Friendship!

Today I spoke at Cedar Grove United Methodist Church on the subject of friendship at their Ladies' Day Retreat!

The scenery on the way to Deale, Maryland was breathtaking. Several times I swerved off the side of the road or rolled down the window to take a picture. Everywhere I turned there was another photo grabbing for my attention.

After the reatreat one of the ladies, Sharon, took me on a tour of Deale. If you ever get a chance, don't miss this gem of a town. With a view of the Chesapeake and quaint shops and cottages surrounding the yacht clubs, it's a haven of rest for the weary soul.

I stopped off at charming coffee shop on the drive home and almost stayed; it was the best cappuccino I ever tasted. I ended up giving one of my books away: "Chicken Soup for the Coffee Lover's Soul" for the best brew in town!

Who can beat a good cup of java and friends? Click here to view the slide show.

Fall Splendor

I had the privilege of being the retreat speaker this past weekend at the Traber Center. Fall came a little late to the East Coast, but arrived in its full splendor the weekend of Nov. 2-4. Although I missed the morning walks at 7:00 a.m., I found the retreat leader, Terry Ferguson, enjoyed my passion for photography. We snuck away for an afternoon photo shoot. Walking over a suspension bridge provided the perfect view of the river, lakes and ponds that painted a canvas of God's magnificent creation.

The food was awesome! Chef Mark prepared some of the most amazing meals I have ever tasted. One night for dessert we had ice cream with two types of homemade sauces: chocolate with cayenne pepper and butterscotch with walnuts. My personal favorite was the chocolate: spicy hot and sweet!

But the laughter during the weekend burned off any calories we might have gained, and the fellowship was tremendous. The ladies of First Baptist Church of Phillipsburg in New Jersey are an awesome group. I spoke on "Living the Passionate Life" and many found their passion that weekend and are taking steps to make them become a reality.

I came home renewed and refreshed because of the rich fellowship and the pictures found in nature that surrounded the Traber Center.

Click here to view a slide show.