ACFW Arrival

The good news is I managed not to lose anything while in either airport or on the plane. I’m a little paranoid after the debit card incident.

We had to squish four people into the back seat of a Super Shuttle for a 1/2 hour ride from the airport to the hotel. (The poor man who took this picture was seated on my left and became my friend very quickly as we rounded some curves) We met up with Christina Nelson on the trip.

Seated in front of us was Rose McCauley, an editing client and writing friend who is about halfway through my book and was carrying it in her book bag. Can I tell you how surreal that is? To see someone bring out her reading material and it’s what I wrote?? She recommended it to everyone at the Shuttle counter. Thanks, Rose!

Upon arriving at the hotel, we were greeted by a hug from none other than the fabulous Camy Tang. What a way to be welcomed!

Here’s a random shot of Mom and me before going down for dinner. Last year’s hotel meal prices were insane, the restaurant was closed in, and the wait time was so long we almost fell asleep at the table.

This year was a complete opposite. The restuarant is in a five-story (at least) courtyard of the hotel and decorated with wrought-iron lampposts, meant to enhance an outdoor dining experience. I had a huge bowl of soup and a dish of pasta for just over $10, including a 20% tip. The seater suggested Mom and I relax in a comfy lounge area with a large flat screen. He also tuned it to the finale of America’s Got Talent.

When Susan Boyle sang, a man came around from his table to watch. He was eating alone and we’d see others from the conference talk to him, so we invited him to join us at the couches.

“Are you attending the conference?” we asked. (Yes, for you picky editing types, we probably did say it in true unison.)

“I’m teaching a class tomorrow.”

WHAT? Oh, yeah! We had dinner with Donald Maass, one of the top New York agents!
And if you desire photographic proof, here it is. We had a great time talking with him about his family and work. A wonderful end to an interesting day.