We Miss Kelly Amabile

Another highlight of the New York Times Travel Show was getting to meet Kelly’s family. Kelly Amabile has been blogging on Written Road for just about a year now. She recently took a hiatus to do what all travel writers want and strive to do—travel! She quit her job, sold or packed up her belongings, and hit the road. Kelly was endlessly helpful to me this past year in writing for both Written Road and Viva Las Vegas Blog so that I could turn to other projects. Her work was seamless, and I could always count on her to get the job done with little instruction. What I hadn’t realized is that it’s only been a year.

Kelly’s mom, Rosemary, and her brother, Dan, came to the travel show this past weekend and stopped by the booth to meet me. It was hard to tell who was more honored, them or me. Rosemary reminded me that I met Kelly at this very same booth last year. Wow, what a power year it has been for Kelly! Not only was she cranking out the writing on my websites, but she also wracked up the blogging bylines at one of the best travel blogs, Gadling.com. All of this on top of a full time job.

It was a special treat to meet Rosemary and Dan because I saw what a unique relationship Kelly has with her family. The fact that they even knew who I was or what role I’d played in Kelly’s life was significant. Writers don’t always share their inspirations with their families, and I was blown away by their closeness.

So, lets have a toast to Kelly, who’s making her dream a reality! The sign on the picture says we miss you, and we do. Have fun in Spain, and wherever the road leads you next…We’ll follow along on your blog, Lost in Place.