Christina Suzann Nelson

Thursday morning I pulled my tired body out of bed at what seemed like a crazy time. I threw myself together and went directly to the Starbucks in the lobby. By the time the conference was over the man behind the counter knew me well.

My fat-free Carmel Machiato in hand, I trudged to the registration desk for my shift. Luckily I wasn’t doing a job that took much skill because I was still very sleepy. Greeting the attendees and giving them their special ribbons was a nice way to start my day. So many wonderful people to meet and not nearly the time to talk to each one.

It was at the registration desk that I met one of my critique partners face-to-face for the first time. What a blessing. Our group has been working together for six months now, but we’re from all over the country so we’ve not technically met each other. I’m looking forward meeting more of the group next year in Indianapolis. Isn’t that right, Janay, Jodie, Ginny and Donna?

Next it was off to the D0nald Maas early bird session. If you’re a writer, you’ve probably heard of Donald Maas. His book, Writing the Breakout Novel, is a must have for writers hoping to improve their craft. The workshop ran from 8:00 am through 4:00 pm. The information he shared with us changed more than a few writer. I can’t tell you how many times I heard writers say, “I thought I had a manuscript ready, then I listened to Donald Maas and I have to go home and rewrite.” Yes, I was one of those writers. By the end of the day, my head was bursting with information and I had to go up to my room and just sit in the silence.

After a good half hour of staring blankly at a wall I was able to rejoin the throng of ACFWers for the opening ceremony and dinner. This year’s keynote speaker was Debbie Macomber. I can’t say enough wonderful things about this woman. Her story encouraged me and left me with a feeling of confidence in my decision to pursue writing. She is not only a gifted writer, but an amazing speaker and woman of faith.

Here’s a picture of Debbie Macomber and me. My camera was acting up this morning so it may be a little hard to see.

Check back for part two.

Christina

I made it to Denver and I’m having a great time. This will be a short update because I am falling over exhausted.

The trip was thankfully uneventful. I didn’t even forget my toothbrush. Gretchen gave me a ride to the shuttle and I finished up a few things on the two and a half hour drive thanks to Hut’s wireless internet. I had the privilege of sharing my plane with Christina Berry and Sherrie Ashcraft as well as two hundred others. In Denver we squeezed, and I really mean squeezed, into another shuttle.

The hotel is beautiful and huge. All of Philomath could fit in here with plenty of extra space for the Blodgett and Kings Valley people.

Today I spent listening to Donald Maas talk about Writing the Breakout Novel. Wow. I’ve learned so much that my brain feels nearly full. That man is bursting with great information.

Well I’m off to bed or I’ll miss my appointments in the morning.

Goodnight,

Christina

I finally did something I’ve been putting off for a long time. It’s not the kind of thing you will usually find me discussing, but it is very important. This morning I had a colonoscopy. And you know what? The worst part was the ninety minutes in the waiting room before they called me back.

When I was just a baby, my grandmother died of colon cancer. The only stories I know about her are snippets given to me by my other grandparents. She was young. Probably not much older than fifty years old.

My doctor has suggested being tested for a few years now. I put it off. You can imagine why. But the reality of colon cancer knocked me to my knees this last year. You see, my step-mother died last January of this disease. My children have been left without their grandmother and my dad without his wife and myself without the mother figure I’d had for most of my life.

One of the sad facts is that colon cancer is one of the cancers that can be prevented, but due to embarrassment many people put off their screenings. If you have a family history of colon cancer or you are fifty-years old or older, please, talk to your doctor about a colonoscopy. Polyps can be discovered and removed before they turn into cancer.

I’m including a copy of my step-mom’s obituary. I hope it will encourage you to take your health seriously.

Christina

A woman of strength with a heart full of love, Joanne Marie Van Geest passed away after fighting a battle with cancer. Her last days where spent in the loving care of her husband, Terry and with her daughter by her side.

Joanne grew up in Blodgett surrounded by her two sisters and three brothers. She developed a love for the outdoors that she never outgrew. As an adult, she spent many hours tending her garden and walking in the woods with a beagle companion.

In 1970, she became the mother of a treasured little girl, Jennifer. A few years later Matthew, another great joy, was born. Joanne dedicated her life to caring for her family and for Matt’s special medical needs. In 1985, Mathew passed away as a result of Gaucher’s disease.

Joanne rejoined the workforce and found satisfaction and new friends in the Geosciences department of OSU. She and Terry enjoyed meeting friends for happy hour and football games. In recent years, Joanne and Terry began yearly trips to Hawaii and traveled as far as Costa Rica.

Joanne took great joy in her grandchildren and was thrilled to hear that a new baby was on its way. She fought hard to live until her new granddaughter arrived. Two weeks ago, little Parker was born and Joanne received her final wish.

Joanne is preceded in death by her son Matthew. She is survived by her husband; Terry Van Geest, her daughter; Jennifer Hayes, stepdaughter; Christina Nelson and grandchildren; Parker Ayers and Ryan, Joshua, Aleasha, and Emma Nelson, her parents; Cyrus and Ruby Davis, her siblings; Rich Davis, John Davis, Bill Davis, Sandy Davis and Linda Brown.

It’s been a while, but not because I didn’t have anything to say. In fact, I probably have had too much to say. The last few months our family has been extremely busy. The boys finished up their 4H projects and went to fair. That is always a major family undertaking. I’ve been busy doing another, yes another, round of rewrite on my manuscript. Next week I’m off to Denver for the ACFW conference and I think The Azalea Sisters are about ready.

Have a great week and check in for more posts soon.

Christina