From The Road
From somewhere over Utah it’s been a road trip kind of a year so far. Many, many miles and what I’m thinking as I traveled on this journey is that I owe you so many words.
The last many of you of knew I was beach parked on the east coast after visiting with the great people from Wrightsville Beach. Since then I’ve been to San Antonio, hung out a few more glorious days with the Adorables, made my way back home, and then turned around to head south to the University of Central Florida Book Festival in Orlando. One of the blessings of being a writer is to be able to hang out with writer friends as if it’s a glorious family reunion and to make new Friends in the process so I have to give a short shout out to some friends and panelists I had the pleasure of serving with. Joshilyn Jackson – no one rocks the Sidecar and some serious storytelling like you do. Nor should they try. Funny ladies, and beautiful writers (or is that reversed) Rachel Hayck, Lisa Wingate, Mary Beth Whalen – it was so good to spend some quality time getting rained on, waiting for trolleys, talking story, eating cheese grits, and getting to know you even better. For the writing and presenting team Dr. Michael Palmer and Daniel Palmer , you both inspire me in so many ways. Senator Bob Graham and beautiful wife Adele, “I see you.” You are real people and in was a pleasure to be in your company and share stories. And Susan, you were a most excellent host over the entire affair. A special shout out to the people of The Lucky Pig. I’ll always wear my apron with a twinkle in my eye.
And then on the wings of that road trip before I could catch my breath was the flight to Montana for the Great Falls Rescue Mission annual banquet (actually there are two – one large luncheon and one large dinner) and meeting some incredible people with a heart for the lost and lonely. Of course, it doesn’t take very long to discover we are all lost and lonely in some ways and what a blessing each of us are to one another. I am still awaiting a few photos from the evening to post and I apologize to all those who love photos (particularly my mother) as I am so busy speaking with people I don’t capture the moment on film.
Now I’m in Grand Rapids at the Festival of Faith and Writing Conference and trying to dash just a few words as I ready for a book signing event this evening. Tomorrow will be a day of panels and Saturday follows the same. If you are in the area I’ll be on a panel on Writing About Spiritual Panels in the Calvin college chapel at 2:00pm and speaking on how Truth Finds a Way in words to the page – both in fiction and non-fiction on Saturday at 11:30. Just go ahead and come on out to Michigan if you will or if you can’t make it this far, share with your friends and facebook buddies. The conference has many, many incredible presenters including Marilynne Robinson, and Walter Wangerin, Jr.
I’ll be returning to Nashville Sunday night and celebrating the release of the paperback of Praying for Strangers at Bookman/Bookwoman Tuesday night, April 24th at 5:30pm Please join us as the Adventure continues for stories from this wild, wild ride this year!
Blessings!
River,
I talked to Ms. Becker about her book because I have something in common with her – my children also have disabilities and I am interested in writing a memoir. I bought your book and you signed it, but I didn’t say anything. But what I was thinking was, Maybe this will give me some courage. I am an introvert and a very private person as well. And very protective of my children.
Cindy, That was a warm, sweet gathering. I loved being with all of you. Blessings as you find your way to put your words on the page and tell your stories!
P.S. I was at the Schuler book signing for the Grand Rapids Word Weavers.
Good morning from a writer’s desk in Iowa!
I saw your name on my Facebook feed this week a few times among some writer friends who attended the festival in Grand Rapids. I’m so eager to read your books, and to hear about your “wild, wild ride” as the year progresses.
- Jennifer Dukes Lee
OH, how nice that they took the time to drop a few words on Facebook (and some on twitter) during festival rounds. It is a pleasure to meet you in cyberspace and drop me a note when you read one of the books – love to hear your thoughts!
River,
Thanks for sharing your story at the Faith and writing festival. You’re an inspiration and I’m encouraged by ou and so many others who shared last weekend ~ SueF
You are most welcome. It was an honor and pleasure to be there. What a beautiful audience of word lovers!
Thank you, River Jordan, for sharing from your heart at Festival! Your truth telling shoke me to the core and a seismic shift has moved my writer’s soul into action.
now if I can only learn to spell – make that “shook”
not “shoke”
Now, if they will invite me back every other year – I’ll be there! What a great festival and yes, truth – we think we live it and breathe it until we pause and think about it. Thank you so much for spending time with me at the festival and sitting in on presentations.
Thank you, River.
I’ve been reading and contemplating PRAYING FOR STRANGERS, since getting it soon after the Festival of Faith and Writing at Calvin College.
Thank you. Your talk was wonderful, and I’ve often repeated the simple word “TRUTH” to myself since the conference, as my takeaway from the event.
THank you for stretching yourself, and sharing it with us!
Shar, I just can’t tell you what a blessing it was to be there and to meet people such as yourself that otherwise I might not have crossed paths with. Thank you for being a part of my story in the middle of so many other wonderful things happening there. Blessings!