First Friday Fun and lots to Celebrate--Lenora Worth

July was an interesting month. I decided after much speculation and prayer, to fly to Denver to attend RWA. I wasn't sure all year if I'd be able to go. But I did go--sat side-by-side with my friend and fellow transplanted Floridan, Trish Milburn, as we both tried not to be too antsy about flying after many years of driving (or in her case, taking the train.) Our flights went great and we landed in Denver relieved and ready to have fun. I had the best time ever!

I got to see old friends and get lots of hugs, participated in the Harlequin signing along with Marta Perry, Terri Reed, Jo Ann Brown, Patricia David,  and a whole lot of other LI and Harlequin writers. That was such a treat! Of course,, I forgot to get our pictures together. But I have a few pictures to share. So scroll down for those. I also had nice visits with Patricia, Pamela Tracy, and later, Allie Pleiter and also with Mindy Obenhaus. Good therapy sessions! I got to meet some of the new LI writers, too. Sharee Stover is a sweetheart! Laurel Blount is the nicest person and we'd already had fun at a retreat earlier this year! Lunch with Terri Reed, Debby Giusti, Maggie Black and our editors was great. If I missed anyone, I love you all!

The highlight of the trip was having breakfast Wednesday morning with Marta Perry and Carol Steward. We have been friends since we all started out with LI, along with about five other LI writers. We've kept in touch just about every day on our little online loop, helped each other through plots, rejection, family stuff, life stuff, sickness and health and anything from sharing recipes to showing off new outfits! Love these women!

I also had a great time going to publishing events with LI, Harlequin and Tule. Pictures on some of those, too. Then my friend Judy Christie who now lives in Colorado met me for lunch on Thursday and we enjoyed a good hamburger at the Capital Grille, browsed in an old bookstore across the way and thanked her husband profusely for picking us up so I could get back to the hotel in time for a workshop I wanted to attend. (Not to mention also to avoid the heat and a long walk.)

I roomed with Denise Daniels who I've known since 1996 or so. A long time. We caught up on everything and had such fun visiting and comparing our days. I also spent time with a close group I've known and roomed with off and on for years--the Evelettes who are now the Zombie Belles because each time we group text, I hear bells ringing and think the zombies are finally coming!

Here are some pictures:

Carol Steward and me at the RITA awards

Danica Favorite (one of my favorites) with me at the Harlequin Party!

Me with Allie Pleiter and Terri Reed at Harlequin Party.

Me with my amazing editor Patience.

As you can see, I had made the rounds! 

Came home tired but ready to work.

This week I had a nice surprise, too.

I'm celebrating my 70th book with LI and Harlequin:

And to top that off, my friend Katherine Garbera, one of the infamous Zombie Belles (Tinker Belle) is also celebrating her 70th book with Harlequin, too. How great is that!!!! We've posted all over social media because it was better celebrating with a friend, of course.

Anyway, July was a good month and August is going to be pretty good, too. I'm feeling better about life in spite of my always ornery back and other life challenges. Here are my upcoming books from both LIS and Tule Publishing:

This one is out in August from Tule Publishing. (Tule lets Elnora do the writing but still sweet and PG13. Elnora has some standards!)

This is an LIS out in October! A Texas story!

And finally, if you're still with me--here's a treat for everyone. While at RWA, I attended an author's tea sponsored by Tule Publishing at The Brown Palace:

Enjoy!

It was good!

Next month, my partner in crime Margaret Daley will be here for First Friday Fun!

Have you had great times with friends lately. Tell me all about it!!!