Society of Professional Journalists Region 8 Conference

Putting on a regional conference is a lot like birthing a baby. Seven Board members of the San Antonio Pro Chapter of SPJ spent nine months on the project. We had mood swings, strange food cravings, sleepless nights, and anxiety attacks. At least we were spared the morning sickness and swollen ankles.
Then came the labor pains -- egad, we may not cover expenses. But when we saw the birth announcement, aka program, it was beautiful enough to almost make up for the blood, sweat toil and tears.
At last we were there - at the hotel, opening a bottle of celebratory wine, greeting our fellow journalists in the hotel's gorgeous courtyard, eating tasty snacks and meeting a peacock.
And wonder of wonders, next morning all the presenters and moderators showed up on time, aced their sessions, educated and entertained their audiences all day long.
As we trailed, weary but triumphant, back from the conference center, through the courtyard, the peacock saluted us repeatedly with trumpet and fan!
It was over only yesterday and already I think I'm going to miss those tacos and all the wet hair and sleepy faces at weekly early morning meetings.  

See the tweets and photos at On the Record satxspj.blogspot.com