchased 50 tickets I did not win anything, Lucy purchased 50 tickets and won the set of Janette Rallison books (OME!! WOOHOO!!!), Lori purchased 250 tickets and well she got 250 tickets... :) (Lori don't kill me I had to put that in here - just remember I did not win anything from the raffle either:( ).

Then the bidding began. I was bidder #28 - my age by the way. It was my lucky day. :) The raffle began with Forever Dawn. This item climbed so quickly to $5000 dollars. They also auctioned off Lunch with Stephenie for two, the Eclipse prom dress, the Host manuscript, the Eclipse manuscript, an ARC of Twilight, and a HOBO created HOST skateboard. Lets just say that they were able to raise a substantial amount that will help Faith in the times to come. I am so excited that I was able to participate and donate towards this cause. I may never climb down from this cloud.

There was a mention of some werewolves, 6 packs, Taylor Lautner, so John (J.S. Lewis quickly proved he is Taylor's body double :) )I have to say that I did walk away with something from the auction. While I was backstage the auction continued and once it was done everyone but those withPlatinum status had to vacate the theater. That means that 60 of us were going to attend the invitation only reception with the authors!

(yes we are actually discussing the necklace I wore to the event :) !!!)

They took a few moments to set up for the reception (PF Changs catered) and then we actually got to mingle with all the authors. We also got a bag of goodies. Not just any bag but a Twilight Saga bag from Little Brown Publishers - donated for the event. Inside that bag was twelve books -ready to be signed by the authors that were mingling around. We actually were able to have the books signed and talk with them... actual conversations! It was awesome. They all were the nicest, most down to earth people!
After the event we headed to Barney's Boathouse, a bar on Mill Ave right across from ASU stadium & campus. The atmosphere: awesome, the onion rings:wow, the entire day: priceless.

Surreal is a word that I have used to describe art. It encompasses this entire weekend... my feet barely touch the ground right now and to be honest they may never again... anyway this was my weekend. This was the Project Book Babe event. This was the weekend I met Stephenie Meyer. This was a weekend spent with friends. This was a weekend making a memory, snapping pictures, eating food, climbing fences :) and learning to utilitze the yoga breathing technique so that I did not pass out.
FYI - I read Shannon Hale's Book of a Thousand Days on the flight back from Phoenix. IT IS AWESOME!! Loved it!