Just The BeginningJuly 11, 2009
Isn't that true of many things? But in this case, it's the start of my vacation. HOORAY!
And already good things have happened today. I wound 1675 yards of Ellen's 1/2 Pint Farm Silk/Merino into three big hanks, and I've cast on for Cold Mountain:
Isn't that sheen delicious?
Now, you know how I feel about lace (fiddy! Droppy! Non-intuitive, not like cables or colorwork!), but this looks like just the kind of lace I like: regular, predictable, lovely. I'm hoping it will be a good travel project as I get ready to head to DC for the Romance Writers of America national convention. Have I perhaps mentioned HOW EXCITED I am to get to go to this?
Last year, I went on a lark. I hardly knew what RWA was or how huge and impressive it is, and I didn't belong to a local chapter. I'd never been to a meeting. Then I went, and my mind was blown. I learned SO much, and I met women that I wanted to be someday. I didn't have an agent then, and I certainly didn't have a contract. I felt like a sponge, absorbing up knowledge and excitement and hope. (I still feel like that, actually.)
This year, I'm having lunch with my editor. My agent and I are going to the Avon cocktail party and then out to dinner. And I'm going to be spending time with an incredible group of women writers whom I know now through my local chapter, women I'm proud to call my friends.
What a difference a year makes.
I leave Tuesday for DC. (And my DC-area darlings, every day is BOOKED. I want to see my girls, to see YOU, but this isn't the trip for it. Next time? xoxo)
And today: I get to go watch the Girl's Rock Camp showcase, and then we're going to a party way out in the back of beyond with friends I went to college with a million years ago. And I made the BEST potato salad, based on this recipe: Salt and Vinegar Potato Salad. (I used less oil, but followed the recipe for the most part.) Highly recommended. Lala and I both just ate it for breakfast and it was wonderful.
I'm knitting Cold Mountain too! But not liking the yarn. Yours looks delish. Maybe I will start over with something pretty. Have a good trip!
Posted by: Abby | Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 13:59
Yay, vacation! And the best KIND of vacation - the kind you can deduct from your taxes as a business expense!
Posted by: Erika | Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 19:03
Have a wonderful, fantastic, totally enjoyable time in DC! I'll be thinking of you, and wishing I was there.
Posted by: Bronwyn Parry | Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 20:16
Yes, that IS a nice sheen!
Posted by: GoodEnoughWoman | Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 21:01
We just made our first trip to DC in early June, and we had the best time! I hope you have a great time!
Posted by: Lynne | Sunday, July 12, 2009 at 05:15
I loved reading about your treasure hunt and all the steps you went through... you have some seriously fun and awesome friends! Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Karma | Sunday, July 12, 2009 at 10:23
I knew every day was going to be booked, so I didn't even ask. However, the next time you are in the area, save some time to visit the Loudoun County vineyards. The wine is pretty darn good!
Posted by: Teri S. | Monday, July 13, 2009 at 07:26
Have a great trip! I'm sad you won't have any time to hang out while you're here, but I hope you have a wonderful time at the convention and maybe you'll save a few minutes for me next time you're in town?
Posted by: J Strizzy | Monday, July 13, 2009 at 10:29
Wow!
Posted by: Gwen | Monday, July 13, 2009 at 14:47
Oh, that skein IS delicious! Came across your blog through someone else's and have really enjoyed snooping around. Lots of fun and beautiful stuff.
Posted by: Bev Matheson | Saturday, July 18, 2009 at 02:12