Traveling with Girlfriends and Sunday Morning Coffee
Traveling with girlfriends to the Sun Valley Writers Conference was more than just a series of author talks; it was an immersive experience.
I attended the SVWC for the first time this past weekend with four of my favorite girlfriends. We have known each other for years and have enjoyed a Dinner Club for over 30 years. Set against the stunning backdrop of Idaho’s mountains, the conference featured panel discussions, book signings, and intimate conversations that allowed attendees to delve into the minds of their favorite authors. The atmosphere was electric with the shared love of literature, making it a haven for book lovers seeking inspiration and connection. It also fostered a deep connection between writers and readers.
Thanks for joining me for Sunday Morning Coffee. This is a place to share, learn, explain, dream, and have fun.
Season 4 Volume 29
About Me
Traveling with Girlfriends to the 2024 Sun Valley Writers Conference
The 2024 Sun Valley Writers Conference was a weekend of literary brilliance, drawing diverse authors, readers, and literary enthusiasts to the picturesque town of Sun Valley.
The conference is renowned for its intimate and intellectually stimulating environment, allowing attendees to engage with some of the most influential voices in contemporary literature. This year, the spotlight was on bestselling author Kristin Hannah and acclaimed writer Sharon Brous, who delivered unforgettable sessions.
Kristin Hannah: A Journey Through History and Humanity
Kristin Hannah, celebrated for her ability to weave historical narratives with emotional depth, captivated the audience with discussions on her works, including “The Nightingale” and “The Women.” “The Nightingale,” a gripping tale of two sisters in Nazi-occupied France, has been lauded for its powerful portrayal of courage and resistance. Hannah shared insights into the meticulous research and emotional investment required to bring such a poignant story to life.
I should also mention that she writes all of her books on a yellow notepad. Wow!
Kristin also delved into her latest novel, “The Women,” which explores the lives of women combat nurses in the Vietnam War era. Hannah’s passion for uncovering the often-overlooked stories of women in history resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting her commitment to giving voice to the voiceless. This book is my favorite this year, and I was thrilled to host our book club that featured this compelling novel.
Sharon Brous and “The Amen Effect”
Another conference highlight was Sharon Brous, who introduced her thought-provoking book, “The Amen Effect.” As a renowned rabbi and community leader, Brous brings a unique perspective to her writing, blending spiritual insight with social commentary. “The Amen Effect” explores themes of faith, resilience, and the transformative power of community action.
Brous shared her journey of writing the book, inspired by her experiences leading a vibrant and diverse congregation. She emphasized the importance of finding common ground and fostering unity in a fragmented world. Her eloquence and wisdom profoundly impacted all of us in the audience, encouraging us to reflect on our roles in creating positive change.
Highlights and Reflections
Traveling with my girlfriends was the highlight of the Conference. The nightly hosted dinners, the conference’s unique setting, and thoughtful programming created an environment where ideas flowed freely and conversations were profound and stimulating.
The Sun Valley Writers Conference was a beacon of light for all of us who cherish the written word and its profound impact on our lives.
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My Latest Project
I am making a dollhouse replica of our 100 year old home.
Why?
I have always wanted to do this, as I would love to feature it throughout the seasons all year long. My first project is to use the dollhouse kit below and modify it to look like our home.
As you can see, the houses are similar but not! I have some dollhouse kit tools and my xTool laser cutter to help me cut the new, steeper, lower roof and smaller front porch. There are so many modifications I need to make, but I am excited about the challenge.
I still haven’t decided whether to make a black-and-white replica or a wooden gingerbread house.
What do you think?
Maybe both???
I have been watching Marina at Deck to Farm Charm on Instagram for months. Her dollhouses are the best I have ever seen, and of course, that’s how I want mine to look!
This is a big project, and I hope starting in July will help me finish it in time for the holidays.
Do you want to follow along with this project? If so, let me know. I’m unsure if there is enough interest for a series of blog posts as I tackle this project.
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My Biggest Challenge This Week
I am finally home.
I just returned from 13 days on the road, and it’s time to get things in order.
Many guests are arriving at the beach house this summer, so I am getting ready.
Dave’s family will be here next week, and then my sisters and sisters-in-law will arrive the following week for a fun girls’ trip. I can’t wait!
Dave hosted seven golfing friends at the beach while I was in Sun Valley. Guess what we finally used?
The queen bunk beds!
Apparently, they were great! (Although they are a total pain when it’s time to change the sheets!)
- Get the beach house ready for guests.
- Finance and accounting work, which are my least favorite things to do.
Everybody loves a Cosmo, and here is a great Cosmopolitan recipe!
My friend at Miss Mustard Seed shared how she preserved cuttings in her gardening notebook.
Cup of Jo shared Salmon for Beginners.
These Back to School Crafts are so cute!
The six best Bang for Your Buck Garden Plants.
And what a week it was!
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Today, I am sharing lots of Christmas joy I created in our family room a while back, along with many wonderful items I made from pinecones. Yep, pinecones! I love handmade decor; these projects have brought me so much Christmas joy….
Martha shared the Most Popular Home Features of 2024. There are some surprises!
This week, I am sharing the best iced tea recipes, a wonderful strawberry coconut tart, and house gifts your host will love. I also will share our Waco home kitchen remodel, a fun DIY cakestand, and the kick-off for August: new fall home decor ideas.
- Summer Dinner on the Beach – S4/V28
- Amazon Prime Early Deals – S4/V27
- Family Time – S4/V26
- Prepping My Craft Room – S4/V25
- Summer Decor Ideas – S4/V24
- A Trip to France – S4/V24
- A Surprise Birthday Celebration – S4/V23
- A Big Birthday Week – S4/V22
- Summer is Here – S4/V21
- Family Week – S4/V20
- Lessons From My Mom – S4/V19
- The Willamette Valley Wineries – S4/V18
- A Week in Ventura Beach – S4/V17
- A Birthday Celebration – S4/V16
- Enjoying Spring – S4/V15
- Family Gatherings – S4/V14
- Ventura Beach – S4/V13
- Embracing Spring – S4/V12
- Vintage Shopping – S4/V11
- My Texas Trip – S4/V10
- Why I Love Gardening – S4/V9
- A Beach House Tour One Year Later – S4/V8
- Why I Gave Up Desserts 8 Years Ago – S4/V7
- Valentine’s Day Dinner at Home – S4/V6
- Home Projects – S4/V5
- Why I Love Serena and Lily – S4/V4
- Why I Love January – S4/V3
- Valentine’s Day Plans – S4/V2
- The New Year – S4/V1
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This Week’s Top Sellers
We shared many of our favorite home items this week, and here are the top sellers!
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Hi Leslie,
I love reading your posts about your creations, interests, travels and family. Meeting Kristin Hannah would have been absolutely amazing… you just inspired me to order another one of her books that I haven’t read yet.
I continue to be your (Gemini) fan in Toronto,
Louise
Oh I’m so happy to hear that Louise, thank you so much for being here!
I would love to follow along on your doll house making! I have an old one that needs repairs so it would be very helpful.
Yay! I’m happy to hear that!
I would love to follow your doll house making journey. What a great project! Also,
I love the sweater set you wore to the conference. Would it be possible to share where it is from? I read The Women and there were so many things I learned about the war that I didn’t realize went on. It is an amazing book.
This post is very helpful. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.