New York or Bust

It's been a while since I've gone on any writer conferences. Between the adoption and our move, I've had little time to think or plan a trip away from the hubby and kids. When my editor asked if I'd like to attend BEA this year, I jumped at the opportunity. BEA is a huge book expo. Lots of people. Lots of books. Lots of fun. Basically, I'll sign books for an hour and then wander around visiting other booths and collecting tons of freebies. Gotta love the freebies. This will be my third BEA. My second in New York. The expo is at the end of May, and I'm planning to fly into Baltimore and take the train up to New York. My Mom and oldest sister both want to come with me, so we can have some great family time as we ride up on the train. I'll get guest passes for both of them and they can visit all the booths while I sign.

Seeing as how kid #5 will arrive sometime this summer (we hope), BEA will probably be my last conference until next summer. I'd planned to attend RWA, but at this point have put plans for that on hold. Being an author is a great and wonderful gift, and I love it. But (big but)family comes first. Once Q comes home, she and the other kids and hubby will need me on the home front. I'm a little sad at having to say no to a trip I've been planning for a year. RWA in D.C. was going to be awesome! Harlequin is celebrating its 60th birthday, and I so wanted to be part of the party.

This is the hard thing about being a working mom. Finding balance between pursuing a career and being around for the family.

Of course, in this situation, it's a no brainer.

I rest in the assurance that God chose the path I'm on. He placed my feet on it, He patted me on the back and whispered encouragingly, "Go!" and He's walking beside me all the way. There may not always be balance in my life, but there is always faith. And where there is faith, there is hope and there is peace.