Momwriters Gatherings

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Momwriters everywhere getting together.

The Real Scoop on this motley crew.........
as noted by it's very own participants.

~ Barb's Story ~ ~ Nikki"s Story ~

~ Cathy's Story ~ ~ Lisa's Story ~

~ The Photos ~

~ Barb Huff's story ~ (and she's sticking to it)
First, I want to stress that I am not a wise, gray-haired conservative 50 year old for anyone else who has pictured me that way. (Hi, Nikki! I love ya!) I probably have some gray hair-- yes-- I have just about every other color in there! Conservative? Hmm, debatable. I think I floored Nikki with my doo rag, tank top, breakaway pants, and bare feet Friday night. As for age, I am still a few years away from 30, and to call me "wise" may be stretching it. I am walking living proof that Christians can be freaks too. :O)

Anyways, this past weekend was one of the best times in my life. Spending the day with Cathy's daughter Ashley (who jumped into my car to keep me company once she realized that I had a CD player in it) was a real joy. Both of her girls are wonderful kids who just love their mom to death. They did a great job keeping an eye on Andrew for me as well so that I could enjoy the momwriters instead of following him around the playground. Cathy and I carpooled over, and we saw some beautiful countryside getting there. Cathy and her mother both were great ladies!

Kate was a fabulous hostess with help from her friend Liz. (Believe me, when I say that we all need a Liz in our lives!) Kate was so fun to be around and I was glad that I stayed with her instead of a hotel (even though my son screamed every time their poor, sweet dog walked into the room.) I just loved her home! Don't let her fool you-- yes, the wallpaper was peeling and the paint was scraped off-- that's how things are when you are in the middle of renovating a gorgeous old home! Her office alone was the size of my kitchen and living room combined!

Nikki came over Friday night and visited for awhile. She has this charming, quiet bubbliness to her that just draws her to you. After spending time with her, its not hard to see how she has made momwriters such a success. It was a nice surprise that Nikki and her family came, and I can't wait to see her again next year in VA Beach!

After Nikki left, Crysty and her family came by. Our kids chased each other all over the house, played dress-up, and just got along like they grew up together. Kate's Andrew and Helen were great kid-hosts. We sat around the kitchen table talking antiques, garage sales (I think Crysty's dh was relieved that they don't have the number of garage sales back home that they did in PA), and home improvement. Crysty is a doll! Just as sweet and helpful as she is on the list. The longer we talked, the more Kate started to sound like her! Crysty brought homemade goodies for everyone from her new business, and I highly suggest getting ahold of her if you like candles and other natural aromatherapy and cosmetics "stuff." She's such a "Jill of all Trades."

Saturday was so wonderful. There was little hesitation or awkwardness as we started to arrive. I was more comfortable than at most of my family reunions!

It was so nice to finally put my arms around my cyber-mommy, Otterbe! And Laura was someone I had had very little contact with personally on the list, but she was so sweet! I am glad that I got to know her. Serena had a perpetual smile on her face (and with a dh snuggled so close and that sweet-- its no wonder!) Lisa led a fantastic class in her usual helpful, kind way and was just as nice as I always thought she would be. Wanda was a wingnut just as she promised, and her kids were darling. Check out her bookmarks if you get the chance-- they are beautiful. CJ's children are gorgeous, and even with that harried I-am-the-shadow-of-a-14-month-old look across her face, she is just a beautiful person inside and out. Mim has this "writer" quality to her-- a quiet observer of life. In person, she seems to be someone I can completely relate to. I know that if we lived next door to one another, she would be the most fabulous mentor I could ever have. Bea was da! rling-- her list presence in the flesh, and her husband was witty and such a ham.

We are all so happy when Bobbi appeared! She is another one that I feel so blessed to get to know. Bobbi, please know that my prayers are with you during this time of confusion to you over your father's death. If you need me, you know where to find me.

Ok, I don't think I missed anyone. The dh's that I met were all sweet, cutie-patooties, and we all had such adorable children!

If you have the chance to meet another momwriter, DO IT!!! There is nothing like the feeling of meeting one another. I can't wait to meet that Lidna Surewould in a few weeks (or will it be Linda Sherwood-- I guess only time can tell.) Watch for news on next year's big shabang! It'll be the best yet (and I am so excited over it!)

Cyber hugs until I can give you a real one!
Barb Huff
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~ Nikki's Story ~ (or should we say BOOK? *grin*)
Oh My! Where do I begin??

The Momwriters Gathering at Kate's was ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! This was the first gathering I was able to attend, and one I will never forget. I know it's been said before, but if you EVER get a chance to meet with other Momwriters, please grab the opportunity. You won't regret it and you will make friends and memories that will last a lifetime. This was the first time I had ever met ANY Momwriters and it was so wonderful.

I'd like to send Kate (and her husband, David, and her adorable kids, Andrew and Helen Rose) a great BIG THANKS and lots of hugs for all the time and energy you put into making this year's Momwriters Gathering a memorable event. Kate is such a beautiful person, both inside and out. The wonderful person we have all come to know online is exactly who she is when you meet her. She is also a terrific organizer and a natural leader. Kate, YOU ROCK, woman!!

I wasn't sure I was going to be able to make the gathering until nearly the last minute. With my RA, I thought the 5 hour trip would be too much, but with a few stops along the way, everything turned out fine. I also wasn't sure how well my 9 yr. old Bipolar son would do with the change of schedule and over-excitement,
but we only had two major meltdowns over the weekend and got through those relatively unscathed. LOL

I got to meet Barb Huff the night before the gathering at Kate's house. Barb's son is absolutely adorable with his little blond curls and pixie face. I never could get him to talk to me though, but he did have to acknowledge my existence, once, when I handed him his bear. LOL And yes, I did manage to embarrass myself when I admitted to Barb I had pictured her as a 50 something yr. old woman with gray hair. Wise, yes, but at 28 she has no gray hair in sight. After apologizing profusely, I think she forgave me for that -- At least I hope she did! 8-)

One Momwriter who looked exactly like I pictured her was Crysty. Petite and blond, she is the quintessential southern lady, with the sweetest southern drawl I've ever heard -- and I've lived in the South just about all my life. She is warm and gracious and puts you immediately at ease with her quick laugh. I've been fortunate to get to know Crysty this past year as she has been such a comfort to me with all the family problems I've been going through. I also got to meet Nakey Jakey and sweet little Emily and Lerin, who has the most beautiful smile.

Laura Vick also came with her DH. Laura is such a beautiful person, both inside and out. It was such a pleasure meeting both her and her husband. They are warm and friendly and Laura is just as I pictured her -- quiet, but always ready with a with a quick smile.

Cathy Brownfield came with her Mom and twin daughters -- two of the most polite and well-mannered teenagers I've ever met. They were so friendly and talkative and didn't hesitate to join in the scavenger hunt with all the younger kids. Cathy, WE WILL get those tattoos next year -- I almost have Otterbe talked into it and Crysty's game! LOL The only reason I didn't get my quill tattoo was because Tyler had one of his meltdowns at the hotel after the picnic and I was too exhausted to go back out!

I didn't recognize Mim right away -- she got her hair cut! The last picture I saw of her she had long hair and it's now a shoulder-length bob. Mim has been with the list since almost the beginning and it was so great to finally get to meet her. Quiet elegance is the best way to describe Mim. What a super lady she is!

Then there was Otterbe. Dear, sweet, Otterbe. Folks, this woman is INSANE!! LOL She had me laughing the entire time we were there (actually, she had EVERYONE laughing the entire time we were there). Even though we live 8 hours apart, I feel as though I am losing her -- Australia is just TOO far away!! Look for
a special picute of Otter to be put on the website at a later date (Told ya I was going to do it, Otter! LOL).

Meeting Lisa Beamer was like meeting my sister after a long time. Lisa is also a longtime Momwriters member and she is just as together in person as she is onlist. She gave us a terrific mini seminar on the online Christian writing market and I'm trying to talk her into giving a Momwriters class (she is one BUSY lady!).

Serena Gordon was another MW who's been on the list for ages and who I was looking forward to meeting. Quiet and laid back, she is such a joy to be around. Her little girl is so adorable (you should have seen her and Kate's Helen Rose become the best of friends!). And let me tell you girls, her Dh is a honey too! LOL

Bea is just as I imagined her -- she carries herself with the grace of someone who is very wise, not only about writing, but also about the world. As I watched her and listened to her speak, I was thinking about all the wonderful things about the writing world I've learned from her. Her husband was so friendly and easygoing too. It was so cute the way they doted on each other.

Wanda Yate's nickname, *Wingnut* is SO appropriate for her! LOL She really is a nut, but a very talented one. I had the opportunity to buy a couple of her bookmarks with her beautiful poetry. Her DH was a lot of fun too, just like Wanda.

I fell in love with CJ's kids. Her little boy is adorable and her baby girl has the most beautiful eyes! They both look so much like CJ. CJ is someone I hadn't had the pleasure of getting to know before the Gathering, but I'm so glad we met. She is definitely one single mama who has it together!

And last, but not least, Bobbie Dempsey, who arrived late after getting lost! Did you know that Bobbie has broken into the glossies? And not just once! What an inspiration she is. Quiet and reserved, Bobbie is not one to toot her own horn, so I will do it for her! She brought along her three handsome boys, who were the sweetest kids. Bobbie, I am thinking of you during this difficult time -- If you need to talk, I'm here for you always.

Michelle, we missed seeing you--the pizza and cheesecake were SO yummy! Thank you so much! You're always doin' nice things like that!

Carm, sweetie, you get the prize for the Momwriter who wanted to be at the Gathering the most! I'm so sorry about the accident and I'm so thankful you are okay. I hope you are feeling better and am praying that you have no serious injuries. There is always next year -- and you will be there if I have to come down and get you myself !! (I'll do it, you know!).

Tigs, congratulations and best wishes. We toasted you at 4pm -- here's to many years of happiness!

I also want to send a great BIG thank you and hugs to all of you who sent me cards, letters and gifts. Kate surprised me at the picnic with your outpouring of kindness. I read them all later that night at the hotel and
bawled my eyes out! Tyler kept asking me why I was crying if I was so happy! LOL Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart. I will treasure each and every one. I just wanna know one thing -- how did you do it without me knowing??? LOL Sneaky bunch, aren't ya??

We also had a short, but productive business meeting. It was decided that next year's Momwriters Gathering 2002 will definitely be in... VIRGINIA BEACH!! Dates to be announced VERY soon so you can start making plans to be there! And you DON'T want to miss this one!! We are in the process of forming a MWGathering 2002 committee, so please consider volunteering. We are hoping to have a convention -- type gathering next year, so many hands and heads will be needed. Please e-mail me offlist if you are interested. Before you do, please understand that this will require a yearlong commitment.

We also kicked around some ideas for the Momwriters Helpfund. This is a project that is close to my heart -- and I know to so many of you. If you would like to help with the Momwriters Helpfund, please e-mail me offlist. We are considering several projects that we can get going before Christmas. Even though there is a need all year round, it breaks my heart to think of MW's and their families going without for Christmas or Hanukkah.

Oh, Kate, please tell your friend Liz and her wonderful daughter, Ashley, thanks for all their help. And please tell them we are waiting to see them on the List!

I better close for now -- I think I've written more in this e-mail than I have all year! LOL if you've read this far, you are amazing! 8-)

Hugs to all of you,
Nikki
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~ Cathy Brownfield's Version ~
I don't think there is much more to add to the story. Between Nikki and Bea, the tale is told. It was hot. But it was well worth the trip to get there and drive home. What I perceive happening over the next year is all the regional momwriters who get together in their areas will get to know each other better and that will make planning the 2002 Virginia Beach conference a whole lot easier. It was amazing to look into someone's eyes and have them recognize me "with your entourage" and hug me anyway! Like Miss Nikki! I don't know if I have ever talked much to Nikki. Not because I didn't want to but because I've never really had opportunity. But she looked at me with those beautiful eyes and said, "Cathy?" She hugged me and said how happy she was to meet me finally. She is such a warm and caring individual. And forgive me, Nikki, but I still don't think you look old enough to have a 20-year-old daughter! To be completely honest, I had a better time at the momwriters meeting than I did at my 20-year class reunion. Honestly. I did. Laura said she hadn't been writing much in awhile. I told her I hope she will have renewed energies to get to writing again now that we've met and can keep each other going. Hey, Laura! Do you have a writing buddy? Do you need someone to proofread something for you? We can send you posts every day to remind you to write something each day. Laura and her husband had dinner with us the first night at the Star Lite Cafe. We got separated from everyone else! We talked about--what else? Kids and writing!

Ashley and Crysty's daughter, Leirin (did I spell that right?) hit it off right away. In fact, Crysty called our room to ask if Ashley could visit with them awhile in their room because Leirin just wouldn't be satisfied until we all said yes. What they didn't know was that Ashley was yanking at me, "Mom, can I call Leirin? I want to talk to her. She is so cool!" and I was worried that they would wonder why I would let my daughter bug them after 10 p.m. I guess I worry too much.

And Kate, well, Kate is everyone's best friend, I think. She is so warm and accepting. Bea is right. There were no strangers at this picnic a lot of us were meeting face to face people we had only talked with on line. I have friends who looked at me like I was kinda nuts to be wandering away from home to meet people I met--of all places, on line. Unless you are a momwriter, you just really can't get the full impact of the concept.

Next year I'm looking forward to meeting some people I have only talked to onlist, like Jonette in Amsterdam and Michelle Pearson in Illinois. They are two whom I have talked to since I joined momwriters and was about member number 267 or in that neighborhood. And though I have a mental image of meeting Kyle Looby on the Oprah show after we make AllTheWriteMoves.com the ultimate writers resource site, I won't be upset if I get to meet my boss at the 2002 conference. She is one outta sight lady too. Literally out of my sight. Kathryn Lay, Heather in Ontario, Peg, Shirley in Pa., Carma, Swampkat. You all are so terrific. Just keep the faith and keep writing, my friends.

Well, I better go. This is way long and probably will be cut off in the middle. If you don't see your name, that's what happened, OK? 'Cause I want to meet every one of our momwriters.

Love, Cathy Brownfield
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~ Lisa Beamer ~ Gives her Account
Well, yesterday was the Mid-Atlantic MW gathering in York, PA! I had a wonderful time! I'd met both Kate and Mim before, but the other 11 momwriters who were there were new to me and wonderful to meet, including our last minute surprise guest...NIKKI! I couldn't believe she was there...it was SO good to see her in person after all these years! Let's see...there was also Laura Vic, Wanda (Wingnut!) Yates, Serena Gordon, Barb H., Crysty, Otterbe, Cathy Brownfield, Bobbie Dempsey, Bea and CJ. (I think that's everyone! :}) There were also a good number of assorted family members there as well...I never did get a final count. Maybe Kate knows how many we ended up with with?

Anyway, we met at this great park in Kate's little town of Hallam (as opposed to Hellam! LOL) where there was a playground and creek to keep the kids occupied for a good bit of the day. We spent the day talking and eating and talking and eating and, well...you get the picture! We did spend a little time talking MW business and even doing some workshop stuff, but then there was the talking and eating and talking... ;)

And there were prizes! Wanda and Bea and Crysty brought all kinds of goodies, and then Michelle P., who couldn't come, sent us a Chicago pizza and a cheesecake. Quite yummy! (Thanks Michelle!) :) We did pause at 4 p.m. and offered up a toast to our very dear Tigger who was tying the knot at that point in the day. And we passed Crysty's cell phone around and talked to Carma who couldn't come at the last minute.

I had to leave around 8 p.m. to make the 4 hour drive to get back so I could be at church today, but I know several folks were spending the night in York and not leaving until after they did brunch today, so I'll be anxious to hear what all you guys did last night! Wish I could have stayed and spent more time with everyone, but I am so glad to have had the time I did. Can't wait until next time! Oh, and yes, we took pictures! I have to get mine developed, but I'm sure between us all, eventually there will be pictures to be seen!

Lisa
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