This year my lovely cousin invited me to her annual DivaFest celebration. Just good friends lounging by the pool in a beautifully unspoiled area of the Gulf Coast, with arranged cocktail hours, terrific seafood, and dancing.
I don’t think I’ve ever had more fun in my life.
I wasn’t sure how I’d do, frankly. My writing life tends to be extremely quiet and subdued — just me and the computer — but I found the company of funny, engaging, creative women terrifically energizing. Women in largish groups (we maxed out at 11 one night) have a different energy from mixed sex company, especially when there’s a decent supply of rum involved.
And I was glad to have the time to reconnect with two of my cousins. When I was little I’d wanted to grow up to be them… Only now has it occurred to me that I missed something not having a sister. We shared stories and memories about our childhoods, and filled in a few missing blanks here and there.
My biggest regret now is that scheduling conflicts prevented me from staying the entire week of DivaFest. Next year, I’m blocking out the entire week for sure.
How cool. I’m glad you had a good time. :-)
Thanks for the kind words. We loved having you there with us and your kindness and wit added so much to our group. Can’t wait to see you again. Hopefully before DivaFest 2007.
It was great having you with us this year. You were one of the highlights of the “Fest”. This year was the best one yet!!!
Looking forward to reading your newest book. Maybe we’ll see you at Christmas.