Oh, such a wonderful get-away my soul sister, Kathy, and I enjoyed on the Norwegian Sky last week. It never ceases to amaze me that these HUGE ships don't sink. And I'm grateful they stay afloat because this gal don't swim. *cringe*
I was thrilled the ship's lobby was done in purple. I fit right in! LOL
February...and 85-degrees. We actually saw less sun this year than in years past--it was overcast most days, but it didn't keep us from lazing on beaches anyway. And when we weren't lounging and enjoying sweet breezes, we were attending concerts. Some wonderful artists performed on the ship...Phillips, Craig & Dean; Newsboys; Chris Tomlin; American Idol finalists, including Mandisa...
Did you know you can't sit during a Mandisa concert? It's physically impossible. You have to get up and dance. Yes, believe it or not, this little Mennonite gal danced. Actually, I danced in the second row and wore my purple sparkly cap to Mandisa's concert because she'd seen me wearing it on an earlier day and commented that she loved it. Made me smile.
The view from every direction was beautiful. God did such an amazing job designing our world. I never tired of gazing across the ocean...expecially as the sun began to set and sent golden sparkles across the water. Gorgeous...
Our favorite spot between activities was the balcony off our room. We started our day there with a cup of coffee, and we ended our day there with iced tea. Sooooo relaxing...
This lovely couple is Mary and Jay. I put an autographed copy of Song of My Heart in the Premiere auction to raise funds to share the gospel with orphans around the world. They won the book and the opportunity to have their names used as secondary characters in a future release. So be watching for "Mary" and "Jay" in an upcoming novel! :o)
Before returning to Kansas, I spent an extra night with Kathy and we enjoyed a special dinner at the Top of the World Restaurant in the Stratosphere. Looking out at the lights of Las Vegas was quite a view! (And we witnessed THREE bungee-jumpers fall past those windows. Somebody is a lot braver than I...)
And for Tammy, our resident food-photographer, a picture of my absolutely delicious filet and grilled shrimp. (As if I hadn't already eaten enough on the cruise... *sigh*)
I came home with new luggage. The airport...or somebody...completely destroyed my big black suitcase. Both handles were torn loose, one wheel was broken, and it contained a gash in the side. Fortunately, I didn't lose any contents! But there was no way I could get that damaged bag home, so Kathy took me to an outlet mall where I found the most perfect luggage ever:
PURPLE!!!
I happened to be wearing a purple shirt and carrying a purple purse when I entered the store. Even the cashier commented that the luggage seemed to be waiting for me. And it made it to Kansas with a few scuff marks but in one piece. So far, so good.
When I returned home, I discovered Hubby had been a busy beaver. My office walls were all painted, a hardwood floor was in place, and he'd moved most of my furniture back into the room. Except for my desk, of course, because I don't have one yet. Yes, I have ordered one. Thank you to everyone who voted last week and shared their opinions. I'll let you know what I chose when it finally arrives and I can post pictures of the newly decorated office. In the meantime, I drew a name from the respondees. PAM K, please contact me (kim at kimvogelsawyer dot com) and share your snail mail address so I can send you something "hope" related. :o)
I had a delightful get-away, but it's nice to be home, too. Time to settle back into my routine and...hopefully...dive into a new story. That is, as soon as I have a desk on which to place my computer!
May God bless you muchly as you journey with Him! ~Kim
P.S. -- My Wugmump will be six months old tomorrow. She just gets cuter all the time! Happy 1/2 birthday, sweet baby girl.
I loved hearing about your trip. What fun!
ReplyDeleteOh Kim! I can't help saying this and I know I made the same comment before, but I cannot get over how much you and Kathy look alike...it really is uncanny,especially when you are wearing similar coloured outfits. Does she sound like you too? You both look so happy to be with each other and spend that quality time as only soul sisters can!
ReplyDeleteI loved the pics...the ship looks a dream and I'm so glad you both enjoyed yourselves.
As for your luggage I think you had a helping hand.:0)
You were definitely meant to have purple!
What a gem your hubby is to work so hard on your office, you must feel so thrilled,and as for your little Wugmump..she is a little cherub!
Last,but not least..So glad that you made it home safely!:0)
Hi Kim!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're home! Facebook was too quiet without you and Clyde! Sounds like you had a Blessed cruise. One of these days I am going to take that Klove cruise!
I can't wait to see pictures of your "new" office. Your hubby is so talented. Clyde said he had a good time chasing his mousies all over the new floor so I guess he approves lol!
Looking forward to your next release. I loved Song Of My Heart! But then, I love all your books!
Susan, it was fun. We're already booked for next year. :o)
ReplyDeleteRosie, I love it when you say I look like Kathy because I think she's beautiful. And yes, Hubs and I make a great team. I come up with the project ideas and he sees them through. LOL
Lynne, thanks for your kind words. And do take that cruise sometime! Next year is the 10th anniversary so it'll be rockin' with artists. I'd love to see you there!
Looks like you had a wonderful time, Kim. I'm so glad.
ReplyDeleteOne of these days, I intend to take an Alaskan cruise. I can hardly wait! Never been on board one of those "big boats." Something to look forward to.
Glad you're back safe and sound. (S)
The boat in the picture is so pretty. Sounds like you had a fun time. Glad you are back safe. God Bless!
ReplyDeleteHey Kim! I am currently tuned in to K love radio while I am typing this and the first words in the song that I heard were "I am hoping!" How apt!! I have had a look at the info about the cruise too..NOW I want to come on it too!! We are thinking of coming over in March next year,perhaps we'd better come in February instead.:0)
ReplyDeleteThanks for "welcome home," Nancy and Tina. It's nice to be back. :o)
ReplyDeleteRosie, that would be totally awesome!!!
What a delightful post, Kim! Thank you so much for sharing your cruise with us---sounds wonderful! That purple lobby (and your new purple luggage)were waiting for YOU! *smile* Soooo glad you had this special time with your soul-sister (I agree with Rosie that you two ladies do look alike!). ~ Wugmump is adorable! (can't believe she's already 6 months---where does the time go?!). ~ I have to add that I'm almost finished reading SONG OF MY HEART--and loving it!*big smile* ~ Hugs, Patti Jo :)
ReplyDeleteloved reading about your cruise, going on one in March and end of May.....they are sooo much fun!!!!!! love your purple bag!!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful time was had by you both, enjoyed the pics, loved the purple room on the ship, and the purple luggage. And it sounds like your office is going to be lovely, can't wait to see it. Glad you're back home safe and sound. Oh, what a cute pic of your mugwump.
ReplyDeletePatti Jo, funny how I find purple everywhere I go. :o)
ReplyDeleteVirginia, enjoy your cruise!!! They are delightful, aren't they?
Cherie, I'll share the office when it's all 100% done. Can't wait!
Glad you had fun!! Congratulations, Pam K! Purple is my favorite color too. Can hardly wait to see which desk you chose.
ReplyDeletelanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
How did I miss this post, Kim! LOVE your purple luggage, pics of food, but most of all... MANDISA! How fun! Would love to see her in person. But where's the pic of you in the sparkly purple hat! Love you, lady. So glad you had a marvelous trip!
ReplyDelete