I Won Gold!

Last Monday night, in a fancy hotel ballroom in downtown Toronto, my little world went bonkers, but in the very best way. I won Gold for All the Sweet Things at the Taste Canada Awards in the best single subject category! It's one week later, and I still get goosebumps as I remember hearing my name being called, and all of the whoops and cheers that followed. I somehow made my way up on stage to receive the award, fighting back tears all the way. Overwhelmed and overjoyed, I said a speech I had been practicing in my head all day. I felt like it was a good thing to be prepared - just in case! I thanked everyone who loved and supported me from the very beginning of the project. There was laughter and tears and by the time I left the stage, a huge round of applause. I made my way back to my seat, and to the arms of my darling Dixon, and then the tears I had been fighting so hard to keep back fell from my eyes. Tears of such incredible joy and gratitude. What a night! It was so great to finally meet Taryn, my publisher at TouchWood Editions for the very first time, as well as the company's co-owner, Pat. These ladies are simply the best. I'm so glad my old friends Josée and Sonia were there with me, as they've been cheering me on for so long. It's good to have friends like them in your corner. After much mingling and merry-making we fell into an Uber and made our way back to the condo, where that night, sleep was slow to come, but in the morning, I made sure to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. Thanks to so many of my followers who have sent me messages and emails. I love you guys. Everything happened because of this blog. Cheers to you, for reading along for all of these years. If I could send you all cupcakes, I totally would! xoxo Renée