Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Write a Travelogue (11/06/14)
-
TITLE: See You In St. Louis | Previous Challenge Entry
By Tal Bartelle
11/13/14 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
I was looking forward to the eight hour drive because it gave me time to listen to an audio book by an author I was hoping to meet. I honestly wanted to tell her, “I read your book.” Forty minutes into the story, I considered turning back. This author was fantastic. She could really tell a story, had well developed characters and what promised to be a very intriguing plot. Though my manuscript was as polished and ready as I could make it, my story seemed to blush from embarrassment in believing that it was worthy of being in the same class as Brandilyn’s. I was sure agents and editors were looking for her caliber of writing. But, my hard work and stubborn streak won out.
The view of the majestic Arch against a cloudless sunset was breathtaking but the drive into downtown St. Louis was frightening. The route I chose led me on a narrow bridge high above the ground. There was no way to turn back and there was no way I felt safe pulling over to cry like a baby and hope someone would come to my rescue. I hate heights. Inside a room, I can climb on ladders like the best of carpenters, but put me on the roof of a one story house, well, just thinking about it makes me curl into the fetal position. I’m so glad that God is always there when I plead my need for His care to get me through the valleys of the shadow of death. Because the ground was calling me to veer smack into the concrete retaining wall that I knew would disintegrate upon impact.
Once I made it to the swanky Hyatt Regency hotel in one piece, I was impressed with the five star reception I received when I check in. I’ve never stayed at an establishment that had an authentic Hollywood styled Concierge. Really? $350.00 per night? Well worth it once I unlocked the door to room 818. In the bathroom was a raised marble looking sink and a full length glass shower. There was even a note that implied it was okay to hoard the upscale soap, shampoo, conditioner and toothpaste. If I wanted anything else I was urged to call Guest Services. You mean it’s really okay to take the stuff with you? And all this time I thought I was sinning.
After a comfortable night’s sleep on the most perfect mattress on the planet, I opened the curtains and admired the famous St. Louis Arch, just across the street while the sun rose just under its apex. Getting ready for the Early Bird workshop I started to dress. When I unzipped the clothes carrier I put a hand over my mouth and moaned. Then, I checked my computer bag as if for some odd reason I had placed what I was looking for among my flash drive, pitch-notebook and conference schedule. My dress slacks were missing.
For the 530 mile trip I wore comfortable blue jeans and a Polo Shirt. So, I had to make the denim pants work with a dress shirt, dress shoes and a sport coat work for the business casual dress code. When I nervously walked into the conference room, relief replaced anxiety as I met several other industry professional wearing jeans.
I did get to tour some of the city that first day after the Concierge gave me directions and a map to the nearest men’s store. I wanted to make the best first impression I could at the Agent meeting that afternoon. I relived my acrophobia on the way back to the hotel because of another narrow bridge high in the sky.
The City Center River Walk in downtown St. Louis is highly touted and did not disappoint. I wish you the best of times whenever you visit this delightful city. I certainly did. Both at the writer’s convention and the sights all within walking distance.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
Keep up the good work.
The only thing I see is check should have been checked. :)
God bless~
God bless~
This was good and I know you can do even better when you put your mind to it.
Good to have you in the competition and BTW...CONGRATULATIONS ON THE H/C!!!