SCBWI Conference

What a great conference this weekend, and at the beautiful St. John's retreat center. Thanks to everyone who worked to make it such a success.

Thank you, ladies of First United Methodist!

What a great time we had Tuesday at the monthly meeting of Warren's First United Methodist Church's ladies fellowship. Thanks to Dorothy Collins, pictured, for the invitation and making sure everything was in apple pie order.

There's nothing like getting together with ladies. I enjoyed the talk around our table as we shared coffee and Louise's wonderful homemade pastries. I thought they came from Panera...really! And the way all the women, mostly seniors, were involved in working with their hands, giving and ministering to others, really made an impact on me.

Thank you for your warm welcome, kind attention, and I have to say, when half the ladies lined up to buy books, it touched my heart, because I knew you connected with the message of "Quilting Patches of Life." God bless you all!

The Latest Writing Project & Contest Results

Whew! I just sent my literary agent, Les Stobbe, a proposal for my latest novel, Rose of Sharon. I'm praying the Lord blesses the work and it finds its way on the store shelves soon.

The results of the 2008 Affirming Faith Writing Contest have been posted [click here], and the work continues on Quilting Patches of Life, Vol. 2.

A Dedication to Remember

Sunday, August 31, a memorial fountain was dedicated in my late husband's honor. Pictured is the Kalajian family and Pastor and Mrs. Marvin Walker beside the fountain.

My daughter Noelle put together a wonderful slide show of Pete's life available by [clicking here]

She also created a slide show of the dedication available by [clicking here]...and click on "watch in high quality."

You are invited to read a poem I wrote during Pete's illness, Breaking Away, available on Message In A Bottle, and following is the official post-event news release.

Troy, MI – August 31, 2008 – Surrounded by church members and guests, Rev. Marvin Walker, pastor of Faith Apostolic Church of Troy, dedicated the Peter Kalajian Memorial Fountain and the Memorial Garden area in honor of deceased members of the church. Mrs. Diana Reed, wife of deceased Rev. Mark Reed, the former pastor of the congregation, journeyed from Ohio to participate in the ceremony with her children, Marcus and Alyssa.

The beautiful granite fountain selected and garden area design were the efforts of local architect, Arthur Kalajian, the twin brother of Peter Kalajian, who passed in 1997. Peter left behind his wife Lori and their two children, Noelle and Charles, who also participated in the dedication service, along with Edward Kalajian of Cambridge, Massachussetts. With special music, slideshows, tributes, and a roll call honoring those who served their generations then passed the baton to the next, the theme of the service was "His Truth Endures to All Generations." The special service included baby dedications and an inspiring message by Rev. Marvin Walker, and concluded in prayer around the fountain.