Getting in the holiday spirit

It's not snowing outside, but I'm getting in the Christmas spirit. Of course, the last time it "snowed" in central Florida was '89 and I-75 turned into a parking lot.

We had a great Thanksgiving with my family in Knoxville. My mom's home is always so cozy and inviting. I inherited my aversion to over head lights from her. We like balance, warmth, ambiance.

It was good to see my 94 yr old Grandma and two of my brothers and my sister. (Middle bro, we missed you.)

Then there were the nieces and nephews! They are always fun and I enjoyed hanging out with them. They grow up so fast. My sister is unhappy with me however 

because I gave her two girls, 4 and 2, make up. They've come out of their room with heavily made up eyes more than once. And the four year old wanted to put on make up for pre school.

Oops.

The good news is she can't get me back!

After Knoxville, hubby and I spent a few days in Nashville. Had a great time. I met with my agency, Creative Trust, went to the Bluebird Cafe where Monty Powell (think Keith Urban hits), his wife Anna Wilson and country crooner Billy Dean played. Think "Somewhere in My Broken Heart."  I talked to them afterwards which is why the 'Bird is such a  great place.

Also had breakfast with my editor, Ami McConnell. She's amazing and I'm undone to be able to work with her. I learn so much every book and she's incredibly encouraging while being honest and helpful. Ami gets writers. After chatting and eats, I stopped by the Thomas Nelson office to say hi to the fiction team. Another fabulous group of people.

The trip home via Atlanta's airport was looong and confirming my distain for air travel as well as Atlanta's airport.

But, I'm not complaining. 2009 will consist of less and less Rachel Hauck complaining. Like really, what's the point? And it only sullies my heart and mind. One day when I stand before the Father, I'd like not to hear all my whining and complaining played back to me. Ack, can you imagine.

Even my thoughts! I think those ring louder in the heavens than my words. So, I'm capturing those bad-boys too.

Check in with in around March '09. I might have ceased to exist with all this restraining of complaining.

Well, enough. Must work on rewrites.

Big Fat Weekend Update

Okay, okay, I know y'all been wondering where in the heck is Rachel?

I mean, geez, is she not blogging anymore? Has she gone mad? Did her deadline bury her alive? (No, that was the last book...) Is she in Nashville with her friend Susie Warren attending a friend's wedding?

Yes!

Prizes all around. And I will draw names for the Rene Gutteridge books. Hang on until next week.

So yes, I'm in Nashville for Anne's wedding. I drove up Wednesday. Tony had to stay behind because of things going on at church, and every other pastor and elder being gone. The timing was lousy, but he flies up to Indianapolis on Monday and I'll met him then.

Well, I got sick. Bad sick. Like throw up a lot sick. Hasn't happened to me in years. But I was well enough to have lunch with the lovely and smart Ami McConnell as well as visit Thomas Nelson.

Friday I recovered enough to go shopping with Suz. We had a blast. The mall had this hydro massage machines, so we did fifteen minutes. Very nice. Came back to the hotel, relaxed because my strength was still coming back, then went to the Bluebird Cafe with a couple of Nelson friends, Lisa and Katie.

Don Schlitz was in the round with a couple of others. He wrote the Gamble, and Forever and Ever Amen. So cool to hear him sing his songs.

Right now, it's Saturday morning and we're going to Pancake Pantry for breakfast, then get ready for the wedding. The picture is of me, Lisa Young, Susan Warren and Katie Schroeder at the Bluebird sitting under a picture Dolly Parton.