The Life of the Party with Deborah Raney and Myra Johnson!

Who would attend your dream party?

Wow! It's party time! What fun questions! Well, since I peeked ahead at the questions and see that I sort of get a chance to answer this two ways, I'm going to say my dream party would include my dearest writing friends starting with my writing critique partner, Tamera Alexander, and other writers I love to brainstorm with, including (but not limited to! No way could I put a limit on this guest list!) Colleen Coble, Rene Gutteridge, Cheryl Hodde, Judith Miller, Nancy Moser, Kim Vogle Sawyer, Stephanie Grace Whitson, Deborah Vogts. Goodness, there are so many! But these are the ones I've gotten to know well and can be totally myself around. And that's what makes a party really fun!

What is your most memorable party event?

There've been many, but one of the most memorable was bittersweet, too. My little sister, a newlywed, was killed in a car accident two days before our oldest son's third birthday. We'd planned a big birthday party with our families and our grandparents, who were all living but one back then. We decided that we all wanted to be together anyway, so we made a cake and filled our house with people we love. It was precious to be together, comforting each other as we mourned the tragic loss, yet having a reason to celebrate too.

   

What is your favorite cake or party food?

Just one? I've always requested angel food cake for my birthday, but I'd be just as happy with a great carrot cake or tiramisu! My husband and I recently gave up sweets except for rare occasions, so now ANY cake sounds amazing! Bring it on! ; )

Casey: Deb have all the cake and tiramisu you want, no calories included! ;-)

If you could host one party in a lifetime, who would attend?

If I could only have one party, I'd definitely choose to be surrounded by my family––my parents and mother-in-law, my husband's grandparents (who will turn 100 and 101, and celebrate their 82nd wedding anniversary next May, God willing!) My husband, of course, and our four kids and their spouses, plus our daughters' special boyfriend, and of course our two little grandsons, who would be the life of the party! I'd invite my sisters and brother and their families, my husband’s three brothers and sister and their families, and both our aunts, uncles and cousins who are very special in my life. We'd need a BIG place to have the party since Ken and I are both the eldest of five-kid families! I've been so very blessed to have families that are as dear as any friends.

 

What was the last party you attended?

We invited some friends from our church over for a game night. Played Balderdash and had a blast! It wasn't a special occasion...just a chance to share an evening with dear friends and get to know them better. Sometimes "no reason" parties are the best! 

Parties, we all love ‘em! What is your favorite party memory?

Guess what. I am NOT a party person--LOL! But somehow I raised at least one daughter who's crazy about them. My favorite party memory, though, is actually my other daughter's 13th birthday. Instead of just inviting a bunch of friends over for munchies and music, we planned several party games--Limbo, ping-pong tournaments, "synchronized swimming" competitions in our backyard pool, etc. All the kids said it was the most fun they'd had at a birthday party in a long time! So when each of our girls turned 16, we did repeat performances, and everyone had a blast!

If you could throw any party you wanted and have anyone attend, who would be there?

Personally, I'd prefer to keep it small--just immediate family and a few close friends. My other favorite party group would ALWAYS include The Seekers (www.seekerville.blogspot.com)

If you could go back in time, what party event would you attend?

Wow, tough one, Casey! You know, the first thought that popped into my head was the wedding at Cana, where Jesus turned the water into wine. Now wouldn't THAT be a wonderful party to attend!

Describe your perfect party attire.

Bermudas, a wild Hawaiian-print shirt, and some super-cool shades!

What is your favorite cake?

Fudgy chocolate with lots of frosting.

Thanks SO much to Deb Raney and Myra Johnson for visiting the blog today to help celebrate my blogoversary! Loved the interviews ladies!!

And now fun for the readers! Deb and Myra have both been extremely generous to offer a gift to my blog followers and remember the FIRST commenter today gets an extra entry into the BASH on Sunday, now just a couple days away!!!

Today's winners get to choose from one of Myra's books and one of Deb's books offered below.

So, what is your favorite cake? Leave a comment letting us know and enter away while you're at it.  :-)