A Good Time Was Had By All

The 2009 Women's Conference was a success! 80+ women gathered to EAT, PLAY, and PRAY at the Franciscan Renewal Center on March 17 and March 18.
The event started with time for a bite of breakfast and then all gathered in the Piper Hall to the soulful sounds of Renee Morgan Brooks. What an amazing voice from such an amazing woman! It was the perfect way to start on our woman's journey for these 2 days.
I was so moved by the opening that I felt I was entering a place where God was speaking just to me even though there were about 80 other women in the same room.
The programs and presenters were great and I am so thankful that I was able to participate and attend the programs. I met some of the most interesting and amazing women during these 2 days. Dena Patton's talk at lunch on Tuesday was so good on so many different levels. I had no idea that she witnessed the tragedy of 9/11. What a life changing experience that was for her. Valerie Preuss, our announcer, did a great job of giving us information about where and when to go as well as review the fashions in the fashion show. No wonder she's great at organizing, that's her business: "A Place In Time." Valerie and her business partner, Marlene Kopp did a fantastic program on "Getting Organized..." and they also were one of our exhibitors. Speaking of the exhibitors, what a fabulous group of women presented their services and organizations. Just to name a few: Pam Ferguson, American Heart Association; Sherry Vames, Flute Journey; Sr. Marilyn Bever, AEISD (AZ Ecumenical Institute for Spiritual Direction); Margie Camacho with Esperanza; Lori Landis with Landis Art; Karen Gridley who was also one of our presenters; Barbara Brown of Art of Recovery Expo; Judy Miranda and the fabulous items from Global Hands Artisans (handcrafted items and folk art from around the world) and Sergio's wonderful weavings; display of Dena Patton's, Chat, Chew and Chocolate; Susan Frisse and Jacque Rice who both brought beautiful jewelry for display (and what woman doesn't like to look at jewelry???).
The food was simply delicious and table talk was great fun. Again I have to say it was the best group of women that gathered and I had the privilege to meet.
Next year's dates are set. April 23 and 24, 2010. Because it is a weekend, lodging will also be available because so many of the women had asked for that to be made available.
Gather your girlfriends, sisters, daughters, mothers and grandmoms for the 2010 Women's Conference. Mark it on your calendars. Share the experience with them. I would love to see you all back again next year.
Stay tuned.