A few highlights to report . . .

#1

I attended the San Diego Christian Writers Guild Conference on Saturday and I was inspired as I always am when I take time out to interact with those who are established in both the craft and the industry.

I especially loved Barbara Nicolosi’s challenge to write toward what the human soul is yearning for and not simply what the market is yearning for. As she said, “What my soul knows is what’s commercial.” So good. I also really resonated with her concept of writing as pastoral.

And, of course it was exciting to hear Lynn Vincent talk about Same Kind of Different As Me and Going Rogue (though she really couldn’t say much at all about Palin due to the non-disclosure she signed). She and her agent, Lee Hough, were up on stage with Carol LeBeau asking the questions. Completely engrossing.

#2

On Friday night, I spoke at a local church and facilitated an art component as part of my talk. This is something I absolutely love doing. I shared for 30 minutes about “foreign places,” including some excerpts from Found Art, and then we did found art clotheslines made from manila tags the woman collaged. Heaven. I hope the evening was as meaningful for them as it was for me.

I love seeing women create. Healing. Empowering. Connecting. Soul-stirring. Awakening.

#3

I have received so much incredible feedback from the guest post I did on Jason Boyett’s blog (http://blog.beliefnet.com/omeoflittlefaith/2010/09/leeana-tankersley-the-swirling-waters.html). I just wanted to say thanks, and it seemed like the whole concept struck a chord.

#4

Lastly, this morning I put my mom on a plane for the East Coast. She is no longer a San Diegan. Strange. I know it will be some time before all these changes fully hit me. I feel relieved that all the logistics involved in getting her gone are now complete. And I also feel like there’s an emptiness that I can’t fully name yet.

On Friday morning, I attended a Change of Command ceremony for Steve’s outgoing and incoming COs. Such a cool Navy tradition, with no counterpart (I learned), in the Army or Air Force. I was reminded of the beyond beautiful Navy farewell . . . and so, though I’m deeply disappointed to be losing my best (read: most caustic) source of material, I wish you fair winds and following seas, Mom. May these be your best years yet.