Vacation is wonderful in so many respects, isn't it? My one last week to the Amalfi Coast not only gave me the opportunity to spend time with my niece and to explore a new place, but it also gave me a newfound appreciation for the stunning work that you all routinely do. It was incredibly satisfying to return to Cookie Connection this week and see that it had hummed along so beautifully uninterrupted by my absence with everyone posting fabulous work. Our top ten cookies this week are testament to your never-ending talent! Congrats to this week's honorees! 
#1: Icy Woods by Cookies by joss
#2: Kitties in Flamingo Floaties by Teri Pringle Wood
#3: Summer Cookie Cottage by Evelindecora
#4: The Legislative Palace of Montevideo in Gingerbread by Aulga
#5: Simply Sweet by Teri Pringle Wood
#6: Indoor Garden by Heather Bruce Sosa
#7: Faith - Family - Freedom!! by Cookies Fantastique by Carol
#8: Happy Purple Birthday! by Di Art Sweets
#9: Rose by Vanilla & Me
#10: Garden Time by Teri Pringle Wood
Congrats again, everyone!
Also, a reminder: There won't be a Saturday Spotlight again next weekend, as I'll be judging my long-awaited cookie competition at the Show Me Sweets Show in St. Charles, Missouri! Woo hoo! I can't tell you how much work has gone into dotting every "i" and crossing every "t" to make sure it's a moment that cookiers will never forget. Countless hours have been spent over emails and phone calls with the production company, planning table layouts, fine-tuning interview schedules, and checking wardrobe and makeup plans . . . then there have been the preliminary judge briefings and tests of our online scoring system . . . not to mention, back-and-forths with the décor team that is decking out my vendor booth . . . and tomorrow, I start organizing the many wonderful prizes donated by our generous sponsors. Our winners are going to be so thrilled with what these sponsors have donated - now over $10,000 in cash and product prizes!
Planning this competition and the TV filming of it have truly been a massive community effort, and, while it's been invigorating to be a part of it, I think I'll need another (much longer) vacation once it's all over! 
Anyway, if I don't see you in St. Charles next weekend, have a great seven days, and I'll "see" you back on Cookie Connection the following Saturday, July 20!
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