Friday, August 22, 2008
The Scenic Adirondacks
I wanted to share one of the pictures I took on our recent visit to the Adirondack Mountains in New York Sate.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Just Couldn't Wait to Begin Reading
At a recent book signing, twins bought three of my books and one of the twins began to read one book while I was signing the other two. What a great inspiration for an author! Thanks Jeremy and Joseph for making my day!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
My New Book Dedication
I'm shown here with Agnes King to whom I dedicated my new book, Lili's Gift. Agnes is 91 years young, an avid reader, and true friend to many.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Check this out!
I've been corresponding with Mary, one of my readers. She has published an article about the Star Barn, an historic site in Pennsylania. To see Mary and read her wonderful history, check out this link.
http://www.thestarbarn.com/FeaturedStories.aspx
http://www.thestarbarn.com/FeaturedStories.aspx
Thursday, July 31, 2008
A Reading Family
It is always great to meet a family that likes to read!
Lottie goes to Africa
One of the wonderful things about being an author is that you never know who is reading what you have written. I'm always thrilled when Lottie travels to far off locations. I've copied an e-mail I received today: 
Hi Phyllis,
You may recall having met me during spring break in Williamsburg where you were selling your book. I mentioned that I was traveling to Ghana and would be donating the book to the slave castles at Cape Coast in Ghana. As promised, here is a picture of the slave castles along with the library director, Mr. Yanons holding a copy of your book. Mr. Yankons runs an after school program for over 150 primary and middle school students from the area. Many of these children are the descendents of enslavers as indicated by their British, Dutch and Portuguese last names, as well as descendants of enslaved Africans from the interior and coastal parts of Ghana.
You may recall having met me during spring break in Williamsburg where you were selling your book. I mentioned that I was traveling to Ghana and would be donating the book to the slave castles at Cape Coast in Ghana. As promised, here is a picture of the slave castles along with the library director, Mr. Yanons holding a copy of your book. Mr. Yankons runs an after school program for over 150 primary and middle school students from the area. Many of these children are the descendents of enslavers as indicated by their British, Dutch and Portuguese last names, as well as descendants of enslaved Africans from the interior and coastal parts of Ghana.
What a thrill to know that kids in Africa have the chance to read something that I've written!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Angela and Nicholas Visit Williamsburg
Signing books is always special because I get to meet readers. Keep reading, Angela and Nicholas. Readers are leaders!
Monday, July 07, 2008
Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums Reunion
The Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corps is so special that I wrote a book about it. This past weekend the corps celebrated their fiftieth reunion with a gathering of more than 250 alumni, including my son Alex on the far right of the picture of the book above. He is leading the Junior Corps.
Below is a video of the my son's group of alumni marching at the reunion. Alex is in the yellow shirt.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Common Sense
Colorado teacher and writer, Mark Wilensky, has written The Elementary Common Sense of Thomas Paine. His book makes accessible one of the most important documents of the Revolutionary War period. Check out this interactive work at : www.newcommonsensebook.com
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Back from France
We have returned from our wonderful 30-day pilgrimage in France on the Chemin de Saint Jacques. And we are recovering from our more than 30 hour flight from Toulouse to Richmond.
Last year we trekked in Spain from Leon to Santiago de Compostela, the end of the 1200 mile pilgrim route. This year we began at Le Puy-en-Velay, France, one of the medieval starting points for the Chemin.
We enjoyed meeting pilgrims from all over, the delicious cheese and pastries, the bible stories in stone on the medieval cathedrals, tiny, quaint villages, Roman ruins, painted churches, fields of flowers, cute little cars, and much much more. A very special memory is the kindness shown to us on a number of occasions by the French people.
We took over 1000 photos. I have created a slide show with sixty of them for those of you that are interested. The pictures give a sample of the riches we experienced on the Chemin.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27952030@N07/show/
Last year we trekked in Spain from Leon to Santiago de Compostela, the end of the 1200 mile pilgrim route. This year we began at Le Puy-en-Velay, France, one of the medieval starting points for the Chemin.
We enjoyed meeting pilgrims from all over, the delicious cheese and pastries, the bible stories in stone on the medieval cathedrals, tiny, quaint villages, Roman ruins, painted churches, fields of flowers, cute little cars, and much much more. A very special memory is the kindness shown to us on a number of occasions by the French people.
We took over 1000 photos. I have created a slide show with sixty of them for those of you that are interested. The pictures give a sample of the riches we experienced on the Chemin.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27952030@N07/show/
Friday, June 06, 2008
Walking the Chemin de Saint Jacques
My husband and I are spending a month in France walking with backpacks along a 1200 year old pilgrim route.
Last year we did the end of the route in Spain, walking to Compostela. This year we have started at Le Puy, France, an historic starting place for pilgrims.
France is very beautiful, but we are having much rain which makes walking difficult.
Today we are visiting the historic city of Cahors.
Last year we did the end of the route in Spain, walking to Compostela. This year we have started at Le Puy, France, an historic starting place for pilgrims.
France is very beautiful, but we are having much rain which makes walking difficult.
Today we are visiting the historic city of Cahors.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The New Book!!!!
I arrived home yesterday afternoon from my yoga class to find that UPS had delivered Lili's Gift. Needless to say, it is a thrill to hold a book you have written in your hands. The book looks great! The cover artist, Wes Lowe, did an excellent job capturing Lili.
The publication of Lili's Gift has taken almost three years . The average children's book takes two to four years to appear. So kids, don't be discouraged in this age of instant messaging and the Internet if you don't immediately see the results of your writing.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Reading My Poetry at the Library
Today I was one of five poets reading their poetry at the James City Library. Every year I hopefully enter the Poetry Society of Virginia's Annual Poetry Contest and in the last couple of years I've gleaned a Second Honorable Mention, a Third Honorable Mention, and once a citation. (Whatever that means!) This year I won a third prize. There were over 1800 submissions in 30 categories.I was delighted to be able to read the winning poem today.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Melridge Elementary and Kidpub
I received two e-mails today from Ms. Starr's Fabulous 5th Graders at Meldrige Elementary in Concord Township, Ohio. They are reading Divided Loyalties, and they sent me a few questions about the book. They have learned about "necessaries" and I have learned about a great site that publishes kids' writing. This link will take you to stories written by Ms. Starr's kids.
http://www.kidpub.com/node/57726
http://www.kidpub.com/node/57726
Friday, April 25, 2008
A Reader Visits Williamsburg
A choral competition brought a reader, Bailey, to Williamsburg. Her mom let me know they would be in town and so I attended a wonderful concert by Woodlawn Middle School from Mebane, NC. The choral group sang a moving Agnus Dei. I hope they win the competition!
Celebrating National Poetry Month with ARC
The ARC (Association of Intellectually Disabled Children) of Williamsburg is sponsoring a monthly program for adults in Arts and Literature. They asked me to join the group to discuss poetry during National Poetry Month.
What a lively, responsive group!
I hope the participants had as much fun as I did!
We discussed poems that explored the senses.
In this picture participants are studying pussy willows that I brought in. We talked about the sense of touch and we found words to describe how pussy willows feel. I followed up with a short poem where a poet emphasized the fuzzy, wuzzy feel of the pussy willow.
I think I have managed to get everyone present in one of the pictures, everyone that is, except Nick, who kindly took the pictures. Thanks Nick! 
And thanks ARC for visiting me to your program.
What a lively, responsive group!I hope the participants had as much fun as I did!
We discussed poems that explored the senses.
In this picture participants are studying pussy willows that I brought in. We talked about the sense of touch and we found words to describe how pussy willows feel. I followed up with a short poem where a poet emphasized the fuzzy, wuzzy feel of the pussy willow.I think I have managed to get everyone present in one of the pictures, everyone that is, except Nick, who kindly took the pictures. Thanks Nick! And thanks ARC for visiting me to your program.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
A Record Breaking EIGHT Times!
Today I was coming out of Farm Fresh, a local supermarket, pushing my grocery cart when I was thrilled to meet Anna. She is a first grader who had read Lottie's Courage EIGHT times. It is her favorite book. Anna's mom recognized me from years ago when I taught with her in the history department at the College of William and Mary.
Thank you Anna for making my day!
Until I met Anna, Aaron held the record. He read Lottie's Courage FIVE times.
I have been working very hard during the last months on my writing. It is time-consuming, lonely work. Sometimes I wonder if I am wasting my time. Today, thanks to Anna, I was reminded again how great it is to write something that kids enjoy.
Thank you Anna for making my day!
Until I met Anna, Aaron held the record. He read Lottie's Courage FIVE times.
I have been working very hard during the last months on my writing. It is time-consuming, lonely work. Sometimes I wonder if I am wasting my time. Today, thanks to Anna, I was reminded again how great it is to write something that kids enjoy.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
A Musical Based on Lottie's Courage
One of my readers in Western Virginia who is very involved in theater asked for permission to write a musical based on my first book, Lottie's Courage. Of course, I agreed. What a great idea!
The first scene is completed! I am looking forward to seeing it.
The first scene is completed! I am looking forward to seeing it.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Another Great Drawing from Michelle!
One of my readers who is a fifth-grade student in Northern Virginia writes to me and she always includes wonderful drawings like this one. It was so neat I wanted to share it with my other readers.Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Coming soon!
My newest book will be out soon. Hopefully in April!
Monday, March 24, 2008
First Prize!
I submitted the first two chapters of a new book I am working on to the Christopher Newport University annual writing contest. And to my surprise and delight won first prize! Writing is hard work, and it was great to learn the newest book is headed in the right direction.
My Tech Support
My son, Alex, was home for Easter and he was able to "fix" my website. I haven't been able to load pictures for more than a month.How great to have in-house tech support!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Congratulation Pam!
My niece Pam is halfway through with radiation for breast cancer today. Congratulations and best wishes.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Valentine's Day Visit
Valentine's Day I visited Langley Elementary School. What a nice way to spend a special day! Two of Mrs. Stohler's classes had just finished reading Lottie's Courage, and she invited me to talk about writing the book.
It was great meeting so many readers!
Thanks for inviting me to Langley!
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Visiting Spratley Middle School
Yesterday I visited Spratley Middle School in Hampton, Virginia. Students were respectful and attentive.
Spratley students have a dress code and they looked terrific wearing school colors.
I enjoyed my visit. I hope the students learned a little about how writers work. I also hope they became interested in contraband slaves in Hampton, the Emancipation Oak, and other treasures of our local history.
Thanks for being such a great audience!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Atmospheric Rain Cape
I posted this for your amusement. This funny-looking person is me in my atmospheric rain cape. We are planning another pilgrimage this year, and the cape goes over your backpack. Let it rain!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Let it Snow!
Snow is so unusual in Williamsburg, that whenever we see a little, it is an event. Yesterday we got three inches!!!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Poetry Contest Reminder
The Poetry Society of Virginia again is offering kids cash prizes for winning poems. The deadline for the annual contest is January 19, 2008 (Edgar Allen Poe's birthday).
It costs nothing to enter a poem. Check out the categories and guidelines at:
http://www.poetrysocietyofvirginia.org/sys-tmpl/2008studentcontest/
It costs nothing to enter a poem. Check out the categories and guidelines at:
http://www.poetrysocietyofvirginia.org/sys-tmpl/2008studentcontest/
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Welcome 2008!
After completing the National November Novel Writing Challenge, the Christmas avalanche swept me away, and I am just now coming out from under it. We had a wonderful Christmas this year, but it entailed dropping everything else to make it happen. Our son brought his fiancee to visit and we babysat for Stefan, her cat, shown here investigating our son's new tiger slippers.
I have written to readers who remembered me at this holiday season. I am thankful to have you all in my life.
It looks like the cover of my newest book, Lili's Gift, is finally on schedule. Huzzah!
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Aaron Made My Day!
Aaron from Ohio, shown here with me at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor's Center, made my day today. Several years ago when he was in sixth grade, he and his family visited Colonial Williamsburg, They purchased Lottie's Courage, my first book in the bookstore, but they didn't meet me.
Today I met Aaron and his family. Aaron's mom told me that Lottie's Courage was Aaron's favorite book and he had read it five times. Wow! How gratifying for an author to know that someone liked her book enough to read it more than once.
Thank you, Aaron! Readers like you make the arduous work of writing, rewriting, and revising all worthwhile.
A Delightful Group of Readers
Today while signing books at the Visitor's Center at Colonial Williamsburg, I met a delightful group of readers. Right to left, they are Janna (Germany), Brittany, Karen, Carol, Beatriz (Spain) and Hannah (Germany). It was great to meet foreign exchange students and their sponsors.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Novel Writing Challenge Completed!
I have managed to write 50,047 words in the last month. The challenge was to write 50,000 in the month of November. And I have finished two days before the deadline on Friday. I found the challenge exhausting, particularly toward the end when I seemed to run out of story.
Getting a first draft on paper is the merest beginning to producing a novel. I am always amazed when people assume that the first draft is the novel. Much, much more work will be needed before the draft becomes the novel. But the first draft is a start.
I am glad that I took part in the challenge. We can all do more than we think we can.
Getting a first draft on paper is the merest beginning to producing a novel. I am always amazed when people assume that the first draft is the novel. Much, much more work will be needed before the draft becomes the novel. But the first draft is a start.
I am glad that I took part in the challenge. We can all do more than we think we can.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
"To Read or Not to Read"
A recent study by the National Endowment for the Arts has concluded that most Americans are reading less.
The study mentions that "literary" readers are more likely to exercise, visit museums, keep up with current events, vote in presidential elections, and perform volunteer work.
Hurrah for readers! Readers are leaders!
The study mentions that "literary" readers are more likely to exercise, visit museums, keep up with current events, vote in presidential elections, and perform volunteer work.
Hurrah for readers! Readers are leaders!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Our Back Yard
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Readers Visit Colonial Williamsburg
I recently met a whole family of readers visiting Colonial Williamsburg from New Jersey. Keep reading, kids! Readers are leaders.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Sharing Creative Energy
Seven Williamsburg writers participating in the National Novel Writing Challenge met Saturday afternoon at Barnes and Nobles to cheer each other on and write.
Good Luck Everyone!
Saturday, November 03, 2007
A Challenge for Crittenden Students
My author's visit to Crittenden Middle School in Newport News on November 1 coincided with the beginning of National Novel Writing Month. I challenged the kids there to write 20,000 words in the month of November and promised a signed book for all those who completed the challenge.
We talked a little about writing and I was impressed with the imagination and enthusiasm of the Crittendon Students. I look forward to signing many books for Crittendon students and reporting their success on my website.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Another Great Contest for Kids
The Legacy Project's annual Listen to a Life Essay Contest is a team effort – a young person 8-18 years interviews a grandparent or grandfriend 50 years or older about their life and writes a 300-word essay. This is one of our most popular contests! Prizes include a Lenovo ThinkCentre computer and $25,000 of Orchard Software.
http://www.legacyproject.org/contests/index.html
http://www.legacyproject.org/contests/index.html
Thursday, October 25, 2007
An Exciting Opportunity for Kids
Have you ever written to a favorite author? Here is a chance to turn a letter into a cash award.
The Virginia Foundation Center for the Book has announced the 2007-08 "Letters About Literature" reading and writing competition. Students in grades 4 through 12 are invited to write a personal letter to the author of a favorite book. The Center will select the top letter writers in the state at each of the three competition levels: Level I for children in grades 4,5, and 6; Level II for grades 7 and 8, and Level III, grades 9, 10, 11, and12. The three state winners will receive $100 cash, a $50 Target giftcard, and will be invited to appear at the Opening Ceremony of the March 26, 2008 Virginia Festival of the Book in Charlottesville.
Six national winners will each receive a $500 Target giftcard for themselves and $10,000 grant for their school or community library for reading promotion for children and young adults. Additionally, 12 honorable mention winners will receive a $100 Target giftcard and will win for their community or school library a $1,000 grant. Guidelines and the required entry form are available at www.virginiafoundation.org/bookcenter. The entry deadline is December 14, 2007.
The Virginia Foundation Center for the Book has announced the 2007-08 "Letters About Literature" reading and writing competition. Students in grades 4 through 12 are invited to write a personal letter to the author of a favorite book. The Center will select the top letter writers in the state at each of the three competition levels: Level I for children in grades 4,5, and 6; Level II for grades 7 and 8, and Level III, grades 9, 10, 11, and12. The three state winners will receive $100 cash, a $50 Target giftcard, and will be invited to appear at the Opening Ceremony of the March 26, 2008 Virginia Festival of the Book in Charlottesville.
Six national winners will each receive a $500 Target giftcard for themselves and $10,000 grant for their school or community library for reading promotion for children and young adults. Additionally, 12 honorable mention winners will receive a $100 Target giftcard and will win for their community or school library a $1,000 grant. Guidelines and the required entry form are available at www.virginiafoundation.org/bookcenter. The entry deadline is December 14, 2007.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Hiking in West Virginia
On a recent hiking trip to West Virginia, we stopped at Seneca Rocks (above) to admire the unusual rock outcropping. In addition to hiking a desolate Civil War era turnpike, we saw part of a reenactment of the Civil War Battle of Bulltown. Two Confederate officers (below) confer on the battle's progress. 
We had a great weekend!
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Meeting Another Author
One of the fun things about signing books is meeting other authors. On Sunday, I met Mary Quattlebaum, the author of 15 children's books, and her delightful family. She is shown here with her husband and daughter Christy, dressed as the devil.
Mary was signing a new book, Sparks Fly High, a retelling of a traditional American folktale where Colonel Lightfoot enters a dance contest with the devil.
Check out the new book and Mary Quattlebaum at:
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Calling All Writers
Can you write a novel in the month of November?
The National November Novel Writing challenge will be getting underway November 1. Kids are invited to participate in the challenge in the Young Writers' Program.
http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/modules/cjaycontent/index.php?id=2
There is a special discussion forum for young novelists.
http://2005.nanowrimo.org/modules/newbb/viewforum.php?forum=204
Feel like taking on the challenge, check it out.
The National November Novel Writing challenge will be getting underway November 1. Kids are invited to participate in the challenge in the Young Writers' Program.
http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/modules/cjaycontent/index.php?id=2
There is a special discussion forum for young novelists.
http://2005.nanowrimo.org/modules/newbb/viewforum.php?forum=204
Feel like taking on the challenge, check it out.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Deer Chases Middle School Boy
The world is an amazing place. Recently, in Bend, Oregon, a boy befriended a deer only to have the deer follow him during a cross country race. Apparently, the deer was using the boy as a salt lick.
Check out the story and a slide show at his site:
http://www.ktvb.com/sharedcontent/breakingnews/slideshow/102006_kgwdeerrunner/1.html
Check out the story and a slide show at his site:
http://www.ktvb.com/sharedcontent/breakingnews/slideshow/102006_kgwdeerrunner/1.html
Saturday, September 08, 2007
A Reader Named Christian
I met Christian (shown here with his grandmother, Mamie) at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center where I was signing books. Christian was so excited to meet an author that he wanted to buy all of my books. I recommended Lottie's Courage, since Christian didn't know about contraband slaves. Keep reading Christian. Readers are leaders!
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Rome Reborn
Ever wonder what ancient Rome looked like in the year 320? Now you can see a digital model on line that has taken an international team of scholars ten years to build. The technology even allows you to go inside of the Colosseum. http://www.romereborn.virginia.edu/
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Beautiful San Francisco
San Francisco is a beautiful city.
This is the modern art museum.
Taking notes at the Legion of Honor, the fine arts museum.
San Francisco captured me. I never guessed I would be so taken with the city. It seemed that everywhere I looked there was interesting architecture and dramatic vistas. However, I was upset to see homeless people on every block. How could there be so many beggars in the city named for Saint Francis, who loved the poor? The highlight of the trip, however, was not the city in all its splendour, but seeing my son and the people I met. Thank you all for your hospitality.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Travels North
I've just returned from a visit to Star Lake, NY and my high school reunion. Above is a picture of the lake with its characteristic party raft, anchored on the shore.
We stayed in Wanakena where we saw this tame deer. I hope he disappears by hunting season.From Star Lake we went on to Quebec City where we toured the Hotel Frontenac.
The hotel, begun at the end of the 19th century, is an impressive relic of the days of the great hotels.
Quebec City is the only walled city in North America.
I couldn't resist snuggling up to one of the big guns that once defended the city. Quebec City was filled with tourists, artists, and street musicians.
This fellow was playing French Canadian tunes. From Quebec City we travelled to Ste. Anne de Beaupre and visited the famous site for pilgrimages in North America.
This was the nave of the lovely church there. From Ste. Anne's we headed South with a visit to The Clark Art Institute in Massachusetts.
It was a great trip! Thursdays I'm off to California to see my son,
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Visiting Jamestown Archaearium
In preparation for the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown in 1607, long-term archaeological digs have been underway for the last decade or more. A new museum containing the results of the excavations opened in May.
http://www.historicjamestowne.org/news/archaearium_opening.php.
I finally battled the crowds to see the new museum on Sunday. It is well worth a visit to Jamestown.
http://www.historicjamestowne.org/index.php
http://www.historicjamestowne.org/news/archaearium_opening.php.
I finally battled the crowds to see the new museum on Sunday. It is well worth a visit to Jamestown.
http://www.historicjamestowne.org/index.php
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Creative Kids
I often meet readers who are also writers. There is a magazine that publishes writing by kids. It is called Creative Kids, The Magazine By Kids, For Kids 8-14. You can find how to get a subscription to the magazine at:
http://www.prufrock.com/client/client_pages/prufrock_jm_createkids.cfm
However, most children's sections in your local library will have copies of the magazine. Take a look at an issue and see if this might be a place to publish your writing.
http://www.prufrock.com/client/client_pages/prufrock_jm_createkids.cfm
However, most children's sections in your local library will have copies of the magazine. Take a look at an issue and see if this might be a place to publish your writing.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
A Game from Sam
Sam in California forwarded this neat game to me. Try it!
http://members.iinet.net.au/~pontipak/redsquare.html
http://members.iinet.net.au/~pontipak/redsquare.html
Monday, July 02, 2007
Virginia's Standards of Learning Tests
One of my readers, Michelle, send me the above drawing of her feelings about Virginia's Standards of Learning Tests. A picture is worth a thousand words!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Our Medieval Pilgrimage
We are back from 30 days in Spain. We walked for 18 days from Leon to Santiago de Compostela along an ancient pilgrimage route, covering about 250 miles. My backpack weighed 18 pounds and the journey was much more difficult than we imagined.
We walked in rain, fog, wind, cold, sunshine through spectacular countryside. Most pilgrims get blisters and we were among them. We limped along with others more than half our age over two mountain ranges, through vineyards and farm lands. Flowers were everywhere as we walked from small town to small town.
We slept in sleeping bags in pilgrim hostels called refugios. The refugios are dormitories where for a minimal fee you can spend the night. Sometimes we had meals in the refugios; other times we ate in restaurants.
One of the nicer pilgrim hostels we stayed in.
Pilgrim's boots in another refugio.
For the whole 30 days, I wore two pair of slacks and three shirts. That meant washing clothes in the refugios. My husband became a laundry expert, even when he had to do a balancing act to be able to hang our clothes.
The main street in one of the villages where we spent the night.
A Spanish woman gives us each a rose from her garden.
We were deeply touched by the kindness of the Spaniards and of the other pilgrims.
Pilgrims wear scallop shells, and shells or yellow arrows mark the pilgrim route.
Here yellow flowers mark the way.
Even some dogs carry backpacks on the pilgrimage.
Needless to say, our pilgrimage was wonderful. If you would like to see more pictures:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8326092@N03/
Even some dogs carry backpacks on the pilgrimage.
Needless to say, our pilgrimage was wonderful. If you would like to see more pictures:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8326092@N03/
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Greetings from the Camino
I am writing this from an Internet cafe in Sarria, Spain. My husband and I have been walking a medieval pilgrimage route, the Camino, across the top of Spain to Santiago de Compostela. We have only about 80 miles left to go, having already gone 135 miles. We have crossed two mountain ranges, carrying all our possessions in backpacks. It has been a great challenge and I am happy to report that we are holding up as well as the other pilgrims, many of them years younger than we are.
Spain is lovely at this time of year with fields full of flowers and everything lush and green. We have seen lots of different birds and big, ugly black slugs. I think I even spotted a wolf in a deserted area.
I was surprised to see that kids here stay up late at night and don´t go to school until almost nine. Also, they seem to have more freedom than kids in the States do, running about without adult supervision. But it may be because this area is rural and safe.
The Internet I am using is coin operated. So this is all for now.
Spain is lovely at this time of year with fields full of flowers and everything lush and green. We have seen lots of different birds and big, ugly black slugs. I think I even spotted a wolf in a deserted area.
I was surprised to see that kids here stay up late at night and don´t go to school until almost nine. Also, they seem to have more freedom than kids in the States do, running about without adult supervision. But it may be because this area is rural and safe.
The Internet I am using is coin operated. So this is all for now.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Drummer's Call Weekend
This weekend Colonial Williamsburg hosted a special gathering for fife and drums groups. Fifty fifers and drummers came all the way from California.
I snapped a couple of quick photos as the groups got ready to perform outside of the Visitor's Center. The young musicians played the stirring music of the American Revolution to appreciative visitors to Colonial Williamsburg. Inside I signed copies of my two books relating to fifing and drumming and enjoyed the wonderful music.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Sharing Mother's Day
I wanted to share with readers my special Mother's Day. You open the above card and up pops a mother bluebird and her hungry babies. I adore bluebirds and only once have we had a family in a birdhouse. Now I've got my own to enjoy.
The symbol of the pilgimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain is a scallop shell. For centuries pilgrims walking the Camino have worn a shell as a symbol of their pilgrim status. My son sent me lovely scallop shell earrings and pendant along with the bluebird card. As I set out on my journey, I'll do so with bluebirds and silver scallop shells. What a thoughtful son and what a wonderful Mother's Day!
A Family of Readers
Last Thursday at the Beacon of Freedom Award Ceremony, Lottie's Courage was displayed along with the other award winners from past years. This family wanted a copy of my book. I was happy to sign it for them. It is always great to meet a family of readers.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Gail Karwoski Wins BOFA
Gail Karwoski's book Miracle: The True Story of the Wreck of the Sea Venture won this year's Beacon of Freedom Award. She visited Colonial Williamsburg where she received the award. Local children read six historical books (selected for excellence by the BOFA committee) and chose their favorite.
Rawls Byrd Elementary School student, Barrett Terrell presented the award. He is shown here with the author and Rawls Byrd Media Specialist Viky Pedigo.
The author received a warm welcome from local readers. These kids from Walsingham Academy even made a sign.
Gail Karwoski signed books and talked to readers.
Congralutations Gail!
To learn more about the winning book: http://www.darbycreekpublishing.com/cat_pages/miracle.htm
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
The Dangerous Book for Boys
A recent book published in Britain, The Dangerous Book for Boys by Con and Hal Igguiden became available in the United States on May 1. This book gives instructions for building such things as water bombs, simple batteries, go-carts, tree forts, rafts, and pinhole projectors. The authors attempt to revive lost childhood delights such as writing with invisible ink and skipping stones.
This how-to book is designed for boys. Yet I recall fondly the go-cart I once drove in a go-cart derby, the raft we built one summer on the Oswegatchie River, and the many tree fort hideaways in the woods. I played marbles, skipped stones, and attempted to write in invisible ink. I think this would be a great book for any kid.
This how-to book is designed for boys. Yet I recall fondly the go-cart I once drove in a go-cart derby, the raft we built one summer on the Oswegatchie River, and the many tree fort hideaways in the woods. I played marbles, skipped stones, and attempted to write in invisible ink. I think this would be a great book for any kid.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Training in the Rain
Today we went to York State Park to hike. It wasn't supposed to rain until late afternoon. But the forecast was wrong.
Note the rain on the water and on the bridge.
The rain slacked off for this picture.
Fossils at Fossil Beach.
A tree with curious bumps. 
The woods were blooming, even in the rain!
Friday, May 04, 2007
Not Seeing the Queen
I stood about five deep in a 10 to 12 deep mass of people for an hour and a half and didn't even get a glimpse of Her Highness. I saw her limousine, but when she got out, everyone stood on tiptoes and I couldn't see a thing.
I wasn't the only disappointed person. This school group from Western Virginia missed seeing Queen Elizabeth too.
Later this afternoon, the Queen will be at the College of William and Mary. Shown here are the royal guards at the College president's house.
My outing was not a waste of time. I enjoyed seeing these beautiful azaleas.Monday, April 30, 2007
Trekking around Charlottesville
As part of our training to walk 250 miles of the Camino to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, we went to Charlottesville, Virginia in order to hike on more rugged terrain. A trail now stretches approximately 20 miles around the city.
We can't imagine that the Camino will be more challenging than the Rivanna Trail. It is up and down rocky trails, full of tree roots.
We hiked today for five hours, my husband and I each carried packs weighing 19 lbs. Sometimes it was tough going.