Tuesday, April 28, 2009

2nd Annual Whitney Awards Gala

Right after the LDStorymakers Writers Conference ended, we had to hurry to get gussied up for the Whitney Gala in less than an hour. (Thanks yet again to Alison Palmer, who let me, Josi, and Heather crash her hotel room so we could dress!)

I got my hair cut two days before the conference (brilliant move on the timing, no?), and the stylist had a hey-day doing something to it that I didn't ask for, so I had to experiment with it for that night. It didn't really work, but hey, the night was fun anyway.

Here I am with my husband:




In case you're wondering, yes, that's the same blouse you saw in the bottom half of this post. (I'd worn it once, two years ago. Figured I might as well get some more use out of it!)

Here I am presenting the award for Best Historical Novel (won by H. B. Moore) with my beloved former editor, Angela Eschler:


Apparently, the best part of our presentation was the one unscripted part. Most of the presenters had silly puns and funny skits. Angela and I prepared a pretty straight-forward presentation. Since it was so different than everyone else's, I began with, "We aren't funny." That got an unexpected laugh.

Here's the entire 2008 Whitney Awards committee as well as the LDStorymakers Executive Committee (just realized I'm the only person on both committees). We were on stage honoring the service of Rob Wells, who has ended his tenure as Whitney president. It was a cool moment.


And finally, here is Rob saying thank you for the gift and tribute.


Two years in a row now, I've driven home from the Whitney Gala with tears in my eyes because I get to be part of something so great and history-making. It's truly been an honor.

Looking ahead: Since the Whitneys are reader-driven, be sure to nominate your favorite 2009 releases by LDS writers. Do so at the Whitney Awards website. Also visit the site to see this year's winners.

27 comments:

Julie Wright said...

you look beautiful!!!!! that was so much fun

Kristina P. said...

I would wear that top again too!

Rebecca Irvine said...

Your hair looks nice!

Just SO said...

This sounds and looks like such a great deal. Thanks for taking us along.

Anonymous said...

I thought your hair was beautiful! So...do we get to nominate YOU for next year thanks to Tower of Strength?

deb@virginia blue said...

I'm with the others...I think you looked wonderful!!

How exciting that you get to be a part of something so amazing =)

LisAway said...

How hilarious that you guys weren't funny! :) This sounds like a great event. Thanks for sharing it with those of us too far away to have any part in it.

Carolyn V. said...

Ohhh! Lexi do it! I just got the first two temple books, but I hear Tower of Strength is amazing. Besides Annette is AWESOME!

Annette you are great inspiration! We love ya!

Anonymous said...

Nominated!

Annette Lyon said...

Ah, you guys are all so awesome! Thanks, LexiconLuvr! (Just four more, and I'll be official!)

Luisa Perkins said...

It was so great to be there! I was sad to have to leave a bit early. You looked gorgeous.

Lara Neves said...

I will totally nominate your book! I think it's the only 2009 release I've actually read anyway, but it totally deserves it!

Danyelle Ferguson said...

Annette - It was so great to see you last weekend. I had a blast! And yes, you looked gorgeous in that blouse. You should wear it more often.

Heather Moore said...

Fun pictures. It was an awesome night!

Sher said...

That's awesome! And you look gorgeous. I love that shirt/top/blouse/ensemble/whatever.
That is definitely your color!

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

I was one of the people who burst out laughing at the "We aren't funny." comment. It was brilliantly deadpan. Loved it.

I got teary so many times that night. What an awesome thing Rob set in motion.

amelia said...

Is your husband super tall or are you sitting down :)

Annette Lyon said...

I'm just super short. Or sitting. Whichever. :)

Jan said...

What's that show? Oh ya, Superstar :)

Why Not? Because I Said So! said...

Whos cares if you were funny or not...you and Angela are so beautiful it didn't matter what you said. :)

Heatherlyn said...

You look lovely. What an incredible experience.

wendy said...

Fun to get gussied up --perfect color(the blouse) and I thought your hair looked great. fun time I bet.

Katie Parker said...

Great pictures! I'm sure the whole event was wonderful. Thanks for sharing!

Laura said...

Love the blog make-over. And, I know how frustrating it is for hair designers to get creative on you, but you do look great. At least they didn't give you bangs in the back. I had something like that happen a couple years ago. I asked "What am I supposed to do with this?" She said she didn't know.

Barbaloot said...

Ooh-I love have say in who wins things:) I'm on my way to the website.

Janette Rallison said...

It was great to see you at conference!

Tanya Parker Mills said...

Next year I'll pre-arrange a rendezvous spot, so we don't miss each other. You looked great at the podium!

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