A Dynamite Day

(Note: If you haven't read the post before this one, do so.  I wouldn't want to confuse you)

What I'd really like to do is rush into telling you my fantabulously (yes, it's a word--at least in my world it is--I always use it) news, but, that won't do.  I have to started at the beginning of the day.  It began with dragging my husband out of bed so he could drive me to the writer's conference (We had plans afterwards and I didn't want to drive home separately).  I hurried into the building, found my ANWA (American Night Writer's Association) friends and began the day of classes.  After an awesome class taught by Julie Wright I headed into the ballroom for lunch.
I hadn't realized how much time I spent talking with someone until I entered the crowded room.  While I searched for my friends, people were raising their hands to indicate to those coming in late that there were seats left at their table.  One man looked directly at me and pointed at a seat across from him.  I felt a bit stunned and intimidated because the seat he was pointing to was next to the MC and all those in charge of the whole shindig.  I wanted to sit with friends, but after having eye contact with someone who was expecting me to sit where he indicated I didn't want to be rude and move on, so I obeyed like a good little girl and sat.
One of the ladies next to me was frantically writing things down on a note pad, so I asked if she was presenting something during lunch.  She informed me she would be announcing the 1st Chapter Contest then she asked my name.  I replied, then she asked if I entered the contest.  I told her I did and she said, "I thought your name sounded familiar."  Then a few minutes later she stepped up onto the stage to make the announcements.
To my astonishment my name showed up on the screen.  My novel "Amanda Who?" won 3rd place in the suspense category!  WAHOO!  I was so stunned I think my brain was left in my seat when I mechanically walked up to receive my award.  I was on cloud 11 and a half all the rest of the day.
So, now I am an Award Winning Writer.
Who'da thunk.

After the dynamite day was nearing the end I found Anne Perry (the Author I mention in the previous post) sitting in the lobby of the hotel where this conference was held.  I approached her and asked if I could speak with her.  She warmly invited me in and I told her that her speech had helped me discover what I loved (see post below).  She noticed my portfolio and asked if she could look through it.  She was the first person in a long time to really look at my artwork.  She pointed at everyone and mentioned something about the expressions and feeling it brought with it.  She loved each one then gave me a challenge--to draw older people.  It's something that I've wanted to do for some time, but hadn't got around to doing it.  So, hopefully you will start to see artwork of older people, though not for a while.  I have editing to do.
My visit with Anne Perry was just as rewarding as winning the contest.  Her eyes were kind and her spirit was warm, wise, and loving.  I hope someday I can reflect the same feeling she does.  She is a great lady and it was a privileged to talk with her.
I truly have been blessed.