Well, it turns out I needed to purchase Internet access for a day while I’m here in Dallas, so I figured a post would make the $9.95 for 24 hours a little more worth the cost. I only needed to send an email, so it seemed a little pricey for one piece of correspondence, wouldn’t you say? Unfortunately, this hotel has no free Internet access.

We had a great flight yesterday, though we had to wait for a room once we arrived. I’m afraid the poor staff at this hotel is overworked with all of the rooms filled. They’re doing a great job though.

Today was exhausting but good. I didn’t make it to any of the workshops, unfortunately, due to appointments and the need to rest as I wasn’t feeling all that great. It’s been great to connect with friends I made last year though. And I’ve garnered a little interest in my work, which is encouraging.

We had dinner at a French restaurant again this year. When I say we, I mean the agency I’m with organized the dinner and I went along. It’s always fun to connect with other, like-minded writers.

James Scott Bell is the keynote speaker this year, and he had some good things to say last night. The one that stuck most in my mind was this statement:

Great art makes you homesick for heaven.

Perhaps that is because great art is created with great passion and skill and endurance. Artists may be born gifted, but they aren’t good until they study their craft and master it. Creativity is a reflection of our Creator and the more beautiful the art, the more it reminds us of Him. Thus our longing to be with Him in heaven.

It’s not often that we see truly great art. But when we do, it is a rare jewel to behold.

In any case, things are going well so far here in Dallas. We’re on the top floor of the hotel – something new for me. Tomorrow promises to be another full day.