The Saga Continues...and so does God's Grace

As if the outhouse and tire incidents weren’t enough for this weary traveler, my recent trip to California for the Books & Such retreat didn’t go without a bit of drama. Unlike many of the other arrivals, I didn’t experience any plane delays, although I did have a 6:00 a.m. departure which wasn’t exactly my idea of a fun way to begin the day.

That fact aside, I arrived in Monterey safe and sound, but not feeling so great. This is our lovely hotel—who could ask for anything more luxurious?

Unfortunately, by late afternoon, and after several calls to a doctor in Topeka, I ended up taking a taxi to one of the local Med-Assist offices. After being prescribed medicine that I knew would help my infection, I had a strong suspicion it would cause the return of some stomach problems.

Even though I immediately began taking a strong probiotic, my final night in Monterey was pretty painful and I wondered if I’d make it home. I prayed all night that I wouldn’t have to remain in Monterey alone. Once again, the Lord answered, and although I wasn’t well for the trip home, I was good enough to get on the plane. I’ve visited the doctor since my return. Still no answers, still not feeling great, but if I’m going to be sick, I’d rather be at home and I’m so very thankful the Lord gave me the strength to make those flights.

Now, on to the fun portions of the trip! While in Monterey, I had the pleasure of this beautiful view from the hotel and seeing a pod of dolphins cavorting in the bay, (although I didn’t get a picture of the dolphins).

I learned some interesting information from agents and other authors, and had the immense pleasure of spending time laughing and visiting with other attendees. That’s agent Wendy Lawton (far left) sharing a laugh with Cynthia Ruchti (middle) and Virginia (Ginny) Smith (right). Wish I had seen that picture--it was obviously very funny!

And that’s me with Hillari Delgado and Virginia Smith after enjoying a lovely dinner on the patio outside the hotel.

I also learned how to play bocce ball. Well, I wouldn’t say I exactly learned how, but I did play. We had great fun taking lessons from the pros who tried their best to help us. Notice Julie Klassen’s form. Even though she denied it, I think she's played before.

And that’s Ann Gabhart getting ready to show us how it’s done. The winners were Jill Eileen Smith and her husband, Randy--they're the ones preparing in the other lane.

Oh, yes—I also had the pleasure of hearing John Steinbeck tell us about his life on Cannery Row—I bet you thought he’d died!

While doing a bit of sightseeing at the local shops, I discovered Dorothy had once again escaped from Kansas and found a home on the California coast. Don’t know what could have ever possessed her to leave the sunflower state!!

And last but not least--my head isn't really on fire. This is what I look like when I'm having a SUPER HOT IDEA for a new novel.

May you find joy as you explore the beauty of God’s universe. ~Judy