Oprah . . . yes, THE Oprah
Well, I signed a form and can't use her likeness on any of my material but suffice it to say, it was incredible working with her and an incredible host of producers and being granted a guest appearance. Moderating a four hour discussion group (composed of six brave women freely admitting they were losing the battle of anger and motherhood) and getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse of pre-production only whet my appetite for my own television or call-in radio program . . . any producers or investment purveyors reading this? I'm your girl!

Mr. Dick Clark: The Other Half
What a thrill to interview with television legend, Dick Clark, in Hollywood, CA. My adventure began in the early morning hours of October 8th, just a short time after America began the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan. I landed at LAX and saw armed soldiers manning doorways and security areas. Television airwaves were filled with the latest terror warnings about anthrax and men attempting to storm jetliner cockpits. Needless to say, it wasn't quite the trip I had first imagined. Staff & producers set my mind at ease as the ever professional Mr. Clark and co-host Danny Bonaduce helped create a television moment I will never forget.

Dr. James Dobson
Ditto the aforementioned "O" photo clause. Nevertheless, years before my springtime interview, "Help for Angry Moms," I was discussing various book topics with Dr. Dobson. (Discussing in a purely hypothetical sense if you must know.) You see, I would carry on imaginative conversations and banter about scintillating ideas (book subjects, timely social issues, parenting advice) with Dr. Dobson as I drove across town with two, fussy, whiney, and generally hacked off toddlers duking it out in the backseat. HEAVY sigh. Dr. Dobson's calming voice and practical radio broadcasts were a sanity saver during those late 80's, early 90's, nerve-racking jaunts.

CNN: Atlanta, GA
My friend is actually behind the camera in this shot. While taking a behind-the-scenes tour, I literally bumped into a CNN anchor (Kyra Phillips) and ended up interviewing four days later on CNN World News Sunday Edition. You never know what's going to happen . . . be prepared!

Bob & Larry
I met these veggie handsome, er, men, while walking through the convention hallways in Atlanta, GA. Who knew Bob and Larry had arms?!

The King and I, Las Vegas
Oh, my! I'm about to swoon clean away. Someone grab me some smellin' salts.

Glen Eyrie Writers Retreat
Meeting phenomenal writer Lauren Winner was the highlight of my year. Hanging out with a few of my best writing friends came in a close second. (back row, Lael Arrington, Lindsey O'Conner, Lauren Winner, Karen Porter, Vicki Caruana. Front row, Julie Barnhill, Rachelle Gardner.)

Living the Life!
Fa-boo hosts, Louise DuArt and Terry Meeuwsen, pack a wonderful punch when it comes to girlfriend talk and laughs!

Hearts at Home National Conference
Musical guests, Out of the Grey, Scott & Christine Dente'

Design for Living, Pleasanton, CA
Yes, that is indeed Ms. Amy Grant and her percocious daughter Corinna. I had the distinct pleasure of introducing Amy to 1,000 of her adoring 30+ aged fans. One strum of her guitar and I was transported back to my teenage bedroom where I would spend hour after hour playing her album (yes, vinyl album!) and dreaming of limitless possibilities while singing I'm Gonna Fly.

What fun to keynote at the 2005 MOPS International Convention with actress, singer, author, and all-round fabulous woman, Lisa Whelchel.

But wait, there's more! Dr. Kevin Leman was the Grand Poo-bah of the MOPS event and meeting up and coming speaker, April Barr, was an absolute pleasure.

MOPS President Elisa Morgan.

Beijing, China
Just your typical camel-at-The-Great-Wall-of-China scene. This incredibly colorful and unique view greeted us as we made our way to the entrance.

Interior of Great Wall

Exterior wall

I was trying to win an I-Pod contest. Can you believe The Great Wall didn't get it!

Friend and guide, Shelly Brumbaugh

The Forbidden City

Summer Palace Gallery

Entry for Dignitaries (Summer Palace)

Me and one of my biggest fans

Summer Palace Residence

Oh. My. Word. BEST duck I've ever tasted. Someone smuggle some of that sauce back to me!

Every girl should own a drop-dead gorgeous set of pearls. I had a necklace custom made with mother of pearl clasp at The Pearl Market. Surely that place should be listed as one of The Wonders of the World.

Stephanie and "Kevin" our guides and Peking Duck eating companions.

Dancing in South Africa

My husband, Rick, and I at Oliphants, SA

Watering Hole at Kruger National Park

The Spawnlings
Left to right: Kristen, Patrick, Ricky Neal

Kristen and Patrick (Sequoia National Park, 2007)