RWA 2014, Part One

Tex here, fresh off the heels of RWA 2014 in beautiful San Antonio, Texas.

From the time we arrived, it was obvious that Harlequin was a huge sponsor of this shindig. 

Wherever you turned, there was a Harlequin sign. 

I particularly liked this elevator door, though.

Recognize anyone noteworthy here?

RWA's annual literacy signing was my first event. I was so excited. 

The massive ballroom was filled with energy.

The next night was a party hosted by Amazon.

My roommate, Lindi Peterson, and I decided to go as twins.

I finally got to meet our own Julie Hilton Steele.

That's her on the right. Not the best pic (sorry Julie), but proof that we have met.

This party was packed, but with all the right stuff.

Like roaming cowboys.

Wish this was a better pic, but you get the idea.

That's Mary Curry, one of LIS's newest authors, along with Missy Tippens, Lacy Williams, Laurie Alice Eakes and Deb Kastner there in the lower right hand corner.

I think Missy was kinda likin' that cowboy.

And while he was impressive, you'll notice that I got a better shot of the candy.

Chat balloons with little hearts in them. 

How cute is that?

Luckily they weren't peanut. Otherwise, the bowl would have been empty.

Friday night was biggest event in my book.

The Harlequin party. I've heard about this party for years, but this was my first. 

L-r: Janet Dean, Tina Radcliffe, Lacy Williams, Missy Tippens, Merrilee Wren, Myra Johnson, me, Mary Curry and Debby Guisti.

Does this group clean up well or what?

We piled into cabs and headed to Westin Riverwalk Hotel.

Oh, my. Such a gorgeous place.

After climbing the grand staircase, we spilled into a beautiful lounge area decorated in red and white.

I really wanted to take one of these pillows home with me, but decided to behave.

Lavish displays were everywhere.

And the desserts...?

How I missed tasting this flourless chocolate cake is beyond me. 

I guess I was in such awe.

This was the s'more station, complete with homemade marshmallows. 

They're the square ones on the left, regular and chocolate.

Very, very cool.

But not as cool as this.

Any guesses as to what they're making?

Ice cream.

But not just any ice cream. This was liquid nitrogen ice cream.

See that big silver tank behind the chefs in the fist pic?

I've seen them make this type of ice cream on the The Food Network, but have never tasted it.

How do they make it, you ask?

Well, they whisk their ice cream mixture, then they add the liquid nitrogen until it's frozen.

It is the creamiest ice cream you will ever have.

Personally, I could have taken this big old bowl and huddled in a corner somewhere until it was gone.

Absolutely amazing.

Missy and I having fun in the blond section. :)

I gotta hand it to those Harlequin people. They really know how to throw a party.

And they think of everything.

Remember that red and white table display I showed you above?

Socks.

They knew 200 women would be ditching their high heels after a couple dances.

This was my first RWA since 2007, and I had a blast.

Now I'm counting the days until they meet in NYC next year. If for nothing more than the Harlequin party. :)

Missy will be sharing more on the conference later this week.

So until then...