Happy Monday everyone! I returned to Toronto from Atlanta last evening, after a two-hour delay during which the forces of nature presented a spectacular thunder and lightning/son et lumière exhibition, viewed through the massive windows of the airport terminal.
The RWA2013 National Conference which I attended for 5 days 
was a fine experience in every way from the exceptional quality and variety of workshops, discussions, and presentations to the extraordinary camaraderie and networking of approximately 2000 writers, agents, editors and other assorted members.The keynote speaker, Cathy Maxwell, and luncheon awards speaker, Kristan Higgins, offered wisdom and humour as they shared their stories and stirred emotions.
Absolutely unforgettable was the opportunity to meet, in person, writers with whom I have formed close connections online through the past three years. The “WANA sistas” rock and memories were made to last forever!
I returned home inspired and motivated to write, write, write.
Today I am attempting to catch up on last week’s backup while I am at my desk in Toronto … admittedly watching (and dreaming of being there …) the last day of the Tour de France which my DH thoughtfully taped for me.
Thanks to this amazing virtual world. I’m also hanging out on some other websites and hope you have a minute to drop by and visit.
Suite T: The Author’s Blog of Southern Writer’s Magazine ~ click here to read my short post which I think will make you smile!
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Book’s Blog on Goodreads – click here to add your comments to one of my favourite topics! Tell me where you like to travel.
Thanks to everyone who has popped into The Provence Post too. There are a few more days before the draw for the giveaways! If only I could be writing this from there!
I wanted to share this special post from the blog of my friend, Marcia Richards. Now that’s inspiring!
That’s it for me today! What are you up to?
Patricia Sands 
Hi Patricia! I absolutely loved seeing highlights from the RWA conference on Facebook. You looked stunning in your “Oscars” apparel! 🙂 Thanks for sharing Marcia’s link. I haven’t visited her blog in a while, and it’s TIME. 🙂 Happy Monday.
Hi August! We had such a great time at RWA, as you saw, and the workshops, etc were excellent. Our WANA meet-up was amazing ~ we have to get every single WANA together sometime! I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. We laughed waaaay too much! Marcia is back blogging on a regular basis now with excellent content!
Patricia, thanks for linking to my post! wish i could have been in Atlanta with all of you. Planning a trip to Canada this Fall. Have to see you and Natalie!
Love your site’s new look, too!
Marcia, it’s so good to see you back on your blog and your posts have been excellent! I have followed Diana’s career too and really admired her endurance. It would be great to see you up here but I’m sure you know Natalie and I are a long way from each other!
Sounds like you enjoyed a terrific conference!
Truly fabulous in every way, Phil!
I’m sorry I had to miss RWA nationals this year, but I’m already making plans for next year.
Sounds like a good time was had by all.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
It was an excellent experience in every way. I was impressed with the professional quality and quantity of the workshops, panels, and presentations and fabulous networking. We all agreed we had gained a lot of useful information. And then there was the socializing … meeting the wonderful women I’ve been working with online for the last two years was THE best! The WANA sistas laughed waaaaay too much!
I just got back from Maine – it was beautiful!
Lucky you! Were you on the coast?
Yes, it was a gorgeous beach holiday!