Sunday, May 16, 2010

England & Friends!

A few weeks ago, my 10 year old son and I, had the awesome opportunity to visit England again. I forget how much I love a place until I go back. It was hard to leave once my time was over.

While there, I had the great privilege of meeting some awesome new writer friends as I was on my Jane Austen tour. That's one of the coolest things about writing, I think! --All of the amazing people you get to meet on your journey! I feel so blessed I can share in the lives of such new and great friends. I even got to stay with one writer and their gorgeous family for a night! Adventures like that--where you meet the children and spouse and see their home and what they love, is truly an unforgettable time. When you leave, you're a part of their family too--you know?

The rest of my trip was spent with friends and family I already knew and loved, while other writers came up from London and all over to join us and meet me. I've reflected a lot on my adventure in England since returning home, and I'm just grateful I'm surrounded and loved by so many amazing people in my life.

Sure there are trials... who doesn't go through them? But beyond the trials is this overwhelming security and realization that life is beautiful and wonderful and the people God places in your life are some of the most perfect people for you and the dearest friends you'll ever have.

This post is especially dedicated to the great wealth and expanse of eternal friendships God has placed in my life throughout the US and the world. Each of you are truly remarkable in your way... and each of you bring such a gift to my heart--allowing me to love and experience life more fully than I could imagine without you! Thank you for all you do! Thank you for the laughter, messages, emails, chats, tweets, visits, and phone conversations that brighten my day. One day, I hope I will have time to thank you all properly as I should, as you deserve, until then... know that I'm extremely grateful for all you do and my life wouldn't be the same without each and everyone of you!

Thank you.
God Bless.

12 comments:

  1. Sounds like such a neat experience - and your son went with you! Wonderful. :)

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  2. :) Post of gratitude always make me smile.

    If you ever need a place to stay when you tour in Virginia let me know.

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  3. Did you see anyone from authonomy? That would be so cool!

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  4. Michelle--It was so fun! I'd love to take everyone out there one day! England is just amazing!

    Amber--LOVE YOU! You're so awesome! And it was great fun meeting you here in Utah!

    Empress--YES! Everyone new I met was all from authonomy! It was so much fun! Hehehe! Now I can brag and say I know what Boots looks like too! So, so, FUN!

    Jenni

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  5. How fun, Jenni! Speaking as one of new peeps, I am honored to have been your online friend for the past two years (holy cow, it's been that long??)You are a truly beautiful soul and have brought confidence and beauty to my life by being a part of it.

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  6. Aww.. Shanti!
    Love you too!
    You're so awesome! I can't wait to pick up your book from the shelves one day! It's amazing.

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  7. Ooh you went to Bath! I lived there for a year when I was in university. Isn't it beautiful?

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  8. Congrats on being a published author!!!

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  9. So jealous of this wonderful trip, but so happy for you and all of your accomplishments.

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  10. Okay so I tried to post a comment to you about how excited I am for you to go on QVC but couldn't figure it out. However here I am to say hello and let you know I love reading your blog entries. How cool you got to go back to England and visit. I hope to be able to visit there someday in my lifetime.

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  11. That's so exciting that you got the chance to go back. One of my nephews is on a mission over there now. He's in Great Yarmouth right now and loving it. They are wonderful people over there.

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  12. So jealous of this wonderful trip, but so happy for you and all of your accomplishments. popular wedding dress

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