Taking a Little Time Out

Every couple of years a few friends and I get together and take a little Time Out.  Deseret Book Company puts on a production called Time Out For Women where they have several authors speak and LDS musical artists perform in uplifting and spiritually edifying ways.  In the past we have gone to Las Vegas when the tour was there, but this year we decided to try Richfield, Utah for a quieter, less traffic place to enjoy ourselves.  The idea turned out to be fabulous, and very very fun! 

We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Richfield and there were three to a room.  I went with Bobette Green, Maria Hall, Shelly Beutler, Joyce Swyers, and my Mom.  Bobette drove because she knows Richfield, her in laws live there and she visits often.  We traveled together on Friday afternoon, getting there early enough to check into our hotel and grab a bite to eat at the Wingers next door.

It seems the ride wasn't as stimulating as we had hoped.  Shelly got the coveted seat in the back, and the others were out, until I mentioned putting something up Maria's nose and she magically came awake. 

 Dinner at Wingers.  I love the "self portraits" (when you take the picture of yourself with your own camera).  They seem to always give you a double chin. 

Cute picture of Maria and Joyce trying to hide behind their menus.  Being silly is a part of the fun!

 Our seats were up in the balcony and it was great seats for us!  With the big screens we could see the speakers and performer up close and still enjoy everything. 

It is amazing how, in a room as large as this, with this many people there and all the disruptions that the spirit can be so strong and witness to you of truth. 

Jenny Oaks Baker, an exceptional violinist performed for us on Friday night.  Shelly and I got our pictures takes with her and Shelly got a CD autographed for her daughter Sadie, who is also an exceptional violinist.  Her music is beautiful. We also heard from Sheri Dew and  Virginia Hinkley Pierce.

Sleep was very late in coming for us that night.  When you let a group of women get away together without any kids of husbands, we tend to let our hair down and get silly, which is what happened that night.  Someone brought ice cream, bowls and spoons and dropped them off at Maria's room and told her to take some and pass it to the next room, so we did!  We also had treats we had picked up at Wal-Mart that night and we talked and laughed until well after midnight.  Such fun memories!!
 

 On our way into the convention Saturday morning they handed out their famous bags.  Every year they give those who attend on Saturday a fabulous bag, and this year was no exception.  Don't we all look happy and like we are having a good time? 

We had a great day with lots of great information and perspective changes.  We listened to the music of Mercy River and heard presentations from authors like DeAnn Flynn, Michael Wilcox, Wendy Ulrich, and Emily Freeman.  After the convention we took another photo opportunity on a rock outside of the convention center.  The weather was a perfect fall day, and the leaves were changing, adding to the beauty of the weekend. 

Not in any hurry to get home, we took a few moments to look around Richfield and eat at the famous Pufferbellys Mexican restaurant.  Our cute little waiter got in the picture with us, and a bunch of others before that .  Funny guy.  We had a really nice time together and I love to look over my notes and remember what I learned, hopefully to apply the ideas into my life.  I look forward to going again in a couple of years!!