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We've had a whirlwind bunch of days.
Thursday morning we drove from Oceanside back to a second day at Universal Studios. (Since March is pre-season, we scored two-day passes for the price of one.) We learned about how the pros filmed movies like "Apollo 13," "ET," and "War of the Worlds." We saw Edith Head's costume drawings for "The Sting." And we saw a fascinating live show with animals in which the trainers showed us how they film scenes with dogs, cats, birds, rats, and a chimpanzee. Included were clips of "Evan Almighty" along with demonstrations of how the producers pulled off the 300-animal scenes in that movie.
From Universal we drove to Union Station and turned in our car. Then we caught a shuttle to the airport. When I went to board the plane, a woman in front of me fell when she lost all feeling in her left side. So we waited for paramedics to take her to the hospital. (I was surprised it took 15 minutes for them to arrive. I thought airports kept ambulances handy.) Three hours later we strolled off the plane after midnight Dallas time.
Yesterday I had the EXPO event at the Convention Center-- a place that seriously needs to consider getting a moving sidewalk. I like exercise, but not when I have to carry stuff!
I sat on a panel about conflict in ministry in the afternoon, and that evening I did a book signing with a bunch of giveaways. I think the event planners had 1/10th the expected crowd, but I still had fun meeting interesting people.
Afterward I enjoyed the highlight of the day--a wonderful Italian dinner with a fab woman who served as one of my bridesmaids nearly 30 years ago, Ruth Haley Barton. I hated for the night to end. Ruth and I can go years without seeing each other and still dive deep within minutes. Love her!
This morning while my teen slept (and my husband was out of town overnight), I crept out to do book giveaways at a Gold's Gym grand opening near White Rock Lake. They had a bunch of other vendors, too, so I ate free food from Chili's and got a new Fuller brush. I also had some fascinating conversations with people who, upon seeing my Bible studies on the table, told me about their spiritual lives and interests.
Tonight we celebrate my brother-in-law's fiftieth, and then tomorrow I have every intention of taking a day of rest. I need a break from my vacation!